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Scottish Man Decides To Cycle Across The Globe Solo But Finds A Stray Cat Which Accompanies Him
In September 2018, Dean Nicholson had one goal – to cycle across the globe solo – and he began his journey around the world riding from his hometown Dunbar, Scotland. The 31-year-old Scottish traveler was tired from his nine-to-five job as a welder, so he wanted to change his lifestyle and see the world from a bicycle seat.
The road trip went great as he traveled south, passing through eight different countries and sharing his wild adventures online. But when he was crossing the Bosnian border into Montenegro, his plans had to change a little bit.
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Image credits: Dean Nicholson
He was going up a steep hill with loud music on when suddenly he heard a desperate meow behind him. When he noticed a tiny kitty, he decided to stop for a second to stroke her and move on. However, the stray cat had other plans as she immediately showed her affection. She just couldn’t leave his side, and even though Nicholson didn’t plan a cat adoption, he soon fell in love with her. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t?
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
He knew that since they were in the middle of nowhere and the adorable cat was desperately hungry, her previous owner had intentionally dumped her. After a trip to the vet, Nicholson named her Nala, after one of the characters in his favorite movie ‘The Lion King’ and took her on as a travel buddy.
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
At first, Nicholson didn’t have a place for kitty, so he had to be creative. He made some space in his front basket, clearing out some of his digital equipment, and carefully placed her there. In that way, his new travel companion was granted the best seat in the front and had the honor to lead the way.
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
Nala quickly showed her loving personality and adventurous soul. She loves traveling and is super relaxed and chill, showing no signs of discomfort, traveling long distances. Sometimes she jumps out of the box and sits on Nicholson’s shoulder. She attracts everyone’s attention, and they always ask for a picture of her.
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
The two of them became inseparable, traveling from town to town, exploring new places, abandoned villas, and hidden beaches, with Nala being on his shoulder through the good and the bad. Nicholson surely couldn’t imagine a better travel companion!
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
At the end of the year, Nicholson didn’t want to put their journey on hold. Therefore, they traveled through the rain and cold, which caused Nala a chest infection. At that moment, the Scottish traveler realized how much he doesn’t want to lose his little feline, so he decided to stay in a hostel for several weeks and wait for her recovery.
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
With Nicholson’s great care, Nala got well pretty quickly, and they set off once again, however, this time with a more secure and waterproof setup for Nala. And of course, their bond became even stronger than ever.
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
Image credits: Dean Nicholson
It’s crazy how quickly your plans can change when you meet the right companion. When Nicholson started his journey, he had one vision in his mind – to travel the world with his bicycle – however after meeting Nala, he cares more about her growth than his journey. And it’s just too cute!
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What do you think ?
Alice Laughs 6 years ago
I am still waiting for a Scottish man on an adventure to come across me and take me along... >>
Melissa Nunya 6 years ago
Another smart kitty picking her owner :) the natural order of things
Live Era Nemow 6 years ago
Kitty picking her owner? More like owner picking her human.
Load More Replies...
Ashley Say Wha?!? 6 years ago
Oh this is just so awesome! I smiled like a kid in a candy shop the whole way through that article! They both look so happy together :)
Claire Kellerman 6 years ago
Beautifully put. Ditto here! Thank you, Ashley.
Load More Replies...
Monty Is Fiennes 6 years ago
A true scotsman....and lovin' that ninja cat!!!! Good luck to ya both!!!!!!
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
Mackerel tabbies are the best. She looks like she’s still got some growing to do.
Sugar Latte 6 years ago
I would want to travel around the world with a cat!! That sounds like a dream come true....😄
Russian Otaku 6 years ago
When I read stuff like this and look up such people I am always disappointed to never find great details on HOW they manage the travel
Alejandro 6 years ago
Probably himself by its smartphone, with the help of tripod and a Bluetooth remote trigger ... This setup is really compact and easy to fold down /carry around as well :)
Load More Replies...
Jovy Jergens 6 years ago
ADORE this heartwarming story and envy the fun and freedom they enjoy. Living the dream together!
Jasmine Walker 6 years ago
Something about a big man and his little kitty. Love it! I gotta brother who's 6'3" and is a cat lover. Masculine in every way you can image, but get him around his or cats period, he melts like butter.
Crystal Champagne 6 years ago
Nala just seemed to know he would make a great daddy. She is a gorgeous cat. You can see such a strong bond between the two of them. I just love cats that love to be adventurous like that. <3
Kenny Kulbiski 6 years ago
This is great! I'm amazed that the cat trusted him so much from the start. I can barely stuff mine into his carrier. Guy must really put off some good vibes or something.
Heidi Matsumoto 6 years ago
Both of you are definitely adorable.... Make more and cherish every memory together.... <3
Riz Leslie 6 years ago
This is so cute. You can tell how much better Nala has made his life and his trip.
Eunice Probert 6 years ago
Cats can be very companionable. Good for Nala, she bagged herself a good one!
Lorraine Gray 5 years ago
What a lovely story gd luck on your travels, hope you get ur goal, coconut on the beach in Thailand with nala xxx
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
Such a wonderful and heartfelt story, Nala must have cried loud for Dean to hear above his music, and her knight in bicycle arrived, Dean may think of what he could have missed, if it were not for his big hear, bless you both !!!
Claire Kellerman 6 years ago
I have had that happen three times, one kitten came screaming at my door in the middle of the night the day I adopted a kitten the same size at the pound that day. I loved them both. Another kitten screamed at me from the bushes on my twin brother and sister's 3rd birthday and they got to keep, as they named him, a no-white tabby cat, "Kitty BOY!" And once, walking along Thompson Rd in Keokea, Maui, I heard a tiny meow-scream, and was so excited to get a baby kitten. I got 5! 18-day-old, blind, toothless wonders, 4 different color-combos: 2 tortoise, 1calico, 1 all black, 1 gray blue, and gorgeous. I bottle-fed them all for 6 weeks, fed them well, acted as their mom, wiping away their poop and pee with warm, wet paper towels, (as Mama Kitty eats it, and I am not that committed). I found them all amazing homes, "The Mighty Five." I love this story. I love this Man! Scotland is my homeland. This is what real men do: Love whoever crosses your path.
Mary Dellenbusch 6 years ago (edited)
This is so beautiful! Now this man represents what a true human looks like. Caring and loving the fur baby in need. I hope if this baby was dumped that the previous guardian dies a most horrific and painful death. This is just perfect to see in this world where so much killing of the animals is done. Thank you sir for taking and loving her.
Sansa Blacktyde 6 years ago
Aww this is wonderful! I wish Nala and her big hearted human many wonderful travels!
suryanti utami 6 years ago
she met a great man and you met a brave girl .. and this is create wonderful story.. both of you so lucky
Carol Emory 6 years ago
I've always been a believer that God puts you on a path for a reason. I'd had enough of guys treating me bad. So when I found out the last guy I dated (army guy) had a fiance' back home, I went to let him have at the local club he frequented..and there I met my future husband. My husband and I, on a blind leap of faith, applied for and went to college in a small town. Our son had autism and was experiencing problems that in any other city, would have gotten him tossed aside. But everyone in town knew him and helped him. Then my husband and I fell on hard times and moved to the East Coast to be near family. Months later his mother fell ill and we were there to take care of her. My point is, so this guy grew tired of the 9-5 grind. His frustration led him to the best companion he could ever hope for. Taking that leap of faith can have great rewards. Never be afraid to take a chance.
Zaheen Muhammad 6 years ago (edited)
It's bad omen (amongst some beliefs) for a stray animal to turn up on its own. They say it brings death along! God bless the Scottish man..
Alice Laughs 6 years ago
I am still waiting for a Scottish man on an adventure to come across me and take me along... >>
Melissa Nunya 6 years ago
Another smart kitty picking her owner :) the natural order of things
Live Era Nemow 6 years ago
Kitty picking her owner? More like owner picking her human.
Load More Replies... Ashley Say Wha?!? 6 years ago
Oh this is just so awesome! I smiled like a kid in a candy shop the whole way through that article! They both look so happy together :)
Claire Kellerman 6 years ago
Beautifully put. Ditto here! Thank you, Ashley.
Load More Replies... Monty Is Fiennes 6 years ago
A true scotsman....and lovin' that ninja cat!!!! Good luck to ya both!!!!!!
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
Mackerel tabbies are the best. She looks like she’s still got some growing to do.
Sugar Latte 6 years ago
I would want to travel around the world with a cat!! That sounds like a dream come true....😄
Russian Otaku 6 years ago
When I read stuff like this and look up such people I am always disappointed to never find great details on HOW they manage the travel
Alejandro 6 years ago
Probably himself by its smartphone, with the help of tripod and a Bluetooth remote trigger ... This setup is really compact and easy to fold down /carry around as well :)
Load More Replies... Jovy Jergens 6 years ago
ADORE this heartwarming story and envy the fun and freedom they enjoy. Living the dream together!
Jasmine Walker 6 years ago
Something about a big man and his little kitty. Love it! I gotta brother who's 6'3" and is a cat lover. Masculine in every way you can image, but get him around his or cats period, he melts like butter.
Crystal Champagne 6 years ago
Nala just seemed to know he would make a great daddy. She is a gorgeous cat. You can see such a strong bond between the two of them. I just love cats that love to be adventurous like that. <3
Kenny Kulbiski 6 years ago
This is great! I'm amazed that the cat trusted him so much from the start. I can barely stuff mine into his carrier. Guy must really put off some good vibes or something.
Heidi Matsumoto 6 years ago
Both of you are definitely adorable.... Make more and cherish every memory together.... <3
Riz Leslie 6 years ago
This is so cute. You can tell how much better Nala has made his life and his trip.
Eunice Probert 6 years ago
Cats can be very companionable. Good for Nala, she bagged herself a good one!
Lorraine Gray 5 years ago
What a lovely story gd luck on your travels, hope you get ur goal, coconut on the beach in Thailand with nala xxx
sharron lynn parsons 6 years ago
Such a wonderful and heartfelt story, Nala must have cried loud for Dean to hear above his music, and her knight in bicycle arrived, Dean may think of what he could have missed, if it were not for his big hear, bless you both !!!
Claire Kellerman 6 years ago
I have had that happen three times, one kitten came screaming at my door in the middle of the night the day I adopted a kitten the same size at the pound that day. I loved them both. Another kitten screamed at me from the bushes on my twin brother and sister's 3rd birthday and they got to keep, as they named him, a no-white tabby cat, "Kitty BOY!" And once, walking along Thompson Rd in Keokea, Maui, I heard a tiny meow-scream, and was so excited to get a baby kitten. I got 5! 18-day-old, blind, toothless wonders, 4 different color-combos: 2 tortoise, 1calico, 1 all black, 1 gray blue, and gorgeous. I bottle-fed them all for 6 weeks, fed them well, acted as their mom, wiping away their poop and pee with warm, wet paper towels, (as Mama Kitty eats it, and I am not that committed). I found them all amazing homes, "The Mighty Five." I love this story. I love this Man! Scotland is my homeland. This is what real men do: Love whoever crosses your path.
Mary Dellenbusch 6 years ago (edited)
This is so beautiful! Now this man represents what a true human looks like. Caring and loving the fur baby in need. I hope if this baby was dumped that the previous guardian dies a most horrific and painful death. This is just perfect to see in this world where so much killing of the animals is done. Thank you sir for taking and loving her.
Sansa Blacktyde 6 years ago
Aww this is wonderful! I wish Nala and her big hearted human many wonderful travels!
suryanti utami 6 years ago
she met a great man and you met a brave girl .. and this is create wonderful story.. both of you so lucky
Carol Emory 6 years ago
I've always been a believer that God puts you on a path for a reason. I'd had enough of guys treating me bad. So when I found out the last guy I dated (army guy) had a fiance' back home, I went to let him have at the local club he frequented..and there I met my future husband. My husband and I, on a blind leap of faith, applied for and went to college in a small town. Our son had autism and was experiencing problems that in any other city, would have gotten him tossed aside. But everyone in town knew him and helped him. Then my husband and I fell on hard times and moved to the East Coast to be near family. Months later his mother fell ill and we were there to take care of her. My point is, so this guy grew tired of the 9-5 grind. His frustration led him to the best companion he could ever hope for. Taking that leap of faith can have great rewards. Never be afraid to take a chance.
Zaheen Muhammad 6 years ago (edited)
It's bad omen (amongst some beliefs) for a stray animal to turn up on its own. They say it brings death along! God bless the Scottish man..
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