ven·er·a·ble

adjective: accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character.

Adventure travel has long lurked in the marrow of the bones of homo sapiens. There must be something irresistible about the allure of exploring the unknown when men and women like Sir Ernest Shackleton, Amelia Earhart, and those trusting or foolish enough to join them are willing to leave the comforts of home to risk life and limb. Modes of propulsion are many and, once lit, the flame of adventure leaps quickly from candle to bush to tree. For some, Scouting first whetted the appetite. For others, it was a walk in the woods with Dad or a fishing trip with Grandpa. Perhaps it was that pre-adolescent thrill as the clutch was jerkily engaged on the old Jeep. Maybe it was the magical centrifugal sensation during a first motorcycle ride that stuck in our gut like a captive butterfly. Whatever event or combination thereof, when the tinder of adventure is ready, a spark is enough to set our world ablaze.