The USGS describes Lake Disappointment as "an ephemeral salt lake in one of the most remote areas of Western Australia." It was named in 1897 by a thwarted traveler who thought it might contain drinking water. Sadly for him, the waters are too salty to drink. When full, the lake is thought to cover an area of 38,000 hectares (93,900 acres). It is located near the villages of Jigalong, Newman and Marble Bar. This photo was taken on Dec. 31, 2000.