Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge

Funny name, I know.  It's the fur trappers from the 1820's version of a Shoshone Indian name "Sisk-a-dee-agie" or "river of the prairie hen".  Or as we know the bird today, sage grouse.  But, modern name for the river is now Green River because of it's color.  This particular refuge is the result of a 1956 act that provided for the development of wildlife habitat to offset the loss of the habitat when the Flaming Gorge and Fontenelle Dams were built.  To provide a natural habitat for those migratory birds, animals, reptiles to have suitable nesting and breeding habitat.  If you have not visited any of the 550 refuges in the country, you need to do so.  Pristine, natural, beautiful scenery.  Birds, birds, birds! The staff member at the visitor's center said he watched a moose that morning meandering around the banks of the river but we probably would not see it due to it's 'nap time'.

Visitor Center - very informative

Hoping to see him - but napping somewhere under a tree

This particular area of the Refuge was also the cross over point for the Oregon, California, Mormon, and Pony Express Trails, and also the fur trappers before the emigrants came along crossed right near the refuge.  There are segments of the original ruts from the wagons that can be seen.  A replica of the Mormon ferry is on display at the crossing area.  With this being the spring run off, the river was swift, high, cold, and dangerous.  Many emigrants lost their life trying to ford the river on their own instead of paying the fees from the ferry owner.

Wetlands - lots of birds

Green River - very fast, flowing

Mormon Lombard Ferry Crossing of the Green River

Replica of the Mormon ferry

Talk about flat, wide open spaces.  In the distance you can see the snow capped Uinte Mountains to the south, the Wind River Range of the Rocky Mountains to the north and to the west, the Wasatch Range near Salt Lake City.  The area that we are in, Bridger Valley, has many large mining plants - natron (or salt).  Refined - baking soda, fire extinguishers, soaps, glue, snacks, paper, cattle feed - just a few of the things that are made with natron.  Funny story - we stopped to look at the information board for Natron and as I got out I fell flat on my face - my left foot caught in the door while the rest of my body continued to move out.  Dave came around to the passenger side looking for me because he could not see where I went and found me lying face to the ground.  Ugh - klutz! This morning I am very sore but, it could have been worse!  A good laugh now.