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
Papua New Guinea, Leech On Leg, 1983 - This photograph depicts the bane of bush walking in New Guinea: the leech. I had heard you had to burn them off, but actually my experience was that it was easy to pick them off with my fingers. They had a way of getting on our legs and arms, and even in our shoes, while we walked through the bush.
India, Jaipur, 1984 - Judith Pollack accompanied me on my walk to Agra. We stayed at a former Maharaja's residence, high above the city, for $10 a night. This photograph is taken overlooking the Jaipur environs.
Vietnam, Bac Giang Prov, Truck On Bridge
Pacific Ocean, Jeff Shea with Mahi Mahi, 1982 - On my voyage across the Pacific Ocean in 1982 in Boysie Day's 41-foot ketch, we used rags, a three-pronged hook and surveyor's tape to catch Mahi Mahi off the stern. As Boysie said repeatedly, "Mahi Mahi is one of the best eating fish there is." In this photograph I hold on to a large Mahi Mahi. Kelly Soma, our cook, fixed it for lunch; Kelly and I fell in love on the boat.
Lithuania, Kauno Prov, Stealing An Apple -
Argentina, Jujuy Prov, San Lucas Kitchen
Cambodia, Kandaal Prov, Bread
UK, Carmarthenshire Prov, Street Party
Kiribati, Phoenix Islands, Canton Atoll, 2001 - After spending the day on the desolate and abandoned Canton Atoll, we set sale south towards Orona Atoll just before September 11, 2001. As dusk settled in, birds swarmed the cliffs outside of the shark-infested bay where we'd moored.
Myanmar, Mandalay Prov, Bagan Temple Detail