The pickaxe struck the rock, generating sparks that flew.
On a bottomless cliff, dozens of workers were strapped with ropes soaked in pine resin, clinging like spiders to the nearly vertical rock face.
Sturdy pine stakes were wedged into holes carved out of the rock using fossilized mud.
These stakes were arranged in two layers, interlocked.
On one side of the mountain path, several artisans sat on the slightly swaying pine stakes, wielding hammers to nail them down.
Thick planks had to be inserted between the stakes, secured with square nails to form stabilized triangles.
To prevent breakage, iron hoops were used to reinforce the middle of the stakes.
Large wooden planks and straw mats were laid on the top layer to distribute the load and prevent concentrated pressure from damaging the plank road surface.
From the small hardware workshop in Lower Reif County, all external sales were suspended to fully supply the construction of the plank road.
"How much longer?"
