Man Quits Job, Sells Everything To Travel With His Rescue Cat Across Australia

Having spent 10 years in the corporate world, one day Richard East just had it. The man quit his job, sold his house and most of his possessions. He bought a VW van and hit the road with his rescue cat Willow in Australia.

h/t: boredpanda, mashable, lovemeow

When we're parked in the shade Willow likes to spend hot dry afternoons on my roof rack watching the day pass

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on May 17, 2016 at 9:46pm PDT

“I wasn’t happy at work,” Richard told Mashable Australia. “I didn’t want to go overseas for six months, and then return to a similar job, with the same situation. That’s why the van came in, so I could make a change for the longer term.”

Slow blinks to all of you

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on May 16, 2016 at 11:40pm PDT

Willow follows Richard everywhere he goes.

I've never felt more Australian than last week when I cooked 2kg of lamb in the fire by a billabong under the shade of eucalypt tree quite possibly of the variety Coolabah. Did you spot Willow having a stretch?

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Apr 13, 2016 at 10:53pm PDT

“Our bond is no greater than any other human/cat but we are in a situation where we are reminded of that bond everyday,” Richard told Lovemeow. “We have been very fortunate to have made it through the past year with no more troubles than two flat tyres, 3 stitches on my head, and a sore paw.”

"The travelling cat, tired and weary, will revitalise by harnessing the remaining life force of fallen trees. The process can take between 5 minutes to 2 days. "

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Jan 14, 2016 at 1:16am PST

“The little black adventure cat… really took a chance when she rescued me. The little cat who has made my van into a home and the whole of Australia her backyard.”

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Dec 27, 2015 at 1:14am PST

Travelling cat Willow would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Oct 30, 2015 at 4:19am PDT

The Squalor Lodge crew. Willow and I have been helping get this old cottage organised for future guests. Thanks for an interesting week everyone!

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Oct 17, 2015 at 5:29pm PDT

As a travelling cat, Willow knows that luxury is a state of mind.

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Oct 24, 2015 at 2:16pm PDT

Today Willow and I visited the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour.

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Oct 9, 2015 at 5:09am PDT

Thanks for 11 amazing weeks Queensland. Willow and I have now re-entered NSW today where we will likely stay until the worst of summer is over. We can't wait to say hi to everyone!

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Sep 29, 2015 at 2:24am PDT

I just told Willow that it's physically impossible to breathe through your nose with your tongue out… So gullible!

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Sep 7, 2015 at 12:57am PDT

Don't tell anyone, but Willow and I just snuck into Sharon's veggie patch at In a Nutshell Organics.

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Sep 6, 2015 at 11:03pm PDT

100 days on the road. It's important to take it easy. Sometimes I go to the park with my cat, just to think and get my head straight.

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Aug 23, 2015 at 6:50pm PDT

It's cold and wet but Willow still comes geocaching with me! Pro tip: Willow is sitting on the cache.

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Aug 21, 2015 at 7:23pm PDT

Ty, big step brother to Willow, we miss you every day. "Dec 22nd 2012 – Our treasured Ty, lovely Ty. Fluffier than initially anticipated. Sometimes majestic, sometimes solemn, usually silly. No match for fast traffic. Let us hope you catch that red dot and get to drink out of the bath whenever you damn well feel like it."

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Jul 29, 2015 at 5:32pm PDT

I don't often visit the Great Barrier Reef but when I do I always bring my meow meow.

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Jul 24, 2015 at 7:48pm PDT

See this little black cat right here? She has just spent 3 days cruising the Great Barrier Reef aboard the SV Watermusic like a champion. So proud of this little kitty.

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Jul 24, 2015 at 3:26pm PDT

Ever since Willow was a young kitten she dreamed of visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Today that dream was made a reality.

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Jul 22, 2015 at 11:13pm PDT

Today I drew Willow like one of my French girls.

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Jul 21, 2015 at 12:01am PDT

Welcome Willow to NSW and your first visit to the Murray River!

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on May 31, 2015 at 11:30pm PDT

Willow chilling out in the van #volkswagen #vwtransportert5 #vandwellers #roadtrips #campervans #campervan #camping

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Oct 26, 2014 at 8:08pm PDT

A photo posted by Rich & Willow (@vancatmeow) on Aug 20, 2013 at 4:04pm PDT