: How well does the finish hold up against the high mineral content in some of
: those SE Oregon lakes.

No problem that I can detect. Most of the desert lakes are alkiline, but not caustic. Cattle can drink from Mann and insects (damselflies, mayflies, midges, etc.) thrive there as does the Lahontan Cutthroat, an alkiline tolerant variety.

Better stay away from Abert Lake!

Not much survives in Lake Abert except brine shrimp, besides being always windy and rough.

I'll have to look
: up Mann Lake. I only know where Alvord lake is. Hope your pictures have
: Steens?Mountain in the background.

Mann is toward the North end of Steens. Alvord Lake, which is part of the Alvord Desert and is usually dry, is toward the South end.

The part of Steens North and East of Kiger Gorge should be in the background.

Mann is worth the drive. It is quite an experience when the Mann Lake Express comes roaring through, which is why you rarely see tents there. It is not dangerous though, as you can get off the lake quickly if the wind does come up. It is also usually dead calm in the morning.

Chris