Sharing Her Daily Adventures

GLB: How did you get started boating on the Great Lakes?

JH: This year was really my first year diving completely into it.

GLB: What kind of impact has boating had on your life?

JH: Both sides of my grandparents owned summer cottages on small inlet lakes in Michigan. They owned speedboats, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, small sailboats and pontoons, so I grew up being on the water surrounded by boats. On the weekends my family would gather there and we would enjoy the hot summer days together. I’d say more so that water has impacted my life and that boating is just another way to enjoy it. I learned how to swim, fish, tube, ski, and float there. Boating was just another tool to further my appreciation for the water.

GLB: What is one of your favorite adventures?

JH: I’d have to say that any adventure is really my favorite. I know that sounds cheesy but it's true. I mean, I spent my winter riding my bicycle through both the north and south islands of New Zealand.

GLB: How do you use social media to share your experiences?

JH: Social media is such a funny thing. It can easily be made out to be just blue sky and rainbows all the time. But I really try to be intentional and honest about my experiences and what I am going through. It's been really fun to connect with other sailors and people that eventually have the same dream of living on their boat. I always try and respond with my personal experience and what I have done.

GLB: Where is your favorite place to hang out on the Great Lakes and why?

JH: Working on Mackinac Island doesn't offer that much time off in the summer. But when I get a day off or get out of work early, it is always enjoyable to get a few friends together and make our way across to Bois Blanc Island. On the North East side of the island there's a great spot to anchor for the afternoon and float in the icy water only to get warmed up by the sun.

GLB: Who do you normally take with you on your adventures?

JH: I am still very new to sailing on the Great Lakes so I always make sure I have along a friend or two with heaps of experiences. You never really know what you will run into when you are out there.

GLB: What is the name of your boat?

JH: Ada is the name. It stands for A Daily Adventure, because when sailing and going through life everyday is an adventure. Ada is a 1989 Catalina 22, Wing Keel.

Find Jill Hendrickson at her Instagram account titled A Daily Adventure @jill.hendrickson.