about me
"The Roaming Cat"
I’m an extremely curious man with a passion for travel and learning about the world. I roam from time to time capturing the journey with my camera while keeping mental and written notes about the story’s that unfold.
Documenting the Journeys
Through vivid storytelling, insightful travel guides, and firsthand accounts, I hope this sites serve as an ever growing documentation of my global escapades. From practical travel advice to immersive tales of cultural encounters, each entry will be a record, providing not only my personal account and record but also valuable insights into locations and the art of exploration. “Documenting the Journeys” is not just a testament to the places I’ve been; it’s an invitation for you to rediscover the world.
Sharing the Light
Beyond documenting my personal journeys, I hope this site is a beacon of inspiration, casting light on the transformative power of exploration. By unraveling the beauty of diverse cultures, uncharted landscapes, and the joy of unexpected encounters, my aim is to kindle the adventurous spirit in others. Let these stories serve as a guiding light, inspiring you to embark on your own odyssey to fulfill your passion for discovery and the luminosity of newfound perspectives.
Hello and welcome to The Roaming Cat! I’m Michael Steighner, and as I approach the milestone of turning 60 next year, I find myself reflecting on a life enriched by the spirit of travel.
My journey with exploration began in my youth, taking weekend trips to our camp in Northwestern Pennsylvania as well as frequent trips in our custom designed show van with my family as we traversed the eastern seaboard, attending van rallies and truck shows. This early exposure fueled my curiosity and laid the foundation for a lifetime of wanderlust.
After graduating and diving into the world of event production, I intentionally carved out slow off-season summers to backpack through Europe. The allure of distant horizons became a central theme in my life, blending seamlessly with my professional career. As my business grew, I found myself working with clients in some amazing five-star destinations across the United States, Caribbean, South America, and beyond. I seized every opportunity I could to extend these stays and delve deeper into the cultures and landscapes. During that time, my passion for photography and story telling began to grow.
Embracing the fact that my lighting design and production work was seasonal, I fully took advantage of the downtime in the summers to explore as much as I could. For what seemed like 10 years starting in my mid 20’s, I could be found just about every summer backpacking around Europe. From the Islands of Greece to the fiords of Norway to the Algarve in Portugal to the art museums in Paris, the entire continent seemed like my personal playground. I think that’s where my longing for wanderlust really grew.
So now, as I stand at the crossroads of turning 60, I’m gearing up for a new chapter—one that possibly embraces RV and van life travel. As far as the site name, my inspiration was not only how I see myself, but as of recent, the fact that I am frequently accompanied by a feline companion. This is a category I am sure to explore here in greater depth in future posts! There is also this goal of exploring and visiting and in some cases, revisiting, all 50 states within the next year, capturing moments and stories along the way. I link to a site I am creating to document that below! Lots to plan for. Lots to recall. Lots to share!
What to Expect from The Roaming Cat:
- Nostalgia Trips:I’ll be recounting memories of past journeys, inviting you to relive the adventures that shaped my love for travel.
- MDSimages Revival:I’ll repurpose travel posts from my photography website, MDSimages, offering a visual feast of landscapes and cultures.
- Future Horizons:Join me in planning future trips and adventures. Let’s dream together and share tips for making the most of our wanderings.
Beyond My Story:
The Roaming Cat isn’t just about my adventures—it’s a platform to celebrate wanderlust in all its forms. I’ll be sharing the stories of fellow travelers who have embraced their passion for exploration, inviting you to be inspired by their journeys.
Join Me on This Adventure:
As The Roaming Cat unfolds, I invite you to be part of the journey. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an armchair adventurer, let’s connect over our shared love for exploration. Your stories and insights are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of The Roaming Cat.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure. Here’s to the next chapter of discovery, growth, and endless horizons!
Warm regards,
Michael Steighner
The Roaming Cat
A few other places to find us
In addition to roaming around and sharing our thoughts about travel on this site, we can also be found over on a couple of other sites as well. Would love to see you there too!
Links to some of these sites over here →
"Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world."
Gustave Flaubert