McGill, and my original home, Cherry Creek, have been like a vortex, constantly pulling me back to my origins. I have escaped and returned many times. I have never claimed a career, and have experienced many fields of occupation, from oilfields to domestic abuse advocacy, and myriad aspects of the hospitality industry. I have lived in nearly every region of the contiguous USA. I found beauty, no matter where I have trekked, but nowhere, the sheer freedom we enjoy in the countryside of White Pine County.

When my mother passed away in 2004, I was working as a studio photographer in Sulphur Springs, Texas. I expected to be back in Cherry Creek for a few months. Nineteen years later, I'm still here. Contentedly, for the most part. (Dad currently resides at WP Care Center, so I am in Ely several times a week, now.)

Since returning to the magnificent Great Basin, I have been fortunate to be able to develop my skills as a photographer amid an endless landscape of photo opportunities. Wild horses and other wildlife are favorite subjects of mine.

I live in one of the original settlers' cabins built during Cherry Creek's glory days. Preserving this historic relic - one of the last of the old-timers still standing -- has been the focus of much of my energy and limited resources. I try to maintain the integrity of the old structure, and the contributions to it, from the many generations that had inhabited it before me, while simultaneously making it habitable for this 21st century maven. I have sometimes described myself as a "salvage artist".

This year, I will begin a new venture: The Whistle Stop is slated to become the ONLY commercial enterprise serving Cherry Creek (current population: 28 people + about 50 dogs, several dozen cats, assorted livestock, and native wildlife). Life is short. Do the best you can with what you have!