Katie’s Bio

Marine biology work near Nuka Island, Alaska	I always get asked how the heck I ended up with this passion for the ocean and water after growing up in a rural area of Montana.   My answer? I read waaaaay too many Jacques Cousteau books while growing up.  Seriously.  That, combined with supportive and encouraging parents.	Playing with a dolphin on the bowsprit of Maile in Hawai'i
On the bow of Maile, the gorgeous 50' Gulfstar I worked on in Hawai'i	Our close knit family operated a restaurant and learned from a young age to work and laugh together.  My brothers and I are now keen and capable potato peelers, dish washers and mass salad makers.  All very important life skills, right?  Well, I did come away from this upbringing with these lessons: Work hard, laugh often and always strive to reach your dreams If you really want it, find a way to make it happen And most importantly, my father raised us with this saying: “It’s okay to live your life regretting some of the things you’ve done, but never, ever have regrets of the things you DIDN’T do.  Don’t live your life saying, ‘I wish I would have…'”	Working on a cattle ranch on the Big Island of Hawai'i
Sitting on the sands of Makalawena Bay, Big Island of Hawai'i	I’m sure he’s regretted telling us kids those words… They’ve resonated within me throughout life as I attended school and traveled throughout the west, the Florida Keys,  Australia, Alaska and Hawai’i.  My varied careers have included: Commercial diver on Oahu, Hawai’i Marine biologist in Homer, Alaska Horse wrangler on a cattle ranch on the Big Island of Hawai’i Deckhand on a halibut charter boat in Homer, Alaska Sailboat Captain on a 50′ Gulfstar sailboat on the Big Island of Hawai’i Water Rights / Streamflow Restoration and GIS Analyst in Missoula, MT	Bringing in a tuna for dinner on Maile
Deer and Elk Hunting in Montana	In 2006, I made a transition back to Montana to be closer to family and help out with the restaurant business.  After a few years home, my path eventually crossed with Mark’s via a close friend (Thanks Bri Bri!).  Everything changed after that barbeque. That missing half that I had been searching for all over the world was right here in Montana.  In addition to being my best friend, he’s my partner in crime that is willing and excited to jump into this adventure holding my hand and with his eyes wide open.  He’s everything I’ve ever wanted and I’m the luckiest woman alive.	Winter at home: Ninemile Valley, Montana

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
– Mark Twain