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
Vietnam, Yen Bai Prov, Fruit
Tribal Girl with Embroidered Vest, 2010 Laos, Phongsaly Province (Khoueng)
Madagascar, Woodcutters, 2003 - These three men tackled the sawing of a large log the old fashioned way.
Papua New Guinea, Jeff Shea Vine Cross River, 1983 - In truth this was not a rope, but a bush vine called 'canta.' Canta was very useful. When we reached the village of Ok Esai some time later, 'canta' was used to tie the logs of our raft together. In this photograph, I am merely trying the rope our for fun. We did not need to cross the river.
Slovenia, Kocevje Prov, Hay Balls
China, Harbin Ice Festival Night, 1992 - Every winter in the Chinese province of Heliongijang in the town of Harbin they hold an Ice Festival. They build ice castles and sculptures. There are balloons in the sky. It is grand. It is mighty cold! The temperatures reach minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit!
Myanmar, Kachin Prov, Detail Hut Scene
Solomon Islands, Kwaio Cats, 1983 - This cat luxuriates in the sun while her kittens enjoy the warmth of their mother.
Turkey, Denizli Prov, Bathing At Pamukkale
Congo Zaire, Muddy Road, 1984 - My girlfriend Gabrielle and I took a truck from far eastern Zaire near Uganda to Kisangani on the Congo River. The roads were atrocious nearly the whole way, a reddish brown mud, as shown here. The truck drivers kept talking about "Kilometer 57." Finally one night we pulled in to "Kilometer 57", essentially a village by that name fifty-seven kilometers from Kisangani (Stanleyville). What was all the excitement about? Kilometer 57 was a brothel town! The drivers invited me to a girl right in front of Gabrielle. Politely, I declined.