National Park After Dark – Episode 342: Trail Tales 83

Hosts: Danielle & Cassie
Date: December 18, 2025
Podcast: National Park After Dark (Audioboom Studios)

Episode Overview

In this edition of Trail Tales, Danielle and Cassie read listener-submitted stories about strange, spooky, and memorable experiences in and around public lands. They explore psychological quirks of being alone in nature, supernatural encounters, odd family histories, spider encounters gone terribly wrong, road trip misadventures, and even stories about pranks gone wrong. All stories are filled with signature warmth, humor, and candid commentary, making listeners both laugh and look over their shoulders.

Key Discussion Points & Story Summaries

1. Are These Stories Real?

Opening banter around the authenticity of listener stories—some may be fiction, but most are likely true. The hosts invite listeners to submit real-life tales, but admit they're more interested in entertainment value.
- Quote (01:18):
  
  “Honestly, I don’t care that much as long as it’s interesting.” —Cassie

2. Not Today, Naturist Dave (02:12)

Story from Lana (rhymes with Llama) about paranoia on the Appalachian Trail

Lana discovers bottles of "Wintergreen tap water" labeled for hikers by "Naturist Dave."
Her city instincts kick in—she imagines this is a serial killer’s trap.
Despite now being an experienced hiker and knowing about "trail magic," Lana tells the story as a lesson on trusting oneself, even if it seems over-the-top.
- Quote (02:50):
  
  “I had myself fully convinced that if I grabbed the jug, a net would drop from the trees, several forest ninjas would leap from the bushes to drag me into the woods, or I’d be chloroformed and dragged to a forest cabin lit by one of those creepy lights I saw blinking in the distance.” —Lana
Both hosts agree: even knowing about Trail Magic, they wouldn’t drink unattended water on the trail—too risky.
Lana shares she’s now an avid hiker who honeymooned at Glacier NP, and jokingly chides herself for picking up hitchhikers after listening to their cautionary episodes.

3. The Unexplained Orb (06:00)

Story from "K" about an eerie experience en route to Devil’s Mountain

In 2016, K and her now-husband witness a huge, glowing orb following their car at night, then darting into the woods and vanishing.
Friends who invited them to Devil’s Mountain act strangely once they arrive and suddenly want to leave.
The hosts speculate: Was it an alien? Government conspiracy? A prank by friends? Cassie jokes about "plot twist"—friends were in on it.
Danielle recalls similar cases (e.g., Betty and Barney Hill, Travis Walton), referencing their earlier podcast episode.
- Quote (09:16):
  
  “The best way I can describe it is to imagine a flashlight. Now think about that light times ten traveling directly at you in one smooth motion.” —K

4. The Railroad Watcher (14:54)

Story from Ashley about her husband’s childhood encounter with a faceless figure

Tom and his friend Kevin, as kids in 1990s Ohio, repeatedly see a human-shaped figure in a white morph suit with no facial features by the railroad tracks.
It would "watch" them, vanish for passing trains, and inexplicably reappear.
After Kevin tells his dad, Kevin’s family moves away abruptly and the figure never returns.
Hosts discuss psychological and paranormal explanations—was it a cryptid (Slenderman, Dover Demon), an actual stalker, or something else?
Cassie ponders more mundane but scary explanations, like cults or witness protection, but both agree the "no face" element keeps it weirdly haunting.
- Quote (17:53):
  
  “Who thinks of a faceless man in the woods as a friend?” —Cassie

5. Mount Auburn Family Connection (25:24)

Story from Elle about a family’s deep ties to Boston’s iconic garden cemetery

Elle’s family helped found Mount Auburn Cemetery, with her ancestor Henry A.S. Dearborn playing a key role.
She shares how their horticultural heritage continues through the generations.
The story’s second half connects to aviation history: Elle works at a museum that received aviator goggles from Captain William Winkapa—“the first Flying Santa” who dropped gifts at lighthouses along New England’s coast.
Danielle and Cassie are charmed and surprised, vowing to include this in a future Christmas episode.
- Quote (28:54):
  
  “No one has one time told me about a flying Santa that goes to the lighthouses of New England—you’re kidding me.” —Danielle

6. Spider Woman (31:06)

Story from Meredith about getting bitten by a black widow spider in the Sierra Nevada

Meredith, an environmental science major, volunteers rehabilitating fawns—spends lots of time outdoors.
After a day of gathering leaves, she experiences intense leg pain that turns out to be a black widow bite.
She self-diagnoses (thanks to her professor), visits a doctor, and eventually finds the spider hiding in her car.
Meredith recovers, but the experience gives her new respect for spiders—and gratitude for modern medicine.
- Quote (37:01):
  
  “Sometimes I find myself thinking about what would have happened in the olden days, before modern medicine. Would I have had to chop off my leg? Would it have spread through my whole body and killed me?” —Meredith
Hosts reflect on 90s childhood fears about black widows, quicksand, and the Bermuda Triangle.

7. The Beach Spider (42:41)

Story from Bethany: Prank gone wrong on a California beach

On a cross-country road trip, Bethany’s prankster sister throws a fake spider at her on Black Sands Beach, causing Bethany to injure her back.
After a painful and humiliating ER trip, Bethany learns she suffered a bulging disc—not just a panic attack, as the doctor assumed.
Despite the pain and medical skepticism, she and her sister continue to laugh over the incident, with the sister still sending her pictures of spiders.
Cassie and Danielle both relate, discussing prank culture and inviting listeners to send in their own "pranks gone wrong" stories.

8. Pranks Gone Wrong — Tangent & Debate (51:19 - 65:55)

Both hosts debate the merits of prank-loving families vs. "turkey trot" families. Both prefer harmless holiday runs to living in fear of being pranked.
Cassie recounts cringey and sometimes cruel viral prank videos, warning about emotional damage from trust-busting "cheating" pranks.
They conclude: harmless, absurd pranks (like replacing soap with potatoes) are okay, but "testing" relationships or causing physical harm isn’t.

9. Listener Bonus & Wrap Up (66:02)

Final reminder: More stories are available to supporters on Patreon & Apple subscriptions—including two bonus tales:
- “The Things We Carried — Teachable Moments in Glacier”
- “A Psycho Almost Stabbed Us After Our Hike”
Danielle wraps up:
- “Please don’t prank other people, but if you do and it goes wrong, tell us about it.” (66:29)
- Usual sign-off:
  
  “Enjoy the view, but watch your back.” (66:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On paranoia and self-preservation:

“Even knowing this is likely trail magic, I still don’t know if I would take it. It’s just not worth the risk. ... Trust no one.” —Danielle (06:00)
On supernatural encounters:

“Are you in on this? What’s happening?... Communication is key. People need to communicate with each other — talk about what you just witnessed and unpack it together.” —Danielle (10:14 / 10:28)
On cryptids by the railroad:

“Who thinks of a faceless man in the woods as a friend? Voldemort, my friend.” —Cassie (17:53)
On coming from a family of cemetery founders and flying Santas:

“That’s so cool. ... We should look into this. That’s really cool.” —Cassie & Danielle (29:02 / 29:37)
On the hazards of fieldwork:

“I have surprisingly gained more respect for them (black widows). I used to be terrified of all spiders, but now I know that most of them do not bite people unless they are provoked.” —Meredith (37:55)
On prank culture:

“Don’t prank me. Don’t make me live on edge that you’re gonna do something.” —Danielle (54:47)
“It’s not funny. The rage I would feel at that…” —Danielle (62:07)
“Harmless, stupid pranks—like, what the is this?—are fine. But don’t ruin someone’s trust.” —Danielle & Cassie (62:18 / 63:37)

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:12] Not Today, Naturist Dave
[06:00] The Unexplained Orb
[14:54] The Railroad Watcher
[25:24] Mount Auburn Family Connection
[31:06] Spider Woman
[42:41] Beach Spider
[51:19] Pranks Gone Wrong Discussion
[66:02] Bonus Story Teasers & Wrap Up

Takeaways & Recommendations

Always trust your instincts on the trail—even if others call you paranoid.
Weird things happen in weird places: trust your senses, communicate openly, and don’t be afraid to share your stories (however bizarre) with others.
Family connections to public lands and history can be surprising and deeply meaningful.
Black widow bites are rarely fatal but seriously painful—know your symptoms and listen to your gut.
Road trips, sisters, and pranks are a dangerous combo; humor and perspective can make even painful memories good stories.
Prank stories are welcome—but maybe keep it gentle, and never test trust or safety for the sake of a joke.
Listeners: send in your "prank gone wrong" stories for a future episode.

Submit your trail tales to npadstoriesmail.com or via npadpodcast.com!

Sign off:
Enjoy the view, but watch your back.

National Park After Dark – Episode 342: Trail Tales 83

Hosts: Danielle & Cassie
Date: December 18, 2025
Podcast: National Park After Dark (Audioboom Studios)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Story Summaries

1. Are These Stories Real?

Opening banter around the authenticity of listener stories—some may be fiction, but most are likely true. The hosts invite listeners to submit real-life tales, but admit they're more interested in entertainment value.
- Quote (01:18):
  
  “Honestly, I don’t care that much as long as it’s interesting.” —Cassie

2. Not Today, Naturist Dave (02:12)

Story from Lana (rhymes with Llama) about paranoia on the Appalachian Trail

Lana discovers bottles of "Wintergreen tap water" labeled for hikers by "Naturist Dave."
Her city instincts kick in—she imagines this is a serial killer’s trap.
Despite now being an experienced hiker and knowing about "trail magic," Lana tells the story as a lesson on trusting oneself, even if it seems over-the-top.
- Quote (02:50):
  
  “I had myself fully convinced that if I grabbed the jug, a net would drop from the trees, several forest ninjas would leap from the bushes to drag me into the woods, or I’d be chloroformed and dragged to a forest cabin lit by one of those creepy lights I saw blinking in the distance.” —Lana
Both hosts agree: even knowing about Trail Magic, they wouldn’t drink unattended water on the trail—too risky.
Lana shares she’s now an avid hiker who honeymooned at Glacier NP, and jokingly chides herself for picking up hitchhikers after listening to their cautionary episodes.

3. The Unexplained Orb (06:00)

Story from "K" about an eerie experience en route to Devil’s Mountain

In 2016, K and her now-husband witness a huge, glowing orb following their car at night, then darting into the woods and vanishing.
Friends who invited them to Devil’s Mountain act strangely once they arrive and suddenly want to leave.
The hosts speculate: Was it an alien? Government conspiracy? A prank by friends? Cassie jokes about "plot twist"—friends were in on it.
Danielle recalls similar cases (e.g., Betty and Barney Hill, Travis Walton), referencing their earlier podcast episode.
- Quote (09:16):
  
  “The best way I can describe it is to imagine a flashlight. Now think about that light times ten traveling directly at you in one smooth motion.” —K

4. The Railroad Watcher (14:54)

Story from Ashley about her husband’s childhood encounter with a faceless figure

Tom and his friend Kevin, as kids in 1990s Ohio, repeatedly see a human-shaped figure in a white morph suit with no facial features by the railroad tracks.
It would "watch" them, vanish for passing trains, and inexplicably reappear.
After Kevin tells his dad, Kevin’s family moves away abruptly and the figure never returns.
Hosts discuss psychological and paranormal explanations—was it a cryptid (Slenderman, Dover Demon), an actual stalker, or something else?
Cassie ponders more mundane but scary explanations, like cults or witness protection, but both agree the "no face" element keeps it weirdly haunting.
- Quote (17:53):
  
  “Who thinks of a faceless man in the woods as a friend?” —Cassie

5. Mount Auburn Family Connection (25:24)

Story from Elle about a family’s deep ties to Boston’s iconic garden cemetery

Elle’s family helped found Mount Auburn Cemetery, with her ancestor Henry A.S. Dearborn playing a key role.
She shares how their horticultural heritage continues through the generations.
The story’s second half connects to aviation history: Elle works at a museum that received aviator goggles from Captain William Winkapa—“the first Flying Santa” who dropped gifts at lighthouses along New England’s coast.
Danielle and Cassie are charmed and surprised, vowing to include this in a future Christmas episode.
- Quote (28:54):
  
  “No one has one time told me about a flying Santa that goes to the lighthouses of New England—you’re kidding me.” —Danielle

6. Spider Woman (31:06)

Story from Meredith about getting bitten by a black widow spider in the Sierra Nevada

Meredith, an environmental science major, volunteers rehabilitating fawns—spends lots of time outdoors.
After a day of gathering leaves, she experiences intense leg pain that turns out to be a black widow bite.
She self-diagnoses (thanks to her professor), visits a doctor, and eventually finds the spider hiding in her car.
Meredith recovers, but the experience gives her new respect for spiders—and gratitude for modern medicine.
- Quote (37:01):
  
  “Sometimes I find myself thinking about what would have happened in the olden days, before modern medicine. Would I have had to chop off my leg? Would it have spread through my whole body and killed me?” —Meredith
Hosts reflect on 90s childhood fears about black widows, quicksand, and the Bermuda Triangle.

7. The Beach Spider (42:41)

Story from Bethany: Prank gone wrong on a California beach

On a cross-country road trip, Bethany’s prankster sister throws a fake spider at her on Black Sands Beach, causing Bethany to injure her back.
After a painful and humiliating ER trip, Bethany learns she suffered a bulging disc—not just a panic attack, as the doctor assumed.
Despite the pain and medical skepticism, she and her sister continue to laugh over the incident, with the sister still sending her pictures of spiders.
Cassie and Danielle both relate, discussing prank culture and inviting listeners to send in their own "pranks gone wrong" stories.

8. Pranks Gone Wrong — Tangent & Debate (51:19 - 65:55)

Both hosts debate the merits of prank-loving families vs. "turkey trot" families. Both prefer harmless holiday runs to living in fear of being pranked.
Cassie recounts cringey and sometimes cruel viral prank videos, warning about emotional damage from trust-busting "cheating" pranks.
They conclude: harmless, absurd pranks (like replacing soap with potatoes) are okay, but "testing" relationships or causing physical harm isn’t.

9. Listener Bonus & Wrap Up (66:02)

Final reminder: More stories are available to supporters on Patreon & Apple subscriptions—including two bonus tales:
- “The Things We Carried — Teachable Moments in Glacier”
- “A Psycho Almost Stabbed Us After Our Hike”
Danielle wraps up:
- “Please don’t prank other people, but if you do and it goes wrong, tell us about it.” (66:29)
- Usual sign-off:
  
  “Enjoy the view, but watch your back.” (66:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On paranoia and self-preservation:

“Even knowing this is likely trail magic, I still don’t know if I would take it. It’s just not worth the risk. ... Trust no one.” —Danielle (06:00)
On supernatural encounters:

“Are you in on this? What’s happening?... Communication is key. People need to communicate with each other — talk about what you just witnessed and unpack it together.” —Danielle (10:14 / 10:28)
On cryptids by the railroad:

“Who thinks of a faceless man in the woods as a friend? Voldemort, my friend.” —Cassie (17:53)
On coming from a family of cemetery founders and flying Santas:

“That’s so cool. ... We should look into this. That’s really cool.” —Cassie & Danielle (29:02 / 29:37)
On the hazards of fieldwork:

“I have surprisingly gained more respect for them (black widows). I used to be terrified of all spiders, but now I know that most of them do not bite people unless they are provoked.” —Meredith (37:55)
On prank culture:

“Don’t prank me. Don’t make me live on edge that you’re gonna do something.” —Danielle (54:47)
“It’s not funny. The rage I would feel at that…” —Danielle (62:07)
“Harmless, stupid pranks—like, what the is this?—are fine. But don’t ruin someone’s trust.” —Danielle & Cassie (62:18 / 63:37)

Timestamps for Important Segments

[02:12] Not Today, Naturist Dave
[06:00] The Unexplained Orb
[14:54] The Railroad Watcher
[25:24] Mount Auburn Family Connection
[31:06] Spider Woman
[42:41] Beach Spider
[51:19] Pranks Gone Wrong Discussion
[66:02] Bonus Story Teasers & Wrap Up

Takeaways & Recommendations

Always trust your instincts on the trail—even if others call you paranoid.
Weird things happen in weird places: trust your senses, communicate openly, and don’t be afraid to share your stories (however bizarre) with others.
Family connections to public lands and history can be surprising and deeply meaningful.
Black widow bites are rarely fatal but seriously painful—know your symptoms and listen to your gut.
Road trips, sisters, and pranks are a dangerous combo; humor and perspective can make even painful memories good stories.
Prank stories are welcome—but maybe keep it gentle, and never test trust or safety for the sake of a joke.
Listeners: send in your "prank gone wrong" stories for a future episode.

Submit your trail tales to npadstoriesmail.com or via npadpodcast.com!

Sign off:
Enjoy the view, but watch your back.

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342: Trail Tales 83

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Summary

National Park After Dark – Episode 342: Trail Tales 83

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Story Summaries

1. Are These Stories Real?

2. Not Today, Naturist Dave (02:12)

3. The Unexplained Orb (06:00)

4. The Railroad Watcher (14:54)

5. Mount Auburn Family Connection (25:24)

6. Spider Woman (31:06)

7. The Beach Spider (42:41)

8. Pranks Gone Wrong — Tangent & Debate (51:19 - 65:55)

9. Listener Bonus & Wrap Up (66:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Takeaways & Recommendations

Summary

National Park After Dark – Episode 342: Trail Tales 83

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Story Summaries

1. Are These Stories Real?

2. Not Today, Naturist Dave (02:12)

3. The Unexplained Orb (06:00)

4. The Railroad Watcher (14:54)

5. Mount Auburn Family Connection (25:24)

6. Spider Woman (31:06)

7. The Beach Spider (42:41)

8. Pranks Gone Wrong — Tangent & Debate (51:19 - 65:55)

9. Listener Bonus & Wrap Up (66:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Important Segments

Takeaways & Recommendations