On the technique of using cross sticks to haul really large logs.
In 1965, our outfit log was the largest log to go onto the bonfire. It was a little over three feet thick at the smaller end and over five feet thick at the other end. It was over twenty five feet from top to bottom. We never got a true weight on it, but it was over 3,000 pounds, and was so massive that it was the only log carried on one of the trucks that hauled it and it took two loading outfits to load it.
So how did we handle it? We used the cross stick method. Each cross stick can have three four, or in the case of this massive log five people on each side. The cross sticks are at least four to five inchs in diamiter, and are as long as necessary to allow the six, eight, or ten people to have that stick in the angle of their arms just above the elbows. Usually, they used four sticks, but the monster above had five. The heavy end had two sticks of 10 each, and three more of eight each for a total of 44 lifters. We also had three directors, someone with at least two years prior experience in the lifting technique. One would be in overall charge and one on each flank to watch for obsticals, stumbels, tired individuals, or other problems.
The leader would walk backwards in front of the overall group. The two flankers would be in back even with the last group ready to run up and help an individual stick or to call a halt and set down.
To go from a down position to a standing position required several steps. First the log needed to be rolled onto the cross sticks. This could be done by using additional sticks as levers to lift the main log up and roll it onto the sticks. In the case of the larger log, levers were applied to both sides, four in all to temporarily lift the log to allow a stick to be slide under it.
Once all of the sticks were in place, the people moved into position. Each person needs at least enough room so that they can stand and move with the log without stepping onto the person in front or back of them, ie at least three feet apart, and that they are also far enough from their stick mate sideways that they can lift and carry, again without interfering with one another.
After the people are in position, the initial lift is from the ground to a point where one arm can be under the stick, and then the other one as soon a possible. Additional people can hold the end of the sticks for the intial heave. Thus in our case we had ten more people to provide the initial lift.
This initial lift is done with one knee on the ground and the butt low and back straight. After the initial lift is compleated, with the one, shift, two, shift to get the arms under the carry sticks, again, with the help of the additional lifters, it is a one -heave and everyone stands up.
At that point, and only that point the additional ten people fade back from the log. You then are prepaired to slowly march your log out of the forest.
Our outfit carried this monster log over a half mile. We stopped, and put the log down twice and picked it up again. Each time we squatted with the assistance of the extra lifters and went to one knee then lowered the log to the ground, keeping the back straight.
So all you need is about sixty trained individuals who have strong backs, sharp minds, and a willingness to follow orders without question and several other people to watch to prevent accident. Oh.. and no beer, or other intoxicants at cut, ever. The beer was for after the job was complete.
Those sixty five foot tall bonfires were worth it. On a packed and level ground, secured by inch thick steel cables. Built by the Band and only the Band, with only juniors or above allowed on stack.
Or at least that is the way that we did it.
