Kayleen VanderRee - Bolt and Keel: The Wild Adventures of Two Rescued Cats

MOUNT ARROWSMITH, BC WHEN THE
MEOWTAINS ARE
CALLING, WE MUST GO. MARBLE MEADOWS, BC, AT ONE MONTH OLD

While working as leaders at a camp one summer, we found two kittens behind a trash can at a local park. We had 20 children gazing up at us with pleading eyes and two tiny kittens who were in need of a home. The next day we had plans to leave on a multi-day trek into the mountains of Canadas Vancouver Island. We tried to take the cats to the shelter after work, but it was closed by the time we got there. With no other choice, at a month old, Bolt and Keel found themselves on their first adventure.

After a short canoe ride, we tucked the kittens into our jackets and started up a series of switchbacks. Bolt and Keels curious natures took over; they leaped from the safety of our jackets without fear. Their tiny harnesses and leashes kept them close as they embarked alongside us on their first grand journey. We quickly found ourselves falling in love with the idea of bringing Bolt and Keel with us wherever we went. By Sunday evening, we knew we wouldnt be taking them to the shelter. A few months later, we shared our photos of their escapades on social media.

Overnight, the story of Bolt and Keel went viral, and their following has grown steadily ever since. Bolt and Keel are on the forefront of the growing adventure cat movement, daily breaking house cat stereotypes with their strong personalities and intrepid pursuit of adventure. Bolt and Keel now regularly join us on backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, and hiking adventures. Their explorations have taken them around Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and even into Washington State. As the cats get braver and their expeditions become more adventurous, we have ensured that they are properly equipped for their outings. Harnesses and leashes are always a must, life jackets are donned, and they even wear sweaters and jackets on those damp days.

However, the most important thing to be aware of when taking cats into the wilderness is being able to read their body language and to be in tune with their needs. Just like anyone else, Bolt and Keel have their good days and bad dayswhen their moods dont cooperate or the weather takes a turn for the worst. But no matter what, there is nothing like hiking at a cats pace to change your purrspective and make you appreciate the trail in a new way. Enjoy! KAYLEEN AND DANIELLE MOUNT MANUEL QUIMPER, BC Bolt and Keel quickly learned
not to let inclement West
Coast weather slow them
down. A few months old, they
braved the rain to attempt
their first mountain. They learned that it is
not always about getting
to the top....

MOUNT MANUEL QUIMPER, BC ... The road there is
just as enjoyable. MOUNT MANUEL QUIMPER, BC As soon as the car door
opens, Bolt and Keel are
eager to hit the trail. VICTORIA, BC DONT WORRY
BRO, IVE
GOT YOU VICTORIA, BC Matching jackets
on point.
#SquadGoals SALISH SEA, BC Most cats fear water, but
Bolt and Keel have never been
most cats. Their first kayak
outing was a sunny success. SUNSHINE COAST, BC Bolt and Keel
spent four days
hiking and canoeing
British Columbias
Sunshine Coast. SUNSHINE COAST, BC Bolt and Keel
spent four days
hiking and canoeing
British Columbias
Sunshine Coast.

It
was their biggest
adventure yet. SUNSHINE COAST TRAIL, BC The Sunshine Coast Trail
stretches 100 miles; Bolt and
Keel completed a portion of the
trail, including 6 miles on their
own four paws. SUNSHINE COAST TRAIL, BC Fact:
fed cat = happy cat INLAND LAKE, BC WIND IN MY WHISKERS, SUN
WARMING MY FURI COULD
GET USED TO THIS THING
THEY CALL CANOEING. INLAND LAKE, BC A sunset, canoe, and
your best buddies
what more could you need? INLAND LAKE, BC Adventuring with Bolt
and Keel is a good reminder
to slow down and enjoy the
moments that often drift by. INLAND LAKE, BC YOUVE GOT TO
BE KITTEN ME
... INLAND LAKE, BC

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