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
Turkey, Samsun Prov, Beach
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.
N Ireland, Carrickfergus Prov, Castle
Slovenia, Sentilj Prov, Runner
Azerbaijan, Baki Prov, Baku Girl
Azerbaijan, Shamaxi Rayon, Landscape
Nepal, Namche Trader, 1983 - In the market in Namche Bazar, I had my first exposure to Tibetan nomads. They traveled across high snow-covered passes to trade in the markets of Nepal. They wore jackets made of skins and fur, enough to keep them warm during the coldest nights.
UK, Isle Of Wight Prov, Clocks
Slovenia, Komenda Prov, Horse
Tokelau, Tokelau Prov, Emotional Rescue - Tokelau, Emotional Rescue, 2001 - We chartered the Emotional Rescue for a trip from Samoa to Tokelau, then to the Phoenix Islands as far as Canton, then to Wallis. I came down with malaria several days from Wallis and suffered in the hot sun in the open sea.