National Park After Dark
Episode 287: Trail Tales 66
Release Date: March 13, 2025

Hosted by Danielle and Cassie from Audioboom Studios, Episode 287 of National Park After Dark delves into listener-submitted stories in the "Trail Tales" segment. This episode features a collection of six captivating tales that explore a range of experiences in and around national parks, blending elements of adventure, fear, humor, and heartfelt moments. Below is a detailed summary of each story, interspersed with the hosts' engaging discussions and notable quotes.

Introduction

Cassie and Danielle warmly welcome listeners to the episode, setting the stage for the "Trail Tales" edition where they share stories submitted by their audience. The hosts express excitement about the abundance of stories received for this episode.

Trail Tale 1: Camping Catastrophe with a Happy Ending

Submitted by Cassie
Timestamp: [00:59]

Summary:
Cassie narrates an embarrassing yet ultimately heartwarming camping experience in Gold King Canyon, Northern Arizona. Accompanied by friends, the trip follows a familiar pattern of hiking, partying, and camaraderie. Amid the festivities, Cassie admits to breaking the rule of not drinking while on Accutane, leading to severe illness that night. Her struggle culminates in a vulnerable conversation with a burgeoning romantic interest, who becomes her boyfriend despite the rough start. The story concludes with humorous aftermaths, including muddy drives and playful teasing from friends.

Notable Quotes:

• "[00:59] Cassie: 'We partied hard... drank a lot.'"
• "[04:41] Cassie: 'That's pretty confident.'"
• "[06:45] Cassie: 'I hope you enjoyed my tale... There might be some girls throw up on the ground.'"

Hosts' Discussion:
Danielle and Cassie humorously discuss drinking games like "Rage Cage" and share personal anecdotes about drunken confessions and sibling pranks. The conversation highlights the camaraderie and occasional chaos of group outings.

Trail Tale 2: The Creepy Shadowy Man in the Alley

Submitted by Shauna Le
Timestamp: [11:13]

Summary:
Shauna recounts a chilling encounter from her childhood in Northern Minnesota. While alone on a summer evening, she perceives a shadowy figure approaching her through a dimly lit alley. Paralyzed by fear, she later discovers it was her 16-year-old brother playing a prank. The story touches on her learned survival instincts and subsequent experiences with fear, including an incident of falling through ice. Shauna emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts and the lasting impact of traumatic experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• "[11:45] Shauna: 'I wasn't carrying a flashlight... I was being watched.'"
• "[19:34] Cassie: 'Well, I'm really glad it was your brother.'"
• "[20:01] Shauna: 'Or freeze is a common reaction... Animals do it too.'"

Hosts' Discussion:
The hosts empathize with Shauna's experience, discussing the "fight, flight, or freeze" responses to fear. They share their own stories of sibling pranks and the complexities of reacting under stress.

Trail Tale 3: Geocaching Adventures that Didn't Go to Plan

Submitted by Paige
Timestamp: [24:12]

Summary:
Paige shares a romantic and serendipitous geocaching story from Montana. While on a hike with a new romantic interest, she discovers a geocache containing a heartfelt note proposing a relationship. Despite the initial shock, this gesture leads to a lasting relationship five years later, although the original geocache remains unfound. The tale underscores the magic of outdoor connections and the unexpected ways love can manifest.

Notable Quotes:

• "[29:40] Paige: 'That was the sweetest thing someone had ever done for me at the time.'"
• "[29:42] Cassie: 'It's a really sweet gesture also...'*
• "[31:45] Cassie: 'He rode a bicycle from India to Sweden for the girl he loved.'"

Hosts' Discussion:
Danielle and Cassie reflect on formal declarations of relationships versus organic developments. They discuss the importance of clear communication in long-distance relationships and share personal insights on commitment.

Trail Tale 4: Fight or Flight and a Mother's Intuition

Submitted by Shannon
Timestamp: [30:06]

Summary:
Shannon recounts a frightening encounter with a rattlesnake at her childhood home near San Antonio during spring break in 1992. While preparing to leave for an errand, she comes face-to-face with the snake, triggering a powerful fight-or-flight response that keeps her frozen. Ultimately, her 18-year-old brother-in-law must shoot the snake, leading to reflections on intuition and survival instincts. Shannon also shares a related experience where her intuition subconsciously warned her of her uncle's medical emergency.

Notable Quotes:

• "[36:45] Shannon: 'I had to call his brother... had to shoot it.'"
• "[37:59] Cassie: 'That's intuition. Yeah, that is. That is crazy.'"
• "[38:04] Danielle: 'It was so... like, that's not a coincidence.'"

Hosts' Discussion:
The hosts discuss the reliability of maternal intuition and how it manifests in critical moments. Cassie shares a personal anecdote about sensing a family member's emergency, reinforcing the theme of unspoken connections.

Trail Tale 5: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Work

Submitted by an Anonymous Listener
Timestamp: [42:56]

Summary:
An anonymous listener describes an experience where their belief in past lives resonates with a personal incident. While driving to work, inspired by the hosts' discussion on past lives, they have a profound moment of realization that aligns with a story from the podcast about reincarnation. This intersection of personal belief and external storytelling almost leads to a near-accident, emphasizing the powerful impact of intuition and synchronicity.

Notable Quotes:

• "[41:04] Cassie: 'I almost got into an accident when you shared the story of Dorothy Eady.'"
• "[42:26] Danielle: 'I really hope not,' referring humorously to finding oneself in Antarctica."

Hosts' Discussion:
Danielle and Cassie delve into the concept of past lives and reincarnation, sharing their own beliefs and experiences. They humorously discuss the logistical challenges of podcasting from extreme locations like Antarctica.

Trail Tale 6: Signs, Visitations, and Cats

Submitted by Kat
Timestamp: [50:11]

Summary:
Kat shares a deeply emotional story about her bond with her pets, particularly her cat Vertigo. After Vertigo's sudden death, Kat and her wife adopt a German Shepherd puppy named Addie, who brings joy back into their lives. Kat experiences what she believes are signs from Vertigo, including paw prints in the snow and visiting shadows during a solitary hike. These signs reaffirm her connection with her late pet and the love shared between her and Addie.

Notable Quotes:

• "[42:56] Kat: 'It truly felt like Vertigo was walking in the snow with us right on cue.'"
• "[48:57] Danielle: 'I almost lost it there at the very end, but yeah, yeah. God, just so wholesome and ups and downs.'"
• "[49:42] Cassie: 'I think every pet... is there for a reason.'"

Hosts' Discussion:
Danielle and Cassie express heartfelt support for Kat's story, discussing the profound connections between humans and their pets. They emphasize the comforting nature of such signs and the unspoken bonds that transcend physical presence.

Conclusion and Wrap-Up

As the episode concludes, Cassie and Danielle encourage listeners to submit their own trail tales via their website or email. They also promote additional bonus content available to Patreon members and Apple subscribers, teasing upcoming stories titled "Saved by a Ghost" and "A Sign from a Loved One." The hosts emphasize the importance of enjoying nature responsibly and staying vigilant on the trails.

Notable Quotes:

• "[51:07] Danielle: 'Enjoy the view, but watch your back.'"

Final Thoughts

Episode 287 of National Park After Dark is a rich tapestry of personal stories that highlight the multifaceted experiences one can have in the wilderness—from humorous mishaps and family pranks to moments of profound intuition and heartfelt connections with pets. Danielle and Cassie adeptly guide listeners through each tale, providing insights, empathy, and their characteristic warmth. This episode serves as a testament to the unpredictable and deeply personal nature of adventures in and around national parks.

Connect with National Park After Dark:

• Submit Your Trail Tales: npadpodcast.com or email npadstories@gmail.com
• Bonus Content: Available on Patreon and Apple Subscriptions
• Follow Us: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (Twitter) at National Park After Dark
• Watch on YouTube: National Park After Dark
• Support the Show: Rate, review, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform.