McNeil Island, WA

This island is home to the Federal, turned State prison, which in March 2011 closed its doors due to state budget cuts. It is also, where I called home for my first 16 formative years (64-80) as I grew up here. My dad worked for the FCI and in 1980, when it was known it was being handed over to the state to run, we, as a family, moved to Texas.
Texas is where I lived for 30 years!! BUT, that being said, hardly a day went by that I didn't think I'd ever get back. That was then, this is now. In the summer of 2010, I had the opportunity to move, lock, stock and barrel to Oregon and eventually back to Washington. A dream of mine, realized! But, it wasn't easy. Saying goodbye to friends and family was rough, but realizing a dream is important.

I am now working on a documentary project about living on the island. Pictures to be posted soon.