With over 50,000 miles of travel across at least 25 states, Frankie might just hold the title for the most extensively traveled goat in the entire United States.
This unique domesticated creature, a mix of pygmy and Nigerian dwarf, spends several months each year journeying through the U.S. within an Airstream, alongside her dedicated companions, Cate Battles and her husband Chad, who’ve shared a decade-long marital bond.
Reflecting on their unusual journey, Cate shares with CNN Travel, “We weren’t certain how she’d take to the travel life, but Frankie adapted instantly. She’s an incredible travel companion.”
Their adventures have taken them through diverse terrains, including the arid landscapes of the Southwest, the heartland of the Midwest, as well as Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, while gathering a substantial Instagram following of over 20,000 enthusiasts along the way.
Cate amusingly remarks, “She boasts followers from nearly every corner of the globe. I’m still on the hunt for an Antarctica enthusiast keen on following Frankie’s adventures.”
But how did this couple, once proprietors of a bar, end up with a goat as their constant travel companion?
Cate reveals her longing for a pet goat spanned years, and her elation knew no bounds when a friend presented Frankie to her from a farm in Tennessee.
Returning to their Asheville, North Carolina abode, where they resided with Chad’s children, Frankie seamlessly integrated into their household dynamics.
However, life took a turn when they sold their bar the following year, the children moved out, and the couple pondered the upcoming chapter of their lives as empty nesters.
“We mulled over what our next phase would look like, now that we were empty nesters,” Cate shares. “We resolved to select a new town and state and embark on some travels.”
Although they had prior travel experience, the notion of camper life was uncharted territory, prompting their keen interest in exploring it.
In 2016, they acquired a pre-owned 1976 Airstream Argosy, bid farewell to their residence, and commenced joint renovations on the vehicle.
“It was essentially an empty shell,” Cate recollects. “No walls, and we stumbled upon a mummified bird amidst the insulation at one point.”
While Chad, an owner specializing in draft line cleaning and maintenance, handled the entirety of the renovation, Cate, a writer and artist, undertook the painting responsibilities.
Their vibrant design, inspired by Woody Guthrie’s iconic song “This Land is Your Land,” showcases landmarks such as the Redwoods, prominently mentioned in the song.
Initially uncertain about how Frankie would adapt to life on the road, they left her in the care of a friend during their inaugural trip, intending to pinpoint a location that would serve as their base.
“We narrowed down our options to six states, then three towns, eventually settling on Grant’s Path in Southern Oregon,” Cate elaborates.
Subsequently, they sold their home and embarked on a cross-country journey from the East to the West Coast of the U.S., this time with Frankie joining them.
Despite having taken her on brief camping escapades across Western North Carolina, an extended road trip was uncharted terrain, leaving the couple uncertain of what to anticipate.
To their delight, Frankie appeared to relish the experience. “She truly had a blast,” adds Cate. “We’d go for hikes every single day.”
Since that initial trip, the couple has accompanied Frankie on excursions ranging from two-week getaways to extensive six-month voyages. Their late cocker spaniel Maggie also shared in their earlier adventures before her passing in 2019.
Fond of exploring deserts due to their pet-friendly environment, the Battles cherish these terrains as they offer ample public land for exploration.
“In these regions, freedom abounds,” Cate expresses. “We thoroughly enjoy wandering. The Pacific Northwest captivates us with its lush forests and breathtaking waterfalls.”
Cate notes Frankie’s particular fondness for the Oregon Coast, attributing it to the abundance of “fun rocks to leap on” and her penchant for slot canyons.
However, voyaging with a pet, especially a goat, poses challenges, necessitating extensive research into pet-accommodating locations, primarily eateries, bars, and hiking trails.
“Traveling with pets definitely curtails the freedom one would have sans companions,” admits Cate, detailing how they occasionally split up to take turns exploring areas where goats aren’t allowed.
“U.S. national parks typically don’t favor pets on hiking trails,” she mentions. “So, we’ll opt for a short solo hike to witness the highlights.”
Post-individual hikes, they reunite and venture into stretches of public land for a family hike, emphasizing their commitment to responsible land stewardship by adhering to regulations and avoiding areas housing wild bighorn sheep and mountain goats, which could potentially transmit diseases to domesticated goats.
“It’s crucial to prevent mingling between domesticated and wild goats to thwart any disease spread,” she emphasizes. “Certain areas bar livestock and pack animals, necessitating thorough research.”
Fortunately, by proactively contacting park superintendents, they’ve secured special permissions for Frankie to accompany them on specific trails. This also influences their travel pace, as Frankie’s dietary needs prompt frequent stops.
“Goats tend to graze throughout the day,” notes Cate. “We’ll drive for a couple of hours, pause for bathroom breaks, and let her indulge in blackberry bushes, hay, or grass before continuing.”
“She’s an easy travel buddy. Since she was young, we’ve had her fairly well-trained. That’s always a plus,” she adds.
While Frankie typically feeds on “standard goat fare,” Cate reveals her penchant for special treats, citing a daily breakfast of sliced bananas as a favorite.
Though their social media presence dates back to 2006, Frankie’s popularity skyrocketed when the Battles featured in the Discovery TV series “The Bond,” delving into human-animal relationships.
“We’ve crisscrossed the nation, and as we pass people on trails, they’ll recognize Frankie,” Cate chuckles. “It’s quite amusing.”
Particularly enjoyable for her was engaging with fellow goat owners, sharing anecdotes and experiences while appearing on the show.
“Goats are an integral part of the family,” Cate emphasizes. “They impart invaluable lessons, forging strong bonds.”
Despite Frankie primarily spending her time with her owners, she boasts an extensive social circle among her fellow goats. Cate takes the initiative to organize local gatherings to ensure Frankie’s social interactions.
“Even as we embark on extended road trips,” Cate shares, “I make sure to arrange goat playdates along our route. It’s important to us that she has ample interaction with her kind, even if she seems to identify more with humans than with goats.”
Their recent journey saw them crossing the country from Oregon to California, venturing through Nevada, Arizona, and tracing Route 66 across New Mexico to Oklahoma. Continuing their trail, they ventured through Tennessee, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wyoming, concluding their voyage back in Southern Oregon.
While the couple harbors aspirations of taking Frankie beyond U.S. borders, possibly exploring Canada, they’re deterred by the stringent regulations concerning animal transportation.
“We’re not inclined to subject her to quarantine procedures or the stress of extensive regulations,” Cate asserts. “So, there are definite obstacles when it comes to international travel with a goat.”
