My friends know that I’m not a risk taker. You won’t catch me bungee jumping, skydiving or even riding a big roller coaster.

There are certain things I’ll make myself do when on vacation, like horseback riding, snow skiing, riding in a gondola or snorkeling. (Actually, I haven’t really snorkeled since my honeymoon when I was chased — OK, maybe just followed — by a barracuda. And, where was my new husband?) But, if there’s the slightest risk of being trampled, plummeting to my death or being eaten, I have a hard time letting go and having fun.

I’m not proud that I’m afraid and I don’t behave this way by choice, believe me. I definitely don’t want my kids to be afraid to do something incredible and over the top — if that’s what they choose to do. But for me, adventure comes in a different form — on my terms, I guess you could say.

(Rod Aydelotte photo)

Planning is a big part of it for me — which probably defies the essence of adventure from the get-go. I have a list of the most amazing places I want to experience in my lifetime — and I love thinking about each one of them and what it will be like when I finally get there. Most of the places on my list are extreme and spectacular destinations — like the Grand Canyon (check) and the volcanoes of Hawaii.

I think about how and when the place was first created — and all the people who’ve stood there before me, throughout the ages. The scientific facts and concepts are stunning. I don’t have to scale the sheer cliffs of these places to be awe-struck. (But, I would like to take a zip-line tour. That sounds safe enough.)

This month, we offer stories of adventure and recreation of all kinds. From the seat of a Harley-Davidson and the basket of a hot air balloon to a kayak in the Brazos River and the starting line of the upcoming Tri-Waco event — everything you need for your own adventure (or to live vicariously through others) is in these pages. In our story “50 Cool Things to Do This Summer,” I hope you will find at least one way to add a little adventure to your own life.

Oh, I did take one risk this month, however, to fulfill a professional obligation. After one of our Harley photo shoots (See “Stories From The Road” on page 42), Mary Abrahams said “Hop on, I’ll give you a ride back.” Trying to seem cool and like I’m up for anything, I jumped on the back seat of her bike — red purse and all. As she took off, intrepid Trib photographer Rod Aydelotte caught it on camera. (Don’t I look adventurous?) Gosh, I just love our photographers.