I did not have a chance to get out into the West desert...I will have to put that off until next year....I have not been on in a long time because I moved! I am very happy I did. We now live in a cute little house with just enough land for a few sheep and a llama (who will help me to hike as I get older...which has not happened yet). I have been hiking up in the Oxford and Elkhorn mountains around my new home here in Malad, ID. I really do love it up here. There is so much to explore here and it is all so close. I hope to go hiking in the snow soon. Just a short trip to see the world coverd in quiet white.

Hi Kim, I would think the town of Del Rio and Amistad would be a safe place to travel, however as of late it is not recommended that any Americans travel into Mexico. You should be able to call the police dept of Del Rio to check on safety of the town and Lake Amistad.

I have not been to Amistad in years but it is a beautiful lake to visit. My family would camp out but I don't remember the parks. The lake has lots of history with cave art dating 4000 yrs old. I believe you need a boat to visit some cave sites but they also have tour boats. You can try to google Panter Cave or Seminole Cave for more information. Fishing is also great at this lake with catfish and bass. This lake also offers sites for scuba diving but not sure when would be the best time of year for diving. Del Rio is a boarder town to Mexico but I would not recommend the visit to Mexico without checking on safety of the area first.

Thankx for the compliment on my photo, Kim. My spot is only bout 60ft. wide, but about 100ft. long. Mulberry Creek borders one side and a 20 acre hay field on the other. During the summer months, no one can see me, but I can see all. The photo is lit by a kerosene lantern at ISO 800 at 1/2 SEC. W/A 14mm lens mounted on an Olympus E-Volt 510.
I have viewed your photos, and they are simply beautiful. What type camera did you shoot them with? I also have an E-Volt 500. Olympus has been my mainstay for many years now. I have my eye on a E-3, just need to come up w/the funds. I will be posting more photos here soon. I love this site. Good to hear from you. Keep in touch, Don

I went out just south of Dugway about a year and a half ago. I could not take pics as I was out with a wilderness program for youth and pictures were not allowed (protecting the youth's identity and their location). This is what got me interested in the West Desert. It is eerily beautiful.

I just ordered the book about the West Desert from Amazon...I can't wait!

I don't rockhound or collect anything from the backcountry except memories...I will let you know when I decide on a destination. I am studying the maps, etc. now. Since I often have to hike alone, I really try to scope out where I go carefully (and I do make sure that I leave an itinerary in town)...would love some input! I am so excited to find someone who can give it to me!

No...I don't GPS. I have been map and compassing for over 30 years...I used GPS once, but didn't get hooked. I suppose I should learn, eh?

Thanks Kim! I am off to get that book. I didn't know there was one out there for the West Desert! If you come back here and want a partner to hike with, here let me know...I think I am a bit slow (my son says I'm not that slow), but have a good amount of stamina.