Great Salt Lake is the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River. It is 75 miles long, and it has no outlet. Water leaves only through evaporation. It is 6 times saltier than the sea. Tom and I floated in it like two corks. It is impossible to drown. It feels like swimming with an inner tube. Despite the saltiness, and extremely dry habitat, Salt Lake provides habitat for many living creatures: shrimp brine, flies, spiders, and several types of algae. The island is inhabited by birds, buffalo, antelope, and jack rabbits. As we were tent camping on the island, we could see jack rabbits with their big ears hopping in the sage brush. There was even one buffalo grazing peacefully by the water. We learned later that the island has more than 40 major fresh water springs which are necessary for the survival of all the animals.
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