The Crew

CAPT. John Szpak

John grew up in Belmont, MA.  He attended Wheaton College earning a degree in Biology.  He has worked on the water with a variety of jobs including a Marine Science Instructor, Aquaculture Research Assistant, and Shark Researcher.  In the summer of 2010, John received his USCG Merchant Mariner Credential 100-ton Boat Captain license.  Needless to say, the sea runs in his veins.

In his spare time, John enjoys photographing nature's peaceful moments while out on long walks with the dogs.  Whether it's in the woods or on the water, John finds sanctuary when he is off the map.   

Favorites

Color- Blue
Ice Cream Flavor- Oreo Cookies and Cream
Music- Jimmy Buffett and Old Sea Shanties
Activities- Fishing, Diving, Treasure Hunting, Boating, Walking Puppies, Hiking     

First Mate Kristen

Kristen was born and raised on the sunny shores of Florida.  During her many outdoor excursions with Girl Scouting, Kristen quickly realized that she is happiest when surrounded by nature's beauty.  She graduated from Florida State University (GO NOLES!!) with a degree in Biology Science Education.  Summer jobs led Kristen to a career in Marine Science which would shortly become her life passion.  In 2010, Kristen became a PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor and she has been diving with her students ever since.  She truly loves the water and *not so secretly* wishes that she could be a mermaid.

Favorites

Color- Yellow

Ice Cream Flavor- Mint Chocolate Chip

Music- Country

Activities- Diving, Laughing, Dancing, Reading, Boating, Running, Swimming, Surfing, and trying new wine (oh how I love wine). 

Boatswain (overseers for security and food waste removal)

Don't be fooled by their appearance.  Just ask Reef and Caya and they will tell you that even though they may look like dogs, they are indefinitely human.  Of course this isn't true but they sure do act like it. 

Reef was Kristen's first dog (a not-so-well-thought-out-decision in college that cost her an entire month's worth of sleep as she juggled senior year finals and puppy training).  They were best friends until...... Reef met John.  After that, Kristen was a forgotten woman.  Reef had found his true master and you could see the young boy in John's eyes as he played with his new puppy.  

Caya Indian Princess is our Bahamian souvenir.  While living on Eleuthera, we stumbled upon many scraggly potcakes but this one just warmed our hearts.  She fell deeply in love with Reef and insisted that she sleep directly on top of him (to this day, she still wedges herself in Reef's bed just to get closer to big brother).  This island girl is an incredible athlete and a good hunter to boot.  Caya was adopted to give Kristen a new friend but it didn't take long for another one to fall under John's dog whispering spell. 

Both puppies love the water.  This is why we're sure they'll enjoy a life at sea.  It'll be a challenge but morning swims, afternoon hikes, and endless beach runs will hopefully give these two the energy release that they need.  

Favorites

Color- Black and White?  Low blow!
Ice Cream Flavor- Vanilla or Peanut Butter
Music- All, we love dancing
Activities- Running, Chewing on Bones, Chasing Lizards, Chasing Squirrels, Off Leash Hiking, Snuggling, Sniffing, Camping, Swimming, and Rolling in Poop