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
UK, Blackburn With Darwen Prov, Country House
Slovenia, Kranj Prov, Landscape
Taiwan, Penghu Prov, Stone House Detail - Find delight in detail.
Argentina, Jujuy Prov, Jeff Shea After First Eight Nights Across Altiplano, 2010 - In 2012, I walked across the Altiplano of South America, from Socaire, Chile to Paso de Jama, Argentina. The first week took me through a completely desolate area from 10,000 feet to 14,500 feet of elevation. There is no rain here. It is nearly devoid of ground water except for vast salar lakes that are filled with brine that feed one of the only living things: flamingoes. I feared death, as after four days, I was running out of water. I pulled water in a cart, as the 40 liters of water was too much to carry on my back. I finally found brackish ground water, including a salty-tasting stream. I took this photo when I reached Paso De Jama, Argentina, a small windy outpost high up in the Andes. My hands were swollen and blistered from constant exposure to the sun. My lips were also blistered. Two days before this photo was taken, my eyes had large bags under them, presumably from the salty water I’d drunk. From there, I continued on foot, a trip of a total of about 500 kilometers on the ground (but not as the crow flies), terminating in Libertador, Argentina.
Slovenia, Zalec Prov, Snail On Grass Stalk
Chile, Torres Del Paine, Landscape, 2004 - The first time I went to South America, in 1979, I heard about Torres Del Paine. I returned to Patagonia several times before finally visiting the park, spending New Year's Eve camping. It is a spectacular area, and not to be missed. In this photograph, the famous Towers are visible in the distance on the left.
Turkey, Gaziantep Prov, Horse Wagon
Vietnam, Kien Giang Prov, River Boatman -
Vietnam, Quang Nam Prov, Roadway Prayer Place -
Azerbaijan, Xanlar Prov, Mausoleum