The James River Batteau Festival just celebrated its 34th year. For one week each year, participants travel through the James River using wooden vessels designed after 18th century transports for goods such as tobacco.

While the festival has only been celebrated for 34 years, the participants reenact a history that originated far longer ago.

The festival has a dedicated set of participants who travel through the river by batteau every year.

To view photos of the event, click here.

On Friday, June 21, the travelers were nearing the end of their journey. They were anchoring their batteaus and spending the night at the Cartersville Bridge area. On Saturday, they arrived at the end of their destination in Powhatan.

The wooden batteaus weigh approximately 5,000 pounds.

Roger Nelson, of Buckingham, said he and his fellow batteau crewmembers can travel between 8-10 hours a day.

Roger rode on the batteau called “Rosalee” with his brother and the batteau captain, Byrne.

It takes time, after riding in a batteau for so long, to get accustomed to solid ground.

The process is worth it, however, when they get to enjoy a homemade meal courtesy of members of the Lady’s Slipper batteau crew.

The Lady’s Slipper is the women-led batteau crew. Up until a few years ago, the entire team had been led by women. There are a few men on the team now, but The Lady’s Slipper retains its presence and influence within the festival.

Roger directed the Rosalee as he and the other crewmates moved the batteau further down the river.

They spoke about how peaceful the landscape could be. They said the weather couldn’t have been better if it tried.

The river hasn’t always been still. In some areas, water flows more rapidly than others. Crewmembers said this was part of the thrill.

“It’s reliving history,” Roger said about the festival.