Day 7. Valcour Island offers nice beaches that allow boats to get close to shore. We had the stern of our boat in about 18 inches of water. In the span of an hour we were side-by-side with other members forming an instant beach community.

Children - who have been very tolerate of their parent's 'big sail' over the course of the week, suddenly splashed and played in the water and the beach. They were having a blast! From age 5 to 15 all played with beach balls and water toys.

In the evening we watched the forth of July fireworks- perhaps situated at Plattsburg. With the sky in a backdrop of red, orange and blue I thought about the week- had it been worth the effort? You bet. Would I do it again? Absolutely.

I write this one week after the sail on Lake Champlain. Kathie and I wish we were still on the water, leaving our cares and problems ashore many miles away. Perhaps knowing that for one week, our lives could go no faster than 5 or 6 knots is a big reason for liking our time on the lake. But Kathie and I think that the people we met on this adventure made it into something special - truly everyone of them was likeable and a pleasure to boat with. We now understand why some of them have been doing this cruise since the club began many years ago.

We look forward to Champlain 2004. Hope to see you there.

(The end)

Visit the further adventures of Lady in Red on her website www.trailersailing.com