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, Podcetrtek Prov, Pig Roast
Cambodia, Otdar Mean Chey Prov, Carrier
Market Day in Rumsiki, 1990
Cameroon, Far North Province (Region), Rumsiki - 35mm film
Africa 1990
People swung and dipped and twirled, then they stopped to drink some of the local brew that is prevalent in the market place, returning to their dancing with renewed fervor.
Turkey, Afyon Prov, Lake Acigol
Slovenia, Dobrova-Polhov Gradec Prov, Landscape
Antarctica, Jeff Shea at South Pole with Globe, 2001 - This is a photograph of me standing with the South Pole marker globe. Surrounding the globe are the flags of many nations, representing their prescence in Antarctica. This point is like the center of a pie, from which extends the territories of several countries. By walking around this globe, one has technically visited six Antarctic territories: Argentine, Australian, Chilean, French, New Zealand and Norwegian Antarctica. My understanding of the Club's interpretation of Norwegian Antarctica is that, since the southern border of Norway's claim is undefined, one may count the South Pole as having visited Norwegian Antarctica. I arrived at this conclusion after a judgment by the club was made following my query. This is important for Travelers Century Club members, as the club lists each as a separate country. What I do not understand is, since the USA has its base at the South Pole, why isn't there an American Antarctica on the Club's list? In the long run, the thrill of visiting the South Pole is reason enough to go there.
Mexico, Yucatan, Chichenitza, 1993 - The Mayan ruins of the Yucatan in Mexico were phenomenal. I overheard a guide telling his group about the games they played, much like basketball, where the object was to throw the ball through a rock hoop (part of the construction that is still visible) in the wall. He said that at the end of the game, the lead player of the team would be sacrificed to the gods. The guide posed the question, 'Which player would be sacrificed to the gods, the winner or the loser? Only the best would be sacrificed!" The idea that the leader would try to win the game knowing that his fate would be death posed a somewhat humorous contradiction in my mind!
Myanmar, Unknown Prov, Boat River
Slovenia, Postojna Prov, Yellow Flowers
UK, Cotswolds, 2002 - The Cotswolds are an area of Britain characterized by cobblestone houses. It is picturesque.