Top National Park After Dark Stories: Night of the Grizzlies, Grandma Gatewood, and Cocaine Bear (BPR #319)

In today’s episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Danielle and Cassie, the hosts of the popular podcast, National Park After Dark. In this episode, Chaunce gets the lowdown on some of the most outrageous stories from the our beloved national parks, including the infamous cocaine bear, tuberculosis huts in Mammoth Cave National Park, the tragic tale of Ishi, the last Yahi, who emerged from Lassen Park in the early 19th century, and the night there were two separate fatal grizzly attacks in Glacier National Park.

We wrap the show with an opportunity to get paid to thru-hike (and consequently why you should be on The Trek's newsletter), cheap items that double as ultralight backpacking gear, my mediocre marriage advice, the triple crown of outdoor fears, and another listener offers a PSA on why you should probably not use dry ice for your resupply. 

LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek.

Gossamer Gear: Use code "LT520" for 20% off LT5 Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com. 

Ombraz: Use code “BACKPACKER30” for $30 off at ombraz.com/discount/backpacker30.

Betterment: Learn more at betterment.com/trek.

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Interview with Danielle and Cassie of National Park After Dark

• NPAD Website
• NPAD Instagram
• Danielle's Instagram
• Cassie's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:04:45 - Reminders: Sign up for the Trek’s newsletter and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon!

00:09:40 - Introducing Danielle and Cassie

00:10:24 - What trip are you on right now?

00:11:50 - How did you two meet?

00:13:35 - How did you develop your podcast?

00:15:50 - What is it that makes your podcast so popular?

00:17:45 - Have you two visited a lot of the national parks?

00:23:50 - How often are you two out hiking together and what are your favorite trails?

00:29:45 - What are your favorite solo hikes?

00:32:30 - What is your podcasting research process like?

00:36:50 - Tell us about the Night of the Grizzlies at Glacier National Park

00:43:55 - Do you ever get in touch with people involved in the cases?

00:52:40 - Tell us about the mysteries of Mammoth Cave

01:01:36 - Tell us about Ishi, the Last of His People

01:06:50 - Tell us about Crater Lake National Park

01:15:30 - Tell us about Dope Lake in Yosemite

01:17:30 - Tell us about Cocaine Bear

01:27:20 - Tell us about Grandma Gatewood

01:33:20 - Discussion about the National Park After Dark podcast

01:34:45 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the world of backpacking or the outdoors in general?

Segments

Trek Propaganda

• Get Paid to Thru-Hike The Santa Fe to Taos Trail! By the Editors
• 6 Cheap Household Items That Double As Ultralight Backpacking Gear by Katie Jackson

QOTD:  What’s your most unhinged marriage hack?

Triple Crown of outdoor fears

Mail Bag

5 Star Review

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