Welcome back to False Summit: Tales, Trails, and Epic Fails! This week, we’re bringing you two wild outdoor stories that prove nature—and people—will always surprise you.

First, in Civics in the Wild, a backpacking guide leads a group of first-time hikers into the backcountry, only to witness the unimaginable: a Honda Civic barreling down the trail like it’s on a road trip through the wilderness. What happens when city logic meets the great outdoors? Let’s just say it involves a ranger, some very confused college students, and a new addition to the list of unexpected trail hazards.

Then, in The Silent Stalker, we step into the mind of a hiker with an unshakable fear of mountain lions. From eerie signs on the trail to a breathtaking face-to-face encounter, this story takes us deep into the primal side of fear, awe, and survival. And just when you think the wild has accepted you… it reminds you who’s really in charge.

To wrap things up, Em serves up Trail Mix—three perfectly curated songs for your next adventure—and a deep dive into Mountain Lion Safety 101. Think you know what to do if you're being stalked? Let’s find out.

Hit play for another round of tales, trails, and epic fails!

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