When you’re preparing for an around-the-world journey, sometimes the adventure begins long before you actually leave home.

During the years we spent traveling back and forth to Washington while YOLA was being built and prepared, our longtime family friend Shelley in Beaverton, Oregon, repeatedly gave us a comfortable place to land.

After long days of driving, there was something wonderful about arriving somewhere we already knew we could put our bags down, relax and regroup for a few days.

And, of course, Shelley wasn’t the only one welcoming us. Her two loving cats, Pi and Puddin, made sure we knew exactly who really ran the household.

Their method for requesting attention was subtle, polite and very clear: a gentle touch on the arm or leg. “You may pet me now.” And naturally, we obeyed.

Shelley, thank you for opening your home to us time and again. Long before YOLA officially began circling the world, you were already part of the journey.