An 81-year-old Australian man said he went out for a leisurely drive and accidentally wound up 370 miles away from home.

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Eric Steward, 81, who was visiting friends in Yass, Australia, with his wife, Clare, said he went out for a short drive but became lost and ended up about nine hours off course, The Times of London reported Wednesday.

"I just went out on the road to have a drive, a nice peaceful quiet drive. I didn't know where I was going but I knew it was somewhere, and with a bit of luck I would eventually find my wife again," said Steward, who suffers from slight dementia.

Steward said he finally stopped and asked police for directions in Geelong, which is located just north of Melbourne in the state of Victoria.

Victorian police officer Clayton Smith said Steward was very polite and "very grateful for our help".

"Although we had to laugh. When we asked him why he hadn't stopped earlier he replied, 'I just like to drive.'" he said.