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
Bangladesh, Placing Net, 1984 - In 1984, after walking to the Taj Mahal, I traveled overland back across Bangladesh to the far east of the country to an island called Teknaf. I went out to the beach where fishemen prepared to go out to sea at night. They invited me to join them, so I waded out to the water and hopped on board. In this photograph, they prepare to set their nets, connecting them to buoys with lanterns. I slept under a burlap sack. At dawn they pulled up quite a load of fish!
Slovenia, Dobrova-Polhov Gradec Prov, House Of Jakica The Goose
PH, Zamboanga Del Sur Province, Flower, 2008, IMG_8865 - One of the inhabitants of Zamboanga Del Sur, on the southwestern corner of Mindanao.
Slovenia, Celje Prov, Knight
Nepal, Ama Dablam, 1983 - Ama Dablam is said to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. It was on the back of the Nepali one rupee note. I met a man who had just climbed this peak, a difficult climb at that. He had slipped and saved his life by reaching out and grabbing a rock on his way down. I asked him why he risked his life. His reply stuck with me to this day. He said that after an experience like that, his life was worth ten times more. Many years later I was able to have a similar sensation. Risking my life on Everest was like going through a portal into a new reality. Life is not always about being safe. Doing things without a "safety net" could be a growth experience. This is not only true about climbing. This principle can be applied to daily life and to emotional experience, like allowing oneself to fall in love.
Thailand, Chumphon Prov, Sharing The Road
Azerbaijan, Baki Prov, Ancient Building
Reclining Torso, 1996
Vietnam, BinhPhuoc Prov, Young Woma
Vietnam, Ben Tre Prov, Fruit