Author Archives: shaylaparadeis

When I was in Australia, a little over a year ago, I received a key ingredient to how I relate to nature. For much of my walking life, I had been focused on listening. I knew that nature had a voice. I felt song through frequencies and rhythms that were becoming vivid in tandem withContinue reading “The Ones That Give”

‘System’ kind of feels like a hot word these days. And it’s got my thoughts tangled in its webbing. I am devoted to the Rocky Mountain Ecosystem, especially the GYE (Greater Yellowstone) which I feel is somehow the director to my life work, though I couldn’t show you on paper. So far. It seems allContinue reading “Systems”

I’m a little tired and a lot grateful. And I’ve made it to New Hampshire. It took me 8 days to get here from Caratunk and each one could be it’s own short story.  Like the uniqueness of the Kennebec Ferry. A canoe with white blazes freshly painted and a steward who loves his job likeContinue reading “Farewell Maine”

Hop off trail in Caratunk, Maine. Skip my way down to Harpers Ferry to walk north for a spell. And Jump all the way back with the help of a man I consider legendary. All of this has happened in the last four days. Mateo and I walked from Monson to Caratunk. Views were gorgeousContinue reading “Hop, Skip, Jump”

*Photos by Mateo Sandate Shayla’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Mateo and I have come through the 100 Mile Wilderness. In 8 days we walked 100 miles. I am pleased to say that Southbounding makes sense. There is a graceContinue reading “Maine So Far”

How Mateo Got His Trail Name- June 21st, 2025 I’ve been told many times to look out for the stream crossings of the 100-Mile Wilderness. Bill Bryson makes a rather large deal out of it in A Walk in the Woods. I’ve often looked around confused at those same crossing, wondering where the said water was. It’sContinue reading “Hero”

*Photos by Sara Leibold I’m in awe. That the earth should open so generously. That the water should be so alive, journeying to the sea.  And that me and my feet should be welcomed by the things that are.  In early May, I made my way through the many rocks of Utah. My dear friend,Continue reading “Grand Canyon”

It’s been difficult to describe the way my life is taking shape. The earth is getting louder. We’re getting in line with what’s actually true. Universally true. Yet unnamable. In Australia, there were Aboriginal elders who knew me before I came. By the Magpies and the grass, they understood who I am and what I’veContinue reading “And The Music Rises”

Today was a day of shifting. More than I understand. For it came in the most unsuspected way. And I’m still spinning. Last night I had the strangest flight. In the late hours the captain’s voice rang on the loudspeaker twenty minutes after we were meant to land, delivering the phrase, “I’m afraid I haveContinue reading “For Give”

A journey is alive in every moment. Each step. Katahdin was not a place to reach for, it is a place to be, among many. What matters to me is what’s been here, alongside me. This hike has been a celebration of what I’ve got. I love my body so much, it makes me cry.Continue reading “What We Carry”