National Park After Dark - Episode 291: Trail Tales 67 Summary

Release Date: April 10, 2025
Hosts: Danielle and Cassie, Audioboom Studios

Introduction and Exciting Announcements

The episode kicks off with Danielle and Cassie enthusiastically sharing exciting news with their listeners. They announce the launch of their sister podcast, "Watch Her Cook", which delves into the remarkable stories of women who have shattered societal expectations. This new podcast explores a diverse range of topics, from activists and inventors to criminal masterminds, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women throughout history.

Notable Quote:

• Cassie [00:53]: "But yesterday, our new podcast launched."
• Danielle [01:14]: "We have launched a second podcast, a sister podcast to National Park After Dark, and it is called Watch Her Cook."

Trail Tales Segment

The core of the episode features a series of Trail Tales, where listeners share their personal experiences in national parks. Each story is unique, ranging from humorous to haunting, providing a deep dive into the unexpected events that can occur in the wilderness.

1. Fly High Raccoon – A Cautionary Tale of Wildlife and Responsibility

Narrated by Sol [Cassie] [01:52 – 11:05]

Sol shares a heartfelt and humorous story about his encounter with a raccoon in Ellicottville, New York. While living near the Roosevelt National Forest, Sol's exhaustion led him to improperly dispose of trash, resulting in a raccoon accessing his high-potency edible chocolates. This incident not only caused a comical standoff but also ended tragically when the raccoon was shot by a local employee fearing he was rabid.

Key Points:

• Importance of securing trash to protect both wildlife and humans.
• The unintended consequences of human actions on wildlife.
• Sol's personal guilt and the community's reaction to the raccoon's antics.

Notable Quotes:

• Sol [04:42]: "I had a third job in Ellicottville I haven't mentioned yet. I was plant medicine salesperson."
• Danielle [06:00]: "No one should be eating a thousand milligram chocolate edible. That's crazy."
• Cassie [11:05]: "I can't help but feel really bad for the raccoon."

2. A Haunted House, A Static Ghost and a Crypted Walk into a Bar – Andy's Paranormal Experience

Narrated by Andy [Danielle] [12:19 – 19:22]

Andy recounts eerie experiences while living in his grandfather's old house in rural southern Michigan. From inexplicable noises and moving paintings to the unsettling presence of a "Static Ghost" affecting his gaming equipment, Andy's story culminates in a chilling encounter with a spectral presence named Maxine, accompanied by unnerving behavior from his dog.

Key Points:

• Initial paranormal activities such as moving paintings and drawers.
• The concept of the "Static Ghost" interfering with technology.
• A disturbing encounter involving whispering and deer staring eerily at Andy.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy [16:12]: "It feels like I'm here, I'm doing this with. The only purpose is to freak you out."
• Cassie [19:07]: "That ain't the pipes, Andy."
• Andy [19:30]: "The drawers felt pretty big to me. That was the moment where it's like, something's definitely up here."

3. That Time My Dad Stood Up for the Largest Tree on Earth – Mary's Stand for Environmental Stewardship

Narrated by Mary [Cassie] [19:46 – 24:05]

Mary shares a proud moment from her childhood at Sequoia National Park when her father confronted a family disrespecting the sacred General Sherman Tree. His assertive stance not only protected the ancient tree but also set a powerful example of environmental stewardship and responsibility for future generations.

Key Points:

• Importance of respecting natural landmarks and adhering to park regulations.
• Mary's admiration for her father's courage and gentle nature.
• The impact of public accountability in preserving national treasures.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary [21:31]: "My dad was not having it."
• Cassie [23:43]: "I'm not afraid to stand up for something that's clearly not right."
• Mary [24:05]: "Love, Mary."

4. Never Hug a Cactus – Danielle's Painful Encounter in Big Bend National Park

Narrated by Danielle [24:04 – 30:51]

Danielle offers a painfully funny account of accidentally sitting on a paddle cactus while photographing an old mine in Big Bend National Park. The ordeal of removing numerous cactus spines from her clothing and skin, coupled with the physical discomfort during a strenuous hike, highlights the unpredictable challenges of wilderness exploration.

Key Points:

• The unforeseen dangers of seemingly harmless environments.
• The importance of preparedness and appropriate gear when hiking.
• The humor found in retrospect after a painful experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Danielle [27:40]: "I really don't know how I was able to back up and squat directly over a cactus."
• Cassie [30:07]: "That was the scariest story that's ever been told on Trail Tales."
• Danielle [30:44]: "I couldn't find these tiny guys."

5. The Poop Strap – Micah's Inventive (and Painful) Solution to Wilderness Restroom Needs

Narrated by Micah [Cassie] [30:59 – 40:00]

Micah describes his ill-fated attempt to innovate bathroom solutions in the wild with a self-created "poop strap." The device leads to an accidental injury, resulting in a significant hand wound and a rushed, painful trek back to camp. Despite the mishap, Micah's story serves as a humorous reminder of the lengths one might go to improve the wilderness experience.

Key Points:

• Micah's creative yet misguided attempt to solve a common backpacking issue.
• The repercussions of overcomplicating simple tasks.
• The supportive and teasing nature of family dynamics during outdoor adventures.

Notable Quotes:

• Micah [36:56]: "No, no, no, don't die on poo strap."
• Danielle [37:57]: "This is just an example of making things more complicated than they need to be."
• Cassie [40:00]: "Every man I've ever met is on the toilet for those magazines."

6. Less of a Trail Tale, More of a Thank You – An Anonymous Environmentalist's Tribute

Narrated by Anonymous [Danielle and Cassie] [40:00 – 49:19]

An anonymous caller expresses profound gratitude towards the podcast, sharing a deeply personal narrative about battling severe anxiety and depression. Listening to National Park After Dark provided solace and rekindled his passion for environmental work. Despite facing recent job cuts and witnessing the struggles of his colleagues, he finds hope and strength through the community and the stories shared on the podcast.

Key Points:

• The therapeutic impact of storytelling and shared experiences.
• The challenges faced by environmental workers amidst administrative cuts.
• The importance of community support in overcoming personal and professional hardships.

Notable Quotes:

• Anonymous [42:52]: "But listening to your podcast while at this job really introduced me to what public lands are."
• Cassie [47:56]: "It's really nice to hear from someone who is affected and knows deeply what is actually going on."
• Danielle [48:31]: "Thank you for writing in and thank you for the love."

Exclusive Subscriber Stories

Before wrapping up, Danielle and Cassie tease exclusive content available to their subscribers:

• Cassie’s Extra Story: "I Think I Got Haunted in Japan."
• Danielle’s Extra Story: "The Sign I Needed Today."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe on Apple or Patreon to access these additional tales.

Closing Remarks

Danielle and Cassie conclude the episode by inviting listeners to share their own stories via email or their website. They encourage ratings, reviews, and subscriptions across various platforms, emphasizing the sense of community that National Park After Dark fosters among its audience.

Notable Closing Quote:

• Danielle [49:58]: "If you have a trail tale of your own you'd like to share, you can write to us@npadstoriesmail.com or visit our website at npadpodcast.com."

Final Thoughts

Episode 291: Trail Tales 67 of National Park After Dark offers a captivating blend of humor, horror, and heartfelt stories that underscore the unpredictable nature of wilderness adventures. Through listener submissions and personal anecdotes, Danielle and Cassie provide a platform for sharing valuable lessons, fostering a deep appreciation for national parks, and reinforcing the importance of responsible environmental stewardship.