We travelled down the wide Merwede River with the wind blowing about 30 kph with plenty of room to get out of the way of the barges. 
Dordrecht was a welcome sight and after battling the wind, the harbour master opened the bridge and we went through between the buildings into the calm of the Maartinsgat Boat Club, right in the centre of the old town of Dordrecht. 
The harbour was filling fast and we were squeezed in alongside another boat. Eventually you could walk from boat to boat so many came to see the festival. The arrow shows our boat. The other harbours were full also so we were glad we had booked. 
The largest steam power event in Europe takes place over three days and is held every two years. Steam machines enthusiasts bring all types of steam machines for display and are all working models. They range from model steam trains and boats to ride on trains and trucks, steam powered musical organs, huge tractors and trucks, a horse drawn fire engine, every type of steam barge and boats even huge steam driven dredges and cranes and a 75 year old war ship. The ships were moored in the picturesque small harbours of Dordrecht and the land machines lined the streets and edges of the harbours. 
Diana and Arthur who told us the festival was on came down from Rotterdam by the Waterbus to stay a couple of days and join in the fun. The waterbuses are a great way to travel around it cost about 5 euro return to Rotterdam. Friday afternoon we walked around checking out the sites. The Rosalie from Enkhuizen, built in 1873 was the oldest steam boat in the parade. Kevin was invited to look over the ship and went down to see the engine room. 
People were tinkering with motors and boats all over the place getting ready for the big night parade and the following days. 
The harbours were decorated to look as it would have been in steam power era. 
The night naval parade was amazing with every type of watercraft imaginable taking place. The noise was deafening when all the steam sirens went off accompanied by a huge steam organ on a ferry boat. 
This tiny steam boat was dwarfed by the passenger steamer. 
Along with the ships were the most amazing huge steam machines from the 1930’s which still work and were towed or pushed by barges. They looked like something out of a Sci-fi movie. 
Saturday morning we wandered around listening to the Shanty Choirs at various venues around the harbours and looked at the large steam machinery 
There was even a steam powered fire engine drawn by magnificent horses. 
Arthur and Kevin went out by themselves and came home with a red rose each and a story to tell.
We walked through this magnificent archway following the crowd to the next harbour. It was time to look over the big ships and sit down as we listened to more shanty tunes. These choirs certainly enjoy their singing and so do the crowd. 
Soon it was time to go back to the boat and rest the feet have a drink or two with our dinner and then back out to see the harbour at night with all the lights on. 
Will we last another day looking at Kevin with his red rose I am not too sure!!! 
Sunday we are up early and out again. We came across this miniature steam train being refuelled with coal ready to take passengers for rides. 
This steam powered bicycle was most unusual. 
Toys for the big boys, they were all really cute and came in various sizes and styles.
Did it shrink or did he grow? 
Anyone for shopping, no problem parking. 
The rest of the day was filled with eating Lekker (delicious) custard filled donuts 
While having a coffee we came across this very strange group of folks who belonged to the Clay Pipe Club. 
Then it started to rain and it was time to head back to the boat, but it did not stop the crowd from listening. A good shanty song puts everyone in a good mood. 
What a great time we had at the Dordrecht Steam Festival
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