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
Slovenia, Ljubno Prov, Rural Scene
Thailand, Nakhon Si Thammarat Prov, Boat Flags
Myanmar, Unknown Prov, Water Scene
Iran, Occupied American Embassy Anti West Slogans, 1984 - In 1984, the American Embassy in Tehran was occupied by The Ayatollah Khomeini's Islamic Guards. The walls were painted with the following slogans: "America is Worse than Britain, Britain is Worse than America. Russia is Worse than Both of Them. And Each One Is Worse and Uglier than the Other." After I took this photograph, one of the Islamic Guards ran out of the Embassy toting a hand gun. He waved me inside. Frightened, I raised my voice, yelling in English. A crowd gathered around. One man offered to translate. I lied, saying I had not taken any photographs. The man said the guard now would accept simply giving him the camera. I refused again. Somewhat miraculously, I was finally able to convince the guard that I had not taken any photographs, and I was allowed to leave with my camera and film intact.
Slovenia, Ribnica Prov, Roof Lines
Turkey, Sirnak Prov, Landscape
Turkey, Agri Prov, Pizza Chef
Slovenia, Velika Polana Prov, Upside Down Duck
Vietnam, Nghe An Prov, Restaurant -
Java, Borobudur, 1983 - In 1983, after my epic New Guinea adventure, I took a ship from Jayapura, Irian Jaya, New Guinea to Jakarta, Java. Kelly Soma and I traveled to Borobudur on the way to Bali. Borobudur is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world, famed for the high quality of its stone reliefs. It is over 1000 years old.