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
Myanmar, Shan Prov, Rice Hats
Slovenia, Lendava Prov, House
Papua New Guinea, East New Britain, Spider, 1983 - Kelly Soma and I camped on the top of the extinct volcano above Rabaul, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea. This spider startled us, and I used Kelly's tobacco pouch, a shoe, a pen, and a cup as props to show its size. While we were camping there was an enormous earthquake (magnitude 6.5-7.6 at its epicenter more than 100 miles out to sea), making the mountain feel like rubber.
Turkey, Bayburt Prov, Pide Maker
Cambodia, Kampot Prov, Repairing Net
South Georgia, Gritviken, Looking Down From Peak Above Gritviken, 2006 - I had carried my pack to the base of the last buttress on this peak but gave up when I ran into unstable shale. I descended and noticed a gully off to the right. I soon saw the easy way up. I was very late on returning to the ship, but I convinced myself I could get to the top and back down in fifteen minutes. I dropped my pack and tromped up the loose volcanic rock. I crawled through the arch visible in the lower right of the photograph. The last few feet required me to lay down and climb up on my belly, grasping for any hand hold I could find. The wind blew. The harbor and a Zodiac are visible below.
China, Beijing Prov, Beijing, Giant Tea Kettle, 1993 - There are still such giant kettles in existence in some places in China.
Taiwan, Tainan County Prov, Country Field
Slovenia, Borovnica Prov, Espresso
Lithuania, Panevezio Prov, Fruit Stand -