‘Sure we’re getting older, but there’s no age limit on adventure!’

I love boardwalks. They make me feel like I’m on a small journey of discovery where each step of the path reveals just a bit more of nature’s secrets; from the majestic to the surreal, safely clinging to a cliff edge feeling the power of the ocean below, or feeling the pit of your stomach turn as you look down to the canyon below, or gently meandering across the calm wetlands through a lush field of water lilies dancing to the tunes of bird life.

But there was something else that stood out as we made our way around the beach front boardwalk in Albany, Western Australia. It was the plaques that lined the length of that boardwalk. It’s not that memorial plaques are anything unusual, but what stood out were the ages of those remembered on the plaques. From young to old, it was our age group that seemed to be the majority.

It was a sobering feeling. I found myself reflecting on those close to me who had also suddenly left. It’s easy to let life draw you down into feelings of emptiness, even envy or frustration. But unlike the people on those plaques, we still have something very special: the winning lottery ticket of life!

And there are plenty of inspiring people proving that point – no matter their age. Like my partner’s 86-years-young mother. She had a bucket list mission to fulfil so we set off to achieve it. This led us to the small outback town of Onslow in Western Australia. Armed with just two old black-and-white photos, she determinedly set about town to retrace her steps from when she lived there as a child 76 years ago. Following leads from one person to another, her efforts were eventually rewarded when she found her childhood home.

I found myself partaking in a similar adventure a couple years back with my mother, who is also 86. Within two hours of a spontaneous decision, we were on a flight to Darwin. We then set off on a campervan trip reminiscing her past travels as we made our way back across Australia to Perth.

It was the same when I was travelling overseas. The number of women I met who were in their 80s and backpacking around the world was inspiring. Then there was 83-year-old Young John, as I called this youthfully minded Japanese American. He takes off for a few months each year to study Spanish in Guatemala.

Clearly, age is no limit when it comes to adventuring!

That’s what I love about travel. The inspiring people you meet. People who have often been dealt with a personal tragedy and then had to adjust to a life they would not have chosen. People who have decided to embraced life to live it to the full.

One such person was a lady I had the pleasure of meeting while recently camping in the Fitzgerald National Park on the south coast of Western Australia.

Mary Fox’s life changed five years ago when her husband suddenly passed away. They had travelled extensively together. Despite finding herself single, she decided she wasn’t prepared to stay home and no longer travel. She has now about to set off for an adventure in her new motorhome. Since the start of her new travelling adventure two years ago, Mary says she hasn’t looked back.

Sure, it can be easy to let the struggles of life get us down, but thankfully there are many inspiring people who can help us get up and make everyday count. All before we too become another memory on a boardwalk plaque.

I invite you to join me on Our Senior Aussie Gap Year journey over on my website and to be a part of sharing some of the best Australia has to offer. We’ll meet people along the way, laugh, learn and be entertained. It’s a journey that I hope will inspire you to live out your own travel adventures.