Burnie Brae Support at Home Care Partner Vivian had been following Roger's plans for his dream Nordic adventure for months. When he returned home, she knew his remarkable journey - and the inspiring story behind it - was one worth sharing.

At 79 years old, Roger isn't slowing down.

In fact, he has just returned from the adventure of a lifetime – a month-long journey through some of the world's most breathtaking destinations, including London, Norway, Finnish Lapland, Iceland, Greenland and Finland. Along the way, he crossed the Arctic Circle, rode snowmobiles, met reindeer, experienced dog sledding and witnessed the magical Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky in Reykjavik.

His travelling companions were his youngest son Michael, a professional photographer who travels the world capturing incredible images, along with his daughter-in-law and young grandson.

For Roger, however, this trip was about much more than sightseeing.

A Dream Shared with Linda

The Nordic adventure had been on Roger and his wife Linda's bucket list for many years.

Sadly, Linda now lives with dementia and was unable to make the journey.

"I did it for both of us," Roger says.

One memory stands out above all others.

While snowmobiling through the Arctic wilderness, Roger came across a beautiful, peaceful spot overlooking the snowy landscape.

"I just sat there looking out. I couldn't move," he recalls.

He named the spot "Linda" because he knew how much she would have loved it.

"The family eventually had to tell me it was time to go."

A Lifetime of Adventure

Travel and adventure have always been part of Roger's life.

Born in New Zealand, he trained as a radio technician before moving to Australia for work. Over the years he has held a remarkable variety of jobs – from working on properties near Clermont and picking grapes near Alice Springs and Stanthorpe, to managing a caravan park in Torquay and repairing toys at Red Hill Special School.

His love of exploration started early.

"When I was 11, I helped my dad build the first camper trailer ever built in New Zealand," Roger says.

The camper attracted so much attention on its first trip that people constantly stopped his father to ask where they'd bought it.

These days, Roger lives in a caravan and owns a campervan, making it easy to head off whenever the travel bug strikes. Closer to home, he's recently explored places like Bribie Island and Maleny.

Determined to Keep Going

Roger's adventurous spirit is even more impressive when you learn he lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has had two heart stents.

Yet during his Nordic adventure, he walked an average of 12,000 steps a day and kept pace with family members decades younger than himself.

His secret?

"Determination. I can do it."

Roger refuses to let age or health challenges define what is possible.

"They can get out and do stuff – you just have to put your mind to it and do it."

Never Stop Exploring

When asked what surprised him most about the trip, Roger laughs.

"Basically the whole thing."

From colourful Nordic villages and endless snow-covered landscapes to reindeer, dog sledding and the unique cultures he encountered, every destination offered something memorable.

His motivation remains simple.

"A passion to explore and prove to myself that I can do anything."

And he's not finished yet.

Roger is already chatting to our Travel Agent, Paul in Burnie Brae Travel Connections to start planning a trip to Canada and Alaska in 2027.

His message to others is one he lives by every day:

"It's never too late to do what's in your head to do. The world provides great things for us to explore."

A Note from Vivian, Care Partner – Support at Home Team

I first met Roger in 2022 while I was the Care Partner for his wife, Linda. Later, Roger asked me to become his Care Partner as well.

Over time, I have developed a strong rapport with both Roger and Linda, and it has been a privilege to support them along the way. Through the Support at Home Program, I've assisted Roger with arranging transport, accessing allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry and massage, and organising meal support through providers like Lite n' Easy, helping him maintain his independence and continue doing the things he loves.

Roger has always had a deep love for travel, camping and adventure. Every few months, he sets off in his caravan to explore somewhere new, embracing nature and making the most of every opportunity.

His outlook on life is genuinely inspiring. Roger reminds me that life is short, and it's important to enjoy it while we can.

His story is proof that age doesn't have to stop us chasing our dreams – sometimes, it simply gives us more reasons to pursue them.

Feeling inspired by Roger’s travels? Start planning your own bucket list adventure with our Burnie Brae Travel Connections team!