Over the past twenty plus years, ATA member Marty Meierotto has developed a technique for building simple cabins using a minimum of tools and man-power. Several years ago, Marty wrote an article describing the process. Following the appearance of the article in the ATA magazine, members requested that we organize a workshop to actually demonstrate the process. That first workshop was a success. As a result, Marty was dubbed "The Cabin Guru," a title which has earned him unending guff from his fellow smoke-jumpers with the Alaska Fire Service.

Marty using chainsaw to make two logs fit better. Photo by Ross Beal. Click to enlarge.

After a few years, we decided that it was time to do it again. On the last weekend of September 2007, Marty shared his secrets and inimitable sense of humor with sixteen lucky participants. For two full days, the group lifted and sawed and hammered. They asked questions and offered recommendations. By the end of the weekend, a pile of logs had morphed into a solid cabin. Based on comments from the participants, many of them intend to launch similar projects in the near future. They were grateful for the training.

Marty holding log; George Jobe pounding spike. Photo by Ross Beal. Click to enlarge.

ATA thanks Marty and his wife Dominique for their hospitality. We also thank Marty's assistants (Ray Crowe and Dave Greer) for their stamina and patience.

Marty squaring up a corner. Photo by Ross Beal. Click to enlarge.

See also: Cabin Building Workshop