Carrying their own luggage down the tarmac, Harrison Ford, Calista Flockhart and their son Liam were the last to board a flight to Auckland, New Zealand, in April en route to a hiking vacation in remote Punga Cove. “Harrison’s love of the great outdoors is something he’s passed on to Calista,” says a friend.

For Harrison, 76, and Calista, 54, who will celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary in June, marriage has been the most satisfying adventure. “Romantic love is one of the most exciting and fulfilling kinds of love,” says the Indiana Jones star. “I think there is a potential for it at any stage of your life.”

Harrison Ford Calista Flockhart
FilmMagic

When they met in 2002, Harrison and Calista recognized kindred spirits despite their 22-year age gap. Both had sacrificed their personal lives for success — Harrison in films and Calista on TV’s Ally McBeal — but they hungered for a more meaningful life outside the spotlight.

“They are on the same page about wanting to enjoy the trappings of their success without feeling trapped by it,” says the friend. The actor, who has four adult children from his two previous marriages, also felt lucky to get another chance at fatherhood with their adopted son Liam, 18. “Harrison never thought he’d become a late-in-life dad, but it’s been a tremendous blessing to him,” notes the friend. “He has been mindful to give Liam his full attention.”

Harrison Ford Calista Flockhart
Francois Durand/Getty Images

When the teen heads to college this fall, the couple will have more freedom to fly — literally. Harrison remains an unapologetic pilot despite the 2015 accident that almost cost him his life. “It scared Calista,” admits the pal. “But Harrison is a free spirit — and that’s what she loves about him.”

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