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
Myanmar, Magway Prov, Magway Boat
China, Yunnan, Er Che Du Ma With Sunflower, 1994 - I visited Moshuo Lake on the border between Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. The tradition there was for the women to be the property owners. The man would call at the house at night, and as long as the woman answered, he had a home. Er Che Du Ma, the lovely girl in the photograph, was tending a small store. I asked her if I could photograph her. She enthusiastically ran home and changed into her traditional clothes. I shot about fifty 8x10 images of her. I felt I was in love with her for a long time after. I wrote to her. I think she wrote to me once. I was surprised to learn she was going to the city to study. Moshuo Lake was far removed from modern life in 1994. I eventually lost contact. I forget if I ever wrote to her that I loved her.
Greenland, Stray Dog West Aerial July 16, 2007 - Four days after the discovery of Stray Dog West on foot, we flew over the island on the way back to Norway. This is the new northernmost point of land in the world. It is north of Kaffeklubben. It is now an official place on Shea's Register of the World. (IMG_5257R) Stray Dog West lies at 83?40'30" north latitude.
Bouvet, Zodiac 4 Running For Cover, 2006 - With no alternative at that precise second, the guide, Jan Belger, runs for cover.
Turkey, Bitlis Prov, Sheep Camp
Cuba, Street Scene, 1997 - One thing that could be said for Havana: there was a certain verve in the city. It looked like someone had built a grand city and then walked away from it for forty years. But it was fun. There were people playing cards and chess, rolling cigars. I asked a young woman for directions. She took me home to meet her family.
Slovenia, Kobarid Prov, Stone House
Ship on River Lena, 2009
Russia, Sakha Province (Oblast), Russian Far North East Trip to Tiksi, Yakutsk and the Road of Bones 2009
Vietnam, Bac Giang Prov, Weighing Station
Turkey, Denizli Prov, Ampitheatre Reliefs At Pamukkale