A Tasmanian Wilderness Night That Sparked a 40-Year Love Story
In 1975, Katherine Scholes was just 16 years old when she first encountered Roger, a 25-year-old artist with grand visions. Returning home one afternoon, she found him having tea with her parents, discussing plans to start an artist's community in Tasmania. Roger stood out immediately in country Tasmania with his worn-out Levi's jeans, Western boots, a blue-grey suit jacket, blonde hair in a ponytail, an enamelled brooch on his lapel, and tiny turquoise beads around his wrist. That night, Katherine wrote in her diary: "Today I have met the kind of man I would one day like to marry." Though she was young and Roger seemed much older, this initial meeting planted a seed for the future.
Years of Crossed Paths and a Surprise Return
Over the following years, Katherine and Roger often crossed paths but never formed a close friendship. Roger eventually returned to Europe, while Katherine began a relationship with a high school friend, which lasted several years before they parted ways. Then, out of the blue, Roger reappeared in town. After years as a sculptor and woodworker, he had rekindled his passion for film-making and invited Katherine, along with a housemate named Steve, on a two-day hike into the Tasmanian wilderness. He was scouting locations for what would become the Australian feature film The Tale of Ruby Rose.
By this time, Katherine was 21 and Roger was 30, making the age difference feel less significant. However, a gulf remained between them. Katherine was in awe of Roger's knowledge of music, literature, and philosophy, as well as his confidence and movie-star looks. She hoped the hike might signal romantic interest, but the first day seemed unpromising as Roger focused on photographing locations rather than her.
A Pivotal Night in the Trapper's Hut
The group spent the night in an old trapper's hut, intended as a film set. Katherine lay between Roger and Steve on a wooden platform, with Tasmanian devils scratching at the door and flames dancing in the fireplace. After Steve fell asleep, Katherine and Roger remained awake, feeling the charged energy between them in the dark. As the fire burned down, they exchanged quiet words about warmth, but neither had much to say. Katherine sensed it was a moment of now or never.
Without a clear decision, she recalls rolling over to kiss Roger, an uncharacteristically decisive move. They embraced and kissed, though they did not have sex or discuss the implications for the future. This night in the trapper's hut marked a turning point, igniting a love story that would last for decades.
A Lifelong Partnership and Legacy
Neither could have imagined the future that unfolded: they married, worked together daily, created numerous books and films, and raised two sons. This one night changed everything, leading to a 40-year partnership filled with creativity and companionship. Sadly, Roger passed away in the winter of 2022 after a long illness. Katherine reflects that grief is a high price for love, but she has never doubted it was worth it. Her memoir, One Night at Silver Lake, captures this poignant journey, reminding us of the power of seizing moments in the wilderness of life.
