Lifting the Blocks

With the horse-drawn carriage safely up on solid ground, two rails are extended into the water. Once the block is gaffed over near to the rails, it is hooked and lifted with a rope in a block-and-tackle hookup. The rope runs up to near the wagon where simple manpower, a single man with the end of the rope around him and in his grasp, pulls backward until the ice is at the edge of the carriage.
Unhook the block, lower the rope by walking back, and slip the block into place with another gaff. Simple, safe, and effective. Beautiful to watch, as well!