June brings the Bateau Festival to the James River. Reproduction bateau as well as canoes, kayaks, and even truck tire inner tube “rafts” take to the James River at Lynchburg. For 8 days they pole, steer, paddle & float their way to Richmond. The Festival actually takes place on the river with stops at designated camp sites en route. The half way point is Scottsville where the Festival comes ashore on either side of the town’s boat ramp.
It was a very warm day as is usual for the Scottsville camp. Most of the bateau crews went swimming once thay had secured their craft to the river bank.
A few bateau crews favor period attire. Or at least period-esque attire with period shirts over contemporary shorts & cutoffs. Did I mention it was hot?
Crews also favor hats, particularly cloth hats one get get wet and thus cool ones head.
Some bateau carry a good sized crew. Every bateau carries coolers with iced beverages. Dehydration is a very real danger on the river.
Many of the bateau can be rigged with an awning, perferably one that can be quickly furled if the wind picks up. An awning makes an unpredictable sail in a stiff wind and no one likes getting blown onto a rock ledge.
This bateau has an 8 man crew, which is just about right for a craft if this size.
This bateau has only 4 guys for a crew, but they’re all young guys. Oh the exuberance of youth.
There were fewer vendors than in previous years. There wasn’t a craft fair in the park this year. There were several very fine food vendors and some nice historic displays.
There is generally live music beginning in the late afternoon.
This teepee didn’t come down river on a bateau, it came down in 2 canoes paddled by 4 young guys. They had sleeping gear and all too. Oh the energy of the young.
This is my Rendezvous friend the Paddling Potter from Waynesboro with his Paddling Pooch Partner.
There was a wedding at the Scottsville camp this year. My friend the Potter solemnized the nuptials. There was a bit of a breeze for the ceremony which was a good thing indeed.
Congratulations to the Happy Couple!
