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
PH, Batangas Province, Mount Makiling, 2008, IMG_1662 r1 - This is Mount Makiling in Batangas province in the Philippines. I was in an office building at a meeting. I saw the clouds hanging over it. I excused myself and stood on a planter to get high enough to avoid the obstructions.
Slovenia, Mezica Prov, Tree
Argentina, Jujuy Prov, Flower
Vietnam, Quang Tri Prov, Temple Detail -
Vietnam, Quang Ngai Prov, Barrel Transport
Bangladesh, Sylhet Prov, Fabric Detail
Chile, Antofagasta Prov, Neurara
India, Corpse in Ricksha, 1984 - In this photograph, a corpse is being transported to the burning ghats in Varanasi by ricksha. The driver stopped to have a cup of tea and sits at the shop in the background. As I photographed this scene (without a flash), a man approached me on the left, asking for baksheesh (a handout). Even though people provided no service, they often tried to insinuate themselves into a tip by mere virtue of being in the proximity of a curious onlooker such as myself.
Azerbaijan, Shamkir Prov, Turkey On My Windshield
Nepal, Yeti Tea Shop, 1983 - Here is a simple photograph, a small sign indicating a tea shop near Kala Patar in the Solo Khumbu. Notably, the name of the tea shop is the "Yeti." Yeti is the local name for what we know as the Abominable Snowman. Ancient lore in this part of the world refers to the Yeti. (Supposedly, in Pangboche, not far from this tea shop, there was a Yeti scalp on display!) Many people, including Judith, the Dutch woman who I wooed there, believe in the Yeti to this day. Note the sign. This is the way to Everest Base Camp.