Great for the Soul

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The pre-dawn hours hum with restless energy. It's 3:30 a.m., and once again, I can't sleep. I feel like Great Salt Lake is whispering to my soul, urging me to help make sure the world doesn't forget her. I hear her call loud and clear. I gear up for the wilderness, grab my camera gear, and head out into the night in my "Subi."

For the next three hours, I drive through the darkness to Spring Bay, at the northern tip of the lake. I leave my car in a desolate spot, far from the waterline, and hike for another hour to reach the shoreline, getting there just as the sun starts to rise. What I see feels like a murder scene—the lake is stained deep crimson, with vein-like rivulets stretching across its surface. It's heartbreaking, yet there's a harsh beauty in this tragedy. I capture the moment with my camera. Taking these photos feels like a kind of communion, a way of sharing in her sorrow. Tears run down my face as I mourn with Great Salt Lake and find a bit of myself in her grief.

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My connection to this place isn't random. Over the past three years, especially in 2023, I've spent countless days documenting the lake's life, visiting almost every week. My ancestors once lived on Antelope Island, and here, at Great Salt Lake, I understand who I am. Some call her "The Great Salt Lake," but she doesn't need that "the"—Great is part of her name.

Her greatness isn't just in the name. She provides a sanctuary for millions of migratory birds and is a lifeline for industry, even at her own cost. Her salty waters bring the "Greatest Snow on Earth," stirring up childhood memories of epic powder days. She silently absorbs the heavy metals we dump into her.

Her list of qualities is endless, but maybe her greatest power is the way she touches the soul. By her side, I've felt the calming stillness of her waters, reflecting the sky and urging me to be my best. I've watched storms roll over her surface, showing nature's power and reminding me how temporary hardships are. And I've seen her sunsets light up the sky, reflecting off the water and challenging my grip on reality. Every visit to the lake teaches me to appreciate life's changing seasons, each with its own beauty and purpose.

So, I'm inviting you not just to admire her through photos but to act. Visit Great Salt Lake, walk her shores, listen to her stories, and witness her beauty and struggles. Our presence and attention build a bond that drives us to protect and preserve. By connecting with her, we join a legacy of conservation, protecting a treasure that's not just "Great" in name but vital for our health and spirit.

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