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
Nepal, Prayer Rock, 1983 - Prayer rocks like this one are one of the amenities of foot travel in the Buddhist Himalaya, covering Nepal, northern India, Tibet and Bhutan. The devotion of the population to Buddhism has spanned centuries, filling the countryside with spirit and art.
Cambodia, Preah Vihear Prov, Walking
Turkey, Erzurum Province, Mountain
Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, 2000 - In 2000, I went to Saudi Arabia with my family. Officially, I am Muslim, so I was able to go on a pilgrimage visa for Umra. Not shown here, the mosque in Mecca was incredible, white marble and pilgrims everywhere. It was one of the greatest sights I ever saw.
Bangladesh, Moulvibazar Prov, Peppers
Nepal, Katmandu, Dog In Bag, 1984 - During a return visit to Katmandu after a journey on foot from Jaipur to Agra, I became interested in the woman who's dog is in her bag. I never actually consummated my relationship with the woman, having been invited by Gabrielle on a trek in Tarke Gyang and subsequently falling in love with her.
Slovenia, Osilnica Prov, Rock Mountain
Afghan Girl, Afghanistan, 2002 - This photograph was taken about 30 miles outside of Kabul. The girl’s eyes were mesmerizing, reminding me of a famous National Geographic photo taken many years ago. Many Afghanis had blue/green eyes such as these.
Laos, Sekong Prov, Bridge
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.