Valcour Island. Sweet to say the least. Slip quietly in, not to disturb your fellow sailors and please, leave ample space between you and your neighbor for the vessels to swing. remember, these bays are small so anchor well and keep your chain length to a safe amount. The bottom is either mud or stone so give her a good 3000rpm in reverse once you feel she is well anchored to check to see if she will move in windy conditions. To many times I have heared captains say "but we where well anchored, why did we drift in the night". Simple you didn't bury your anchor with an aggressive motor thrust backwards and the wind increased and turned, so the weight of your boat pulled up the anchor. Simply check the weather to be sure you are well hidden for the 
night. Try to explore all the different bays of Valcour, each offers something different and exciting. 
The wild life around the lake is abundant, most of these islands are state parks so we humans are just spectators and try not to be to impolite to your natural hosts. Woodland ducks are common friends and a joy for the kids, adults to. They will come and look for a few pieces of bread from you and it's hard to resist. The chicks in early summer are particularly cute. Outer and beavers are common, along with all sorts of beautiful birds. Try to find the time to have a nature walk on one of the many islands. In the evening the fire flies com out. I have never seen so many mini lights in my life. We get the kids prepared, because there is mosquitoes and 
they can spoil the fun. But the adventure is worth the time invested, the forest will be lit by 
millions of tiny lights, fire flies. This is an example of the walking trails available for you enjoyment at Valcour Island. After a wonderful day of sailing the Captain and crew, relaxes and enjoyed the moment on board Rio. There is apple space for everyone to find a spot for some personal time, alone or together.
After a quiet night, a sailing is the order of the day. You may be planning to travel to a different location or just a day sail and return to Valour to try out another of her many bays. What ever you decide, Lake Champlain will deliver in spades. One of our favorite stops is the Community Boat House Marina in Burlington. Call ahead, the marina fills up quick on weekends. They also have several moorings for rent, just south of the marina. The mooring are less expensive, but there will be a short dinghy ride to the dock, across the busy channel. Which ever you select, a walking tour or trolley ride is a must to do activity. Burlington is a beautiful city with many shops, restaurants and pedestrian streets for your enjoyment.
Off we go, light winds for a day of fun.
Tania trims the sails...
Stephanie takes control...
Today, I am just a spectator, enjoying the ride.
Another little bay for us to spend the afternoon exploring. Snug Harbor, at the south east side
of the island is one of my favorite spots. The bay is quiet small and holds only a few boats, so we arrived early to get a good spot. By late afternoon these bays are taken.The shore line is rocky, but the flat stones are easy to land a dinghy on without any damage. There are a few small sandy beaches for the kids to explore. I always bring along, a couple of bags of firewood and kindling. A fire on the beach is a great way to spend an evening. You will surly make some new friends, as many of your fellow boaters will come to visit the activity.
Bring a bag of bamboo shish Kabob skewers so the kids can roast marshmallows and hot dogs.
under constuction
