National Park After Dark — Trail Tales 89 (March 12, 2026) Hosts: Danielle & Cassie

Episode Overview

In Trail Tales 89, Danielle and Cassie return to celebrate the wild, hilarious, emotional, and sometimes harrowing stories sent in by their listeners—focusing on real experiences in and around national parks and the broader outdoors. This episode strikes a balance between the mishaps, the inspiring, and the unexpected, continuing their mission to both revel in the unpredictability of wild places and inspire listeners to venture outdoors, prepared and respectful. They share listener mail, personal reactions, and candid conversations about everything from outdoor mishaps, accessibility advocacy, to transformative encounters on the trail.

Key Discussion Points & Stories

Community Appreciation & Listener Mail

[01:12–04:20]

• Danielle shouts out a fan, Maddie, who opened two stores in Tennessee (Teleco Goods and Used Canoe), inspired by the podcast to make the outdoors more accessible. “What you’re building matters, and it shows in every episode.” (Maddie, 02:14)
• The hosts reminisce about their own favorite used gear shops and discuss the importance of accessibility and secondhand gear for outdoor inclusivity.

Story 1: Survival of the Fittest (Chloe in Patagonia)

[04:27–09:09]

• Listener Chloe defers college for a semester-long NOLS expedition in Patagonia, discovering she's less experienced than she realized.
• Memorable mishap: Getting lost in dense Patagonian woods at night while learning to “use the bathroom” in the backcountry—paired with a nervous talker, ensuing panic, and eventual group rescue just before midnight.
• “This is where I learned Ryan was a nervous talker… I had to beg him to be quiet because… who can poop when someone is talking to them?” (Chloe, read by Cassie, 06:40)
• Chloe survives multiple mishaps, including close calls with wildlife and hazardous terrain, but treasures the challenge: “Type two, the best kind.”
• Hosts praise the value of gap years and learning outside your comfort zone.
  • “What a great decision to defer college to go do that. What an experience. I wish I did that.” (Danielle, 09:09)

Story 2: Terrifying Mountain Lion Encounter (Madison in Rocky Mountain NP)

[10:53–25:49]

• Listener Madison recounts a high-altitude hike on the Ute Trail, meticulously prepared with bear spray and research, only to experience a heart-pounding animal encounter.
• Mistaking a marmot for a mountain lion, Madison panics, runs, and inadvertently abandons her partner, only to realize the “predator” was a large, indignant marmot.
  • “When I tell you my blood ran cold… every single piece of advice I had learned over the years was instantly thrown out the window… So what did I do, you may ask? I booked it.” (Madison, as read by Danielle, 19:38)
• The hosts laugh about classic outdoor panic, gendered audacity, and the importance of carrying bear spray even when others tease you for it.
  • “It’s never wrong to be prepared… if it’s permitted and it makes you feel better… do it.” (Danielle, 26:04)

Mini-Story: The Bear Encounter Panic Recount

[27:02–28:47]

• Cassie recalls hikers in the Tetons who, upon seeing a bear near the trail end, panic and detour six extra miles with no water, whereas Cassie’s party passes the relaxed bear safely.
  • “I think about them all the time, and I hope they’re okay.” (Danielle, 28:47)

Story 3: Badass Disability Advocates & Everest (Stephen on Accessibility)

[31:53–36:23]

• Listener Stephen, inspired by a recent NPAD accessibility episode, shares about Kim Charleston from the Perkins School for the Blind, a key leader in audio and Braille accessibility—including for the National Park Service.
• Kim is lauded for her advocacy: “Guide dog denials are not acceptable… it is a systemic discrimination issue and we will not accept no for an answer.” (Kim, as quoted, 34:04)
• Stephen highlights Carolina Packiny, a 29-year-old training to become the first deafblind person to summit Everest.
  • “Blindness is a spectrum and I love that Carolina aims to bring attention to that fact.” (Stephen, 35:32)
• Hosts reflect on breaking outdoor stereotypes and the drive to shatter societal limits for people with disabilities.

Story 4: The Mythical Park Ranger (Riley meets Ranger Pam)

[37:20–46:08]

• Riley, previously not an outdoors person, joins her fiancé on a Guadalupe Peak hike, where she serendipitously meets the “mythical” 75-year-old Ranger Pam—local legend and record holder for most summits.
• Pam’s story: After her husband’s death, she joined NPS and became legendary for reports on trail conditions and her boundless love for hiking.
• Meeting Pam inspires Riley to embrace hiking, leading to visits to 12 national parks in two years.
  • “She definitely inspired me to live my life to the fullest.” (Riley, 45:54)
• Hosts champion how chance encounters and trail legends can ignite a lifetime of wonder.

Story 5: Writing on the Wall (Anonymous at Mammoth Cave)

[48:22–54:43]

• An anonymous listener discovers her family’s last name—Kozad—etched among historic signatures in Mammoth Cave.
• The ranger’s legend: The “Giant’s Coffin” rock is (according to lore) the resting place of the giant Kozad, eternally watching over the caves.
  • “It was so unexpected... we shared a weird moment of awe and confusion.” (Anonymous, 50:41)
• The story leads to a family tradition of new park visits and reminds the hosts of the serendipitous magic in the parks—and the stories you uncover by asking questions.

Story 6: I Should Have Just Signed Up for a Marathon (Breakup Healing in Estes Park)

[55:58–65:59]

• A listener details her post-breakup journey: A tough split leads to a solo 10-mile sunset hike with her dog, Apollo, in Rocky Mountain National Park.
• In the darkness, Apollo’s fear apparently confirmed by “glowing eyes” in the woods. After much vocal venting (to “the eyes” and her dog), she realizes she’s yelling at innocent fence post reflectors.
  • “After a weirdly long standoff where I explained loudly to the eyes why my ex was bad in bed, the creatures remained eerily still… they were circular reflectors on fence posts.” (Listener, 64:46)
• Lesson: “If you ever need to test your mettle after a bad breakup, consider a marathon… don’t go hiking alone at night.”
• Hosts reflect on the therapeutic powers—and pitfalls—of solo adventure after heartbreak, but agree that sometimes nature is the best place to hash it out.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “What you’re building matters, and it shows in every episode.” (Listener Maddie, [02:13])
• “Who can poop when someone is talking to them?” (Cassie reading Chloe, [06:40])
• “Every single piece of advice I had learned over the years was instantly thrown out the window… So what did I do, you may ask? I booked it.” (Madison, [19:38])
• “Guide dog denials are not acceptable… we will not accept no for an answer.” (Kim Charleston, [34:04])
• “She bragged about holding the record of most summits to the peak, estimating it’s now in the hundreds.” (Riley on Pam, [43:41])
• “After a weirdly long standoff where I explained loudly to the eyes why my ex was bad in bed, they didn't move… they were circular reflectors.” (Listener, [64:46])

Host Conversations & Listener Engagement

• Candid, playful banter about “the audacity of men,” preparedness in the outdoors, and accepting Type 2 fun (“Type 2, the best kind”).
• Support for all levels of preparedness: “It’s never wrong to be prepared… if it allows you to enjoy yourself, just do it. Don’t let someone shame you for it.” (Danielle, [26:04])
• Joy in hearing about trail legends and the power of random encounters to transform our attitudes towards life outside.
• Encouragement for accessibility advocacy and breaking boundaries for people with disabilities to fully experience outdoor spaces.

Timestamps of Notable Segments

• [01:12] Community shout-out: Teleco Goods & Gear and Used Canoe
• [04:27] Chloe’s Patagonia ordeal
• [10:53] Rocky Mountain marmot/mountain lion debacle
• [27:02] Panic-avoiding hikers in the Tetons
• [31:53] Disability advocacy and Everest climb
• [37:20] Meeting Ranger Pam at Guadalupe Peak
• [48:22] Mammoth Cave discovery and the giant Kozad legend
• [55:58] Breakup hike in Estes Park and “the glowing eyes”

Final Thoughts

This episode highlights the unpredictable, heartfelt, and often humorous reality of outdoor adventures. From bathroom mishaps in Patagonia and “mountain lion” panic in Colorado, to unsung legends and accessibility milestone-makers, Danielle and Cassie cultivate a sense of community, resilience, and wonder in the wild. Listeners are encouraged to explore, stay prepared, honor all kinds of trail experiences, and—above all—to enjoy the view but watch your back.

(To hear the bonus stories “Drugging Myself on Dramamine” and “Signs from a Fur Baby,” subscribe via Patreon or Apple Subscriptions.)