I thought Asa and I have been to a lot of places.  After all we’ve been to THREE states!  Well you can’t even begin to imagine my astonishment when my neighbor, Cheez-It the Cat, informed me that he has traveled across the country multiple times!  Recently Cheez-It was kind enough to answer my questions about his adventures on the open road.

Chuck Billy: Ok, exactly how many times have you gone on a cross country road trip and where have you gone?

Cheez-It: I’ve been to Phoenix, Arizona 3 times, I think.  The first time we spent Thanksgiving with my Uncle Clyde and family.  The next time we went up to Washington State and down to Cousin Suzie’s in Phoenix and the third time we went to Disney World and then over to Phoenix to visit with Uncle Clyde and family.

Chuck Billy: Wait, what?  You’ve even been to Disney World, home of Goofy, Pluto, and Dug the Dog!  Do you have a favorite place?

Cheez-It: No favorite place.  The whole of the USA has beautiful scenery, but I think that Utah has the most spectacular vistas of all.  By the way, you’re forgetting Disney World is also the home of the Aristocats, Simba, and the Cheshire Cat.

Chuck Billy: Are there any least favorite places you visited?

Cheez-It: Can’t think of any place that stands out as being least favorite.  One major thing that I don’t like is when we are driving in the Rockies and get up over 6000 feet in elevation. My ears hurt and it is very uncomfortable.

Chuck Billy:  Ouch!  Thanks for the warning!  What interesting adventures did you have along the way?  I overheard your Mom telling mine something about the importance of child safety locks on the windows?

Cheez-It: Yep, I stepped on the window button and down went the window!  Mom was afraid that I’d jump or fall out.  Now they keep the child safety button on lock when I’m in the truck.  I really like to sit on the console, on the kitty bed that Mom made just for me, between Mom and Dad, and watch the world go by.  Sometimes I’ll stand up and sniff the air coming in the vents.  Interesting smells, you know.

Chuck Billy: Oh the things you must have smelled!  Ok I admit I never thought I’d be jealous of a cat, but I am!  I’m also envious that your canine brother, Inky, goes on these road trips too.  What is it like traveling with him?

Cheez-It: It’s fine, but he does take up the whole back area and sometimes gives me a hard time when I need to use the kitty box.  Yes, we have a litter box in the truck.  It’s a necessary item for any dignified cat.

Chuck Billy: Speaking of litter boxes, do you have any advice for cats or dogs who want to do a road trip across the country?

Cheez-It: Just make sure that you have a comfortable place to sit or lay down.  A bucket of fresh water is a must.  And a cat litter box is totally needed.  Of course, we have a camper that we retire to for meals and overnight, which makes traveling much easier on all of us.  Also make sure to have a well planned trip with GPS, Atlas and printouts of Map Quest or Google Maps so that your humans have less of a chance of getting lost.

Chuck Billy:  Excellent advice!  Well this conversation has been very fascinating…

Cheez-It: Aren’t you going to ask me about my trip to Canada?

Chuck Billy: Wait, what?  Not only have you seen this country, you’re an international traveler too?!

Cheez-It:  My parents took me to Prince Edward Island, Canada! I went alone, as it was right after Smudge went to doggy heaven and we hadn’t found Inky yet. PEI is one of the most beautiful Islands. It is very clean, well-kept and super clean. I never saw any litter along the roads. Sure wish that our road looked that good and that Mom and Dad would not feel like they need to pick up trash, cans and bottles every spring.

Chuck Billy: Ok it is official, I’m thoroughly jealous of a cat!  I’ve always talked about having wanderlust and answering the call of the adventure, but you have gone far beyond my wildest imagination!  Thank you for telling me about your travels.

Cheez-It: You’re welcome. It’s been fun sharing this with you.