Sharp Axes

Another weekend on the road.  The sign said Welcome to Orofino, Idaho. It was the 62nd Logging Show and the Clearwater County Fair.

The time was well spent and the hours on the road were worth it.

My favorite competition was the Springboard Chop.  The contenders chop an unusual angle into a pole and push a pointed flat board into the cut.  They then climb onto the board, which bounces precariously like a diving board, and proceed to chop another place for another board until they reach the top.  Once there, they balance and chop off a smaller attached and secured log .

I also enjoyed watching the muscles flex and spasm as they were pushed to their maximum abilities throughout the day.  Some of these men participated in every contest.

This fellow was last in his time trial. ( They called each group a "flight.")  I was compelled to capture the moment;  exhausted, he turned and sat on his finished product while his chest heaved.

 None of these guys quit.  They finished the job even if they were the last one wielding an axe. And, the announcer reminded the crowd  to encouragement each participant who grew weary.  

Check out the leg muscles.  I didn't have batteries for video when it was time for the Mens Birling competition.

* * * * * *


(If you want to see my short video -  click the link to my Vimeo page.  Sorry -  I didn't include some of the lumberJills who were also throwing axes and sawing logs.)  


Orofino Lumberjack Days from pamela on Vimeo.