Copyright Robert Griffing
By the middle of the 18th century, activity in the Champlain Valley area increased, as both France and Great Britain laid claim to this beautiful valley with its crystal clear lakes. The English pushed as far north as the lower end of Lake George and built Fort William Henry. The French came down from Montreal to Crown Point, where they built Fort St. Frederic, then continued south and built Fort Carillon at Ticonderoga.

War parties, explorers, traders and armies passed up and down the lakes in a steady stream, camping on the islands whenever possible to avoid detection from the mainland. A hunting party from Ticonderoga makes camp on an island sanctuary. As they finish their meal, two exhausted, hungry warriors who had been separated from the group finally meet up with their companions. As they draw closer, the sight of their friends and the smell of roasted venison and pipe tobacco remind them of a simpler, more quiet time.