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
Iraq, Ancient Bricks, 2002 - The ancient sites in Iraq were often constructed using the occasional sealed brick. These bricks bore ancient royal inscriptions.
Greenland, Warming Island, off coast of Liverpool Land, Jeff Shea Self Portrait With Camp At Night, 2006 - I took this 30 second time-exposure of myself one night by the light of the moon. Our camp is just off to the right, and the SW finger's highest point looms above me in the background.
Seram, Suku Terasing, Lubai, 2006 - In Indonesian, the term "Suku Terasing" roughly means the "lost tribe." We waited for days to make contact with them. At first, they refused to allow photographs, but then they agreed to one. One turned into many. I was disappointed that they wore normal clothes. But there was something different about them. They lived away from contact with the government in north central Seram in the Seti area. I found out after a week there that the topographic maps available - the only ones I found were on the internet - were completely unreliable. Before I was allowed to communicate with this group, we had to have a ceremony of eating beetlenut.
Myanmar, Ayeyarwady Prov, Temple
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Man Cart
Bangladesh, Sylhet Prov, Street Vendor Oxen
Cambodia, Siem Reab Prov, Sleeping Girls in Angkor Wat - Angkor Wat is so amazing. Admittedly, I am inspired by the figures of the Aspareses, the goddess-like women whose stone reliefs adorn the walls of the temples there. An example is seen on the wall left of the opening where two young Cambodian girls take a nap. We should rejoice in beauty.
Turkey, Sirnak Prov, Two Kurdish Men
Madagascar, Lemur Mother and Young, 2003 - In ths photograph, a mother and her young look down on me, curious. They were shy, but their curiosity seemed at times stronger than their caution.
Vietnam, Phu Tho Prov, Night River