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
Latvia, Ludzas Prov, Landscape -
Vietnam, Lao Cai Prov, Path To House
Turkey, Manisa Prov, Mosque
Ecuador, Steam Train Terminal, 1979 - This photograph was taken from on top of the steam train that still runs from Guayaquil to Riobamba in Ecuador. In 1979, this was an interesting journey, with people piling up their goods on top of the train. In this case you can see a piece of furniture being moved. (110 film resurrected)
USA, Two Guys Also Climbed On Top Of Golden Gate Bridge At The Same Time We Did, 1984 - When Jeff Clymer and I approached the top of the tower, some voices called out to us. We were startled and surprised to learn when we arrived on top that these two guys had been drinking beer at the base of the bridge and had decided to climb it at the same time as we did. They had decided to climb it on the spur of the moment, whereas Jeff Clymer and I had planned it for weeks. In this photo, the two other climbers bask in the red light of the beacon.
PH, Benguet Province, Igorot Man, 2008, IMG_2390 - I wonder what this old man lived like when he was young. He had tatoos on this face. Now, his culture is no longer visibly passed on to the young.
Cape Verde, Sal, Terrain, 2006 - Designs in the otherwise stark landscape presented themselves to me, as I walked toward Monte Grande.
Slovenia, Gornji Grad Prov, Trees
Rwanda, Ruhengeri Provinc Silverback Mountain Gorilla with Young, 1984 - When my girlfriend Gabrielle and I went to find the gorillas, I was not properly prepared. The nettles were agonizingly painful. I was given a second pair of pants to cover my legs. Our guides found a group of gorillas who were only newly accustomed to humans. At one point when I raised my camera to take a photograph of this Silverback, he jumped up the forested slope toward me. I fell on my back. He raised his arms to the sides and screamed, putting the fear of God into me! This was a "display," a gorilla's standard warning.
Chile, Antofagasta Prov, Drunkards At Paso Jama