A look at our accomplishment from yesterday. The bolts did not perfectly line up at the "exit" end of the holes. We call it "character".

A single bolt was installed where the GSL passed by the 1st floor girder, just for added stability.

Before we can mark the exact location of the notch on the GSL, we need to take the natural sag out of the center of the girder. We brought in a piece of a log we weren't using...

...and a bottle jack on top. Our post and jack were placed under the girder at its lowest point. To find that, we ran a string line across the top of the girder and measured down to the girder.

The girder was 3" lower at this spot than at the ends. Here, Paul checks the girder against the string line after jacking up the low spot.

We've marked the location of the notches. Paul is positioning the chain winches in preparation of tipping the GSL to work on the notches.

We've also added a ratchet strap below the winch points and connected to the near wall to help hold the GSL in place while tipped.

The center line on the girder that should match back up with the GSL when the notches are finished and the logs are fitted back together.

Working off our temporary scaffold, Paul continues rough-cutting the girder notch.

Knocking out the wood chunks.

Shaping the notch with the chainsaw wheel.

Checking the depth of the notch to see if we're at 2 inches.

Not quite 2 inches, so Paul cuts a little deeper.

Carving the shelf in the girder notch.

Paul also used the chainsaw on this shelf to get a better consistent surface.

Preparing for a fit check.

Taking a little more off the girder notch.

We have a good fit! This time Paul started drilling at the 1st floor girder.

Before drilling, we had to ensure a level hole.

Starting the hole.

Reaming the hole out helps the drill bit do its job.

We have about a 1 1/2" gap between this GSL and its adjacent 1st floor girder. This will be filled with a custom-cut shim block.

With a strap cinching the notches together, Paul starts drilling the first of the two holes at the 2nd floor girder.

The logs get separated again to finish drilling the holes through the GSL.

Putting the two back together before bolting the intersection.

Because the 1" all-thread is fitting into a 1" hole, we have to punch the all-thread through.

Cutting one more stick of all-thread for the single bolt at the 1st floor girder.

Tapping the bolt through the single 1st floor hole.

Finished! Both GSLs are installed.