I have no interest in seeing the Trans-Atlantic Pipeline. I know little about it and could care less how oil makes its way around the world, or for that matter how gas makes it's way into the local gas station.
But, we're nearby. And Theo, for some unexplained reason, wants to see it. Or part of it.
"Theo, we're talking about miles and miles and miles and miles of pipeline . . ." I take a breath. "If we go, we're only going to see a little bit of it."
He meows plaintively. As if his life depends upon our decision. I point to the sign that is hanging off the pipes and read it out loud: "Please don't climb on the pipeline."
Theo is not amused. He looks up.
"I know. I know." He has no intention of climbing on this massive steel structure. I think he wants to sniff it.
I call out, "How about a snack?" to cause a distraction.
It doesn't work.
The Trans-Atlantic Pipeline is an 800 mile, four foot in diameter pipeline that moves crude oil from the Proudhon Bay to Valdez, Alaska. It took three years to complete and cost eight billion dollars. It was built over some of the most rugged Alaskan terrain (75% permafrost). It transports about 3.5% of all US oil production. There is also stuff inside the pipes. How do I know this? I googled it.
Dan is impressed. Theo isn't.
I pull Dan aside. "So why do you think he wants to see it?"
Dan laughs. "You know why. He wants to sniff it."
When you travel with a curious gangster style cat, you never know what his motivations are. And we have to play fair. He goes where we want to go--gold panning. We go where he wants to go--pipelines.
Alright. Alright.
I have to eat my words. Other people are there looking at it. The pipeline itself is massive. How they built it is a remarkable story. I look at it with renewed respect. And actually stop to read all the facts on giant placards near the pipeline.
I'm impressed with all the challenges they faced. The pipeline crosses three active faults, it navigates around mountain ranges, manages extreme sub-zero temperatures, and over 400 miles of pipeline are elevated above ground so the hot oil won't melt the permafrost underneath it.
There's only one problem. The pipeline is high above us. Theo is on the ground.
I think he imagines he could jump on top. We both look up. Theo looks up.
"I'm sorry. But this is the access point. And as you can see . . . "
When he wants to look sad, he can pull it off--an Academy Award performance.
Dan is not to be deterred. "Come here, big guy."
Before Theo knows it, he's high into the air, near the pipeline. Dan has lifted him up over his head, close enough so his nose can touch the pipeline.
"Sniff, buddy, sniff."
And now everyone is happy.
