Midway through his boat ride, his kitten climbed out of his jacket. He climbed on Simmons’ back, and then perched on his shoulder. For a moment it looked like they took in the scene around them together.

It looked like they were close, the man and his young cat, and Simmons smiled at the thought.

“I feed him,” he said with a laugh, explaining their connection. “… I’m an animal lover.”

“His momma was in there,” Simmons said, referencing his home. “But she’s a wild cat, so …”