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, Pesnica Prov, Restaurant
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Women Washing
Turkey, Igdir Prov, Landscape
Bangladesh, Netrakona Prov, Firewood
Latvia, Liepaja City Province, Industrial Building -
Turkey, Tekirdag Prov, Dusk Road
Antarctica, Jeff Shea Completes the Seven Summits Atop Mount Vinson, 1997 (with flag) - This summit was my completion of the Seven Summits: Climbing the highest mountain on each continent: Asia (Everest), Europe (Elbrus), South America (Aconcagua), North America (Denali), Australia (Kosciusko), Africa (Kilimanjaro) and Antarctica (Mount Vinson). It was so cold that when I pulled my film to load it into the camera, it snapped in two. The Flag was designed by Banner Arts' John Dugger for my project Seven Summits for a Free Tibet. The Dalai Lama wrote a letter of commendation for my project. He later spoke in front of a banner made of this design.
Namibia, Himba Portrait, 2000 - This beautiful Himba woman came walking out of the forest to bring her child for medical care. She wore ornamentation typical to the Himba women. I was told that the Himba are the last truly nomadic tribe left in Africa. They live between northern Namibia and southern Angola. Now their way of life is threatened by a proposed dam that would flood their homeland. I was told that if a Himba woman gives birth to twins, she chooses the strongest and leaves the other to die. They make dolls of the lost child as a remembrance. This custom is necessary, for they cannot carry two children as they move from place to place. Himba women were beautiful and gentle.
(8x10 format)
Dola Shopkeeper, 1984
India, Rajasthan Province (State), Dola - 35mm film Pratabgaard shopkeeper, proud of his amputated leg, with fort behind.
Myanmar, Kayin Prov, Vegetable