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, Ctesiphon Arch, 2002 - This remarkable brick arch was built around 400 A.D. It lies not far south of Baghdad.
Slovenia, Menges Prov, Target
Nepal, Festival of Holi, Girls Block Bus, 1984 - During the Festival of Holi, or Festival of Colors, in India/Nepal, children can even stop commercial buses such as this one. It is all part of the fun and games. Youngsters march in gangs with color bombs. Victims beware! It is all good fun.
India, Jammu and Kashmir Province, Lamayuru, 1999 -
I had just come from Tibet, where my Russian friends and I had driven to the highest point ever driven, (near Yangshaoping, Tibet), 5726 meters. Now I was on the road from Sringar to Leh, probably the most hair-raising I’d ever been on. It was made of dirt and had no barriers around turns where the drop off was seemingly interminable.
October 9, 1999 - written in Leh at the end of the day at an altitude of 3524 metres (11,562 ft) - The route took us through mostly barren territory today, from Kargil to Leh. The highlight of the day was seeing Lamayuru. Ashlem had told me it was like a moon land in 1974 when it opened up. Even today, the aspect of the village and the stupa was remarkable. There, an old poor woman collected shit into her basket, tossing the pieces off the ground backwards. There were stupas where very fine green and purple prayer stones were scattered by the thousands. I took an 8x10 image of them with Lamayuru in the background.
When we returned I discovered that the road to the Sia La (in Pakistan, or is it a no-man's land?) was motorable at least as far as Pamimuk in the Nubra Valley. The Sia La is 6200 meters high. I am still unclear on whether George and I (and Sasha and Sergei) really did go higher than anyone else? I enjoyed making love to Novita tonight more than I have ever before. (And again, and again.)
The village of Lamayuru was picturesque. Just outside the village, the road was lined with prayer stones. These stones were carved by devout Buddhists over the centuries. I was always fascinated how such veritable works of art could remain unmolested by hundreds of years of passersby.
Slovenia, Ribnica Na Pohorju Prov, Plow Collars
Turkey, Artvin Prov, Man
My diary entry of the day we visited the Tree of Life: We dipped in the lagoon, then dipped in the pool, then showered and went out in the 4WD. We drove to the Saudi border; it was interesting: they wouldn't let us go through. We drove to Riffa, had a delicious lunch of chicken and juice in the back seat of the car, then drove out to find the tree of life. Bahrain is small; the southern part is ransacked by past days and oil field remnants. We found the Tree of Life, the raced back to the hotel. We went to the airport; I had made a mistake on the departure time (and date); we flew first to Ad-Damman, a city 20 mins away by air in Saudi Arabia. They would not allow me to touch my toe on the jet way, one inch outside the plane. They said the Saudis were so strict, that would cause a one day delay for the plane to leave. (Nonsense.) Technically, just landing there counts for the TCC count, but I am not going to count it. We flew on to Amsterdam. The flight was uncomfortable, but towards morning I managed to sleep and to dream.
Slovenia, Menges Prov, Structure And Mountains
Morocco, Village Mosque in Atlas, 1988 - High in the mountains, villagers were called to prayer from this mosque. It is painted in bright colors, in contrast to the austere environment.
Papua New Guinea, Jeff Shea To Kutubu, Exhausted, 1983 - I stand exhausted on my first bush hike during a long day on the way to Lake Kutubu.