This website illuminates my life and adventures. My longing for freedom has led me to over 2600 of the world’s 3978 provinces, to every country on earth and to the summit of the highest peak on each continent (thank heaven for good weather!). In my travels, I learned to respect the intelligence and ingenuity of people of all races and callings both past and present. Come see the world as I see it: as a peaceful place, full of nature and beauty. With the right spirit and intent, we can make our world a virtual Garden of Eden.
DISTINCTIONS: BBC 2017 Travel Pioneer • Journal Articles • Explorer’s Club Flag Expeditions
World Parks Project • Walk Across South America • Jeff Shea Travel Map
Slovenia, Muta Prov, Flower And Ladybug
South Sandwich Is, Green Seal Rookery, 2006 - When we arrived at Saunders Island, we were told we could not land due to lack of suitable access for a zodiac. I begged to differ, but I was not in charge. There were many fur seals and penguins on the shore. Even though I didn't land, doing a Zodiac cruise along the shores afforded views not possible from land.
Nepal, Ama Dablam, 1983 - Ama Dablam is said to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. It was on the back of the Nepali one rupee note. I met a man who had just climbed this peak, a difficult climb at that. He had slipped and saved his life by reaching out and grabbing a rock on his way down. I asked him why he risked his life. His reply stuck with me to this day. He said that after an experience like that, his life was worth ten times more. Many years later I was able to have a similar sensation. Risking my life on Everest was like going through a portal into a new reality. Life is not always about being safe. Doing things without a "safety net" could be a growth experience. This is not only true about climbing. This principle can be applied to daily life and to emotional experience, like allowing oneself to fall in love.
Seram, Large Tree, 2006 - I spent the entire month of October 2006 searching the rain forests of Seram for a lost tribe. Here (next to last right) I stand with my porters on the way from Waiputihputih to Kanikeh. This photo shows how large the tree trunks can get, spreading their trunks wide to stabilize their short root systems.
Slovenia, Novo Mesto Prov, Skater
Turkey, Diyarbakir Prov, Chefs
Slovenia, Brda Prov, Woman And Child
UK, Somerset Prov, Night Cliffs
Turkey, Sanliurfa Prov, Landscape
Atlantic Ocean, Iceberg, 2006 - This trip was the first time I had been in a ship in waters where icebergs were a daily sight. They often were spectacular, offering photographic opportunities, and, more importantly, a chance for the imagination to run, as a child imagines castles in ice cream.