A Timber Rattlesnake, a Raccoon & a Frozen Campsite: John Mark's Two Years on the Trail
A Timber Rattlesnake, a Raccoon & a Frozen Campsite: John Mark's Two Years on the Trail  
Podcast: Hikes and Mics Podcast
Published On: Mon Nov 24 2025
Description: Send us Fan MailThis week on Hikes & Mics, we caught up with a familiar face.John Mark returns to the podcast after two years — and a lot has changed. He's shifted careers from college Spanish professor to full-time court interpreter, a move that's actually given him more flexibility to chase waterfalls and squeeze in micro-adventures between jobs. In 2024, he set out to camp every single month of the year and pulled it off, refining his gear system down to a science along the way.John Mark talks through an ice-coated, sub-zero packing ordeal at Savage Gulf State Park, a close encounter with a timber rattlesnake at a waterfall in his favorite spot, Bankhead National Forest, and the time a raccoon made off with his brick of melted trail mix candy on a solo trip. We also get into chasing the 2024 solar eclipse in Arkansas, his return to the stage in local theater, his ongoing love of the hiking kilt, and a full round of season "this or that" questions — waterfalls or summits, tablets or powder, stream crossing or snowfield.A fun, wide-ranging catch-up on two years of cold nights, wild encounters, and the small adventures that add up to a life outdoors.Episode Links:John Mark on InstagramJohn Mark on FacebookThis episode was Produced by Jordyn Smith, follow her on Instagram @jordyn.journeysFollow us on Instagram, @Hikesandmics AllTrails+I'm excited to share that I’m now a Trailheads Ambassador for AllTrails+! If you love exploring the outdoors, AllTrails+ is your ultimate adventure companion. Get offline maps, real-time wrong-turn alerts, and trail previews to help you hike smarter and safer. Plus, with 3D maps and deeper trail insights, planning your next trek has never been easier.Try AllTrails+ free for 7 days, and when you sign up using my referral link, you’ll get 30% off your AllTrails+ membership!Sign up here: AllTrails+ (promo is only redeemable via web and not the app)Ursa Minor Outfitters - Inspired by the outdoors, Created by local artists Go check them at www.ursaminoroutfitters.com and don’t forget to enter the promo code HikesMics10 at checkout to receive 10% off your order.