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Due to construction schedule challenges, Crew 1776 was not able to construct a new batteau for the 1999 Batteau Festival. Instead, they borrowed a boat (formerly known as Boat VI or The Cartersville of Cumberland) from the Goochland County batteau group. Thanks to Dave Griener, Monk Wachter, and the rest of those guys for loaning us this boat. Special thanks also go to Ralph Smith of the Anthony Rucker for the use of his batteau trailer.

Preparing for departure from Lynchburg

Robbie Roddenbough (left) and Justin Nance (center) prepare to
push the batteau off from the bank

The Batteau Blackwater finally underway

Left to right: William White, Robbie Roddenbough,
Nancy Buckingham, Emily Patton,
Mr. Nance, and Josh Tyler

Robbie Roddenbough displays a
respectable Smallmouth Bass catch

Left: (bottom to top) Tommy Brown, Florence Brown,
and William White descend the bank to reach the
boat Sunday morning.
Right: Dave Savedge serves as an advance scout
in his ocean kayak

Left to Right: Josh Tyler, Will Tyler, and Scott Smith
prepare the boat for its early morning run through
Pettyjohn Shoals.

Left: Chuck Modjeski enjoys a light breakfast
Right: William White, Chuck Modjeski, and Scott Smith
repair a fist-sized hole that was gingerly placed in the
stern of the boat by a rock in Higginbotham Falls.

Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 700 in Ashland, VA
try their hands at poling a batteau for a day.

Curtis (left) and Mugsy set up their bivouac. These two guys
helped us tremendously by scouting rapids for us the
whole week. Another huge helper, Bill Smith, can be seen
at the truck in the background. He transported gear for
our crew for most of the week.

Stephen Sepe, a great crew member, came
to us from Troop 700

Louis Smith, a Scout leader from the Charlottesville area,
tries his hand at operating the rear sweep.

William White (standing) and Florence Brown
begin the nightly process of setting up camp.

Several batteaux stop to assist The Blackwater in
repairing a leak in the bow of the boat.

Will Smith shows off his poling technique

Cory ("Turtle") shows of his weight-lifting technique

Left: Capt. Scott prepares for a showdown between the
batteau and a herd of cattle who are standing in
his desired path.
Right: Tommy Brown expresses his concern for
Scott's mental health.
The cows moved.

Left to Right: Steve and Richard pole the Blackwater
through the last stretch of slow water before reaching
Maidens Landing. William White on rear sweep. Scott
Smith and Laura Zanella seated.