16Jun 2018 by JRBF

33rd Annual James River Batteau Festival has started from Percival’s Island – June 16, 2018

Amherst County, Batteau, Lynchburg Launch
[ngg_images source="galleries" container_ids="141" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_pro_horizontal_filmstrip" image_crop="0" image_pan="1" show_playback_controls="1" show_captions="0" caption_class="caption_overlay_bottom" caption_height="70" aspect_ratio="1.5" width="100" width_unit="%" transition="fade" transition_speed="1" slideshow_speed="5" border_size="0" border_color="#ffffff" override_thumbnail_settings="0" thumbnail_width="100" thumbnail_height="75" thumbnail_crop="1" ngg_triggers_display="always" is_ecommerce_enabled="0" order_by="sortorder" order_direction="ASC" returns="included" maximum_entity_count="500"] The James River Batteau Festival began in Lynchburg, Virginia. The boats were lined up along the beach of Percival's Island. Once again Jeff Taylor announced the boats and did a fantastic job as usual. The weather was perfect, the kind you only get once every few festivals! Everyone looked all clean and ready to go in their best old-timey outfits. A new batteau to the festival this year is from the James River State Park is the batteau Madison. Long time friend of the Batteau Festival, Mr. Mike Lee, took the front sweep and a crew lady from the Lady's Slipper is…
Read More
10Jun 2018 by JRBF

Second Annual Amherst County Batteau Day – June 9, 2018.

Amherst County, Amherst County Batteau Day
[ngg_images source="galleries" container_ids="140" display_type="photocrati-nextgen_pro_horizontal_filmstrip" image_crop="0" image_pan="1" show_playback_controls="1" show_captions="0" caption_class="caption_overlay_bottom" caption_height="70" aspect_ratio="1.5" width="100" width_unit="%" transition="fade" transition_speed="1" slideshow_speed="5" border_size="0" border_color="#ffffff" override_thumbnail_settings="0" thumbnail_width="100" thumbnail_height="75" thumbnail_crop="1" ngg_triggers_display="always" is_ecommerce_enabled="0" order_by="sortorder" order_direction="ASC" returns="included" maximum_entity_count="500"] The second annual Amherst County Batteau Day was held beside Rucker Landing beside the James River on the Amherst County Side. The weather was beautiful as I toured the various period craft booths and groups such as the Daughters of the American Revolution and a nice group of ladies from the Legacy group. A man played his instruments and sang in front of the James River Association's Lynchburg office. Dr. Bill Trout and Philip de Vos had the VC&NS booth with the many publications and information on display. Octavia Starbuck was all smiles as she rode the golf cart to check on…
Read More
19Jun 2015 by JRBF

Friday Night – Amherst County Boat Ramp:

Amherst County
The 2015 James River Batteau Festival is almost ready to go! Last minute patching of holes with oakum, loading gear and boxes and of course hugs and handshakes all around! Many old friends happy to see one another once again! The crew of the Batteau Margaret Stevens were very excited as the new crew put the new batteau into the mighty James River for the very first time! The evening air was hot and muggy. Looks like a hot week to come! See you all at Percival's Island Saturday Morning!
Read More
20Jun 2014 by JRBF

Columbia – Friday mid-afternoon update

Amherst County
Zoom Lens Gallery - Photos by Holt Messerly Regular Lens Gallery - Photos by Holt Messerly The river at Columbia was drifting along slowly and the sun shone bright with a few clouds here and there. The batteau Slate River came in and stopped for a short break before departing for Cartersville. After a while others started to come by. The view of the batteaux from the bank in the shade as they pass under the Columbia bridge is very scenic. The cool air from this morning is going away fast. It will probably be warm in Cartersville. This is the "last night out" for the batteaux at this year's festival. There will be a group photo at 7:30 am for all batteau groups. Please be at the boat ramp…
Read More
15Jun 2014 by JRBF

Sunday Morning – Departing Galt’s Mill

Amherst County, Batteau
Zoom Lens Gallery - Photos by Holt Messerly Regular Lens Gallery - Photos by Holt Messerly The sun shone brightly over the old timey James River this morning. As I drove across the Monacan Bridge there was beautiful fog in a patch by the river. Arriving at Galt's Mill about 8:15am the crews were busy getting ready for the day. Katy and Mason Basten were busy putting oakum into a seam in the front of the Fine Creek Mill. The Rocky Creek Wildfire crew were being silly with red nose things they put on for the pictures! It was great to see Buddy High, past JRBF Chairman and past VC&NS President. Buddy was on board the Maple Run. Roger was preparing the chair in the back for todays run. The…
Read More
14Jun 2014 by JRBF

Galt’s Mill – Saturday Night Update…

Amherst County, Batteau
Zoom Lens Gallery - Photos by Holt Messerly Regular Lens Gallery - Photos by Holt Messerly Later in the evening in Galt's Mill, the sun was a golden glow against the river and green trees on the opposite bank. The day on the river went well for most groups, however, there were a few issues. Macon Sammons expressed his concern for Shirley Snidow. Mac told me about how the batteau Spirit of the James was stuck on a rock and Shirley was in the water and in the wrong position - between the boat and a rock. We don't know all the details but some how Shirley's foot got hurt and there may be broken bones. She was taken away to the hospital from Galt's Mill. The batteau Debbie was having…
Read More