A Month in an Off Grid Log Cabin in the Wilderness with my Dog - January in Canada

The month of January living off grid in the Canadian wilderness - heating and cooking with wood fire, ice fishing, archery, log cabin building, wildlife filming, making charcoal and more.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:03:12 Breakfast from the woodstove
00:07:19 Guinness and Venison Stew
00:11:39 Firewood processing
00:21:23 Raw deer dog food
00:24:07 Early morning in the cabin
00:27:26 Sausage and egg frittata breakfast
00:30:32 Trimming window and door
00:36:08 Fried perch with potatoes
00:42:53 Traditional archery practice
00:45:17 Making charcoal in the wood stove
00:48:50 Ice fishing for brook trout
00:51:55 Longbow shooting practice
00:54:26 Hiking my property, clearing trails
00:59:28 Campfire cooking trout on a stick
Patreon: / myselfreliance
Shawn James KZbin Channel: / shawnjames1
CLOTHING: teespring.com/stores/my-self-...
AMAZON LINKS: www.amazon.com/shop/myselfrel...
Best of My Self Reliance: bit.ly/2OfW7ry
2022 OFF GRID CABIN LIFE: • 2022 Off Grid Cabin Life
OFF GRID LIVING: • Log Cabin & Off Grid L...
COOKING: • Cooking at the Cabin
BUILDING LOG CABIN WITH HAND TOOLS: • Building a Log Cabin A...
BUILDING OFF GRID SAUNA: • Building an Off Grid S...
BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL: • Bushcraft & Survival
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Instagram - / myselfreliance
Mailing Address for items sent by regular mail:
My Self Reliance/Shawn James
51 King William Street
P.O. Box 30017
Huntsville, ON
P1H 0B5
Address for items sent by courier:
200 Manitoba St., Unit 3, Suite 415
Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E2
00:00:00 Introduction
00:03:12 Breakfast from the woodstove
00:07:19 Guinness and Venison Stew
00:11:39 Firewood processing
00:21:23 Raw deer dog food
00:24:07 Early morning in the cabin
00:27:26 Sausage and egg frittata breakfast
00:30:32 Trimming window and door
00:36:08 Fried perch with potatoes
00:42:53 Traditional archery practice
00:45:17 Making charcoal in the wood stove
00:48:50 Ice fishing for brook trout
00:51:55 Longbow shooting practice
00:54:26 Hiking my property, clearing trails
00:59:28 Campfire cooking trout on a stick

[@sk8r4life92188]

My dog loves your channel. He comes running to the tv every time the video starts and sure enough Cali is there waiting for him. Great stuff. -Allentown,PA

[@yogininamaste]

My dog barks at Cali and wants to play lol I used to live in Chalfont PA 🙂

[@marianfrances4959]

My cat is snoring...LOL

[@motownXJdad9565]

my dog does the same thing👍, she likes the deer too

[@kellybadea5315]

Bethlehem trumps Allentown. Haha JK. I This is such a great channel isn’t it?!

[@paulcardsfan]

Another great video 📹 Emily is getting very professional with her videos too. Love ❤️ her music selection. 🎶

[@PrimitiveSkillsnet]

like-minded friend, I admire you so much. thanks

[@kristinaharrison4545]

I am a fan of your channel and especially your wife, she reminds me of myself for a rare but hard work ethic you can't find in the woman of today's world hardly, God bless you all

[@PrimitiveSkillsnet]

@@kristinaharrison4545 thanks

[@issaiss631]

hello frende))))

[@Mike-iv3hy]

Clearly much more comfortable nowadays than last yr at the cabin ! Sleeping in pj and slippers , instead of jeans and sleeping in the barn ! Mike .

[@ericchilver9113]

Must be an awesome feeling of accomplishment achievement Shawn to complete your ( second cabin 3rdcabin its three now right )and be able to step outside and go grow your food and hunt and fish. Fantastic to see your reaping the rewards of your hard work and time. I could learn so much ….👍🇦🇺🇨🇦 love what you’ve done Oh yeah 3rd Cabin , I remember hearing you say you built one years prior

[@joshuamelby]

3rd cabin. One as a young man as well.

[@johnbolton9483]

3rd cabin.

[@theodorehowe2262]

Being able to live the lifestyle you want and to be comfortable with your surroundings is priceless. Taking and using the resources you have available and making the best possible choices for your future is Self-reliance at its best. Giving back to the environment ecosystem, harvesting animals for food and growing crops has been a positive development in our lifestyle. It’s been an exciting journey watching our growth through the years Shawn and I’ve learned a lot about how to be more Self-reliant with my own life.

[@terrywilson7518]

THIS GUY HAS NAILED IT. DONT TALK AND SHOW STUFF. WELL DONE

[@colinhingston4048]

Best of all. No terrible music!

[@watsondna]

He does talk on his other channel but limits it to what he is doing and why. The best of both worlds. Learn there relax here.

[@adbc8213]

Ditto! Language/talking is a distraction....

[@holdurhorse9149]

Normally he doesn’t use any nail unless the connection requires nailing.

[@denaredford6701]

Yes , and he been doing it for a while making bank . His formula for producing the goods is a great work ethic .

[@markemerson8399]

Shawn, after all your extremely hard work it's so great to see you enjoying winter in the ambiance of your amazing new shelter! Truly another work of art!

[@janelinley3624]

I agree 😊

[@markemerson8399]

@@janelinley3624 Jane, maybe I'm overstating it a bit but to me Shawn's homestead is like a jewel in this world.

[@user-ql9rq7ft3f]

@@markemerson8399 Согласна с Вами на все 💯!!!!😉

[@markemerson8399]

@@user-ql9rq7ft3f Friend, I don't speak Russian however the Google translator says, "agree with you on everything". Best wishes!

[@markemerson8399]

@@user-ql9rq7ft3f Greetings Ludmila! I hope life in Belarus is treating you well! My name is Mark and I'm from Australia, however I've been living in Dharamsala in India for about 8 years. For me it is extremely enjoyable to see the inside of Shawn's log house especially in winter. However, it will be interesting to follow the developments with Shawn's greenhouse and outdoor kitchen.

[@dianegresham555]

He is a perfect example for all of humanity.

[@charleneviccaro1064]

AMEN TO THAT.

[@timepasses3380]

The pics of the cabin you built 30+ years ago are a nice addition to the intro.

[@joshuamelby]

Noticed those awesome picture's too.

[@annh9225]

Dear Shawn, As an old lady who loved camping in Algonquin park in my 20's, I find this cosy, everyday video so wonderfully relaxing, I can almost smell the sausages and feel the warmth of the wood fire. So wonderful! I can now see every angle of your hand made house, and just how well planned, built and sturdy everything is. You are a remarkable man! Loving and loyal Cali is there, the only missing bit is you wife and children. Love from Canada! XX

[@oldoutdoorsguy1157]

@@dol3980 What a narrow-minded reply!! Reading a book about someone else's experiences and then comparing those experiences to what Shawn has done is not even CLOSE to actually LIVING just 10 minutes in either one of those 2 men's hiking boots. Shame on you for such a conclusion, I was a wilderness guide in the Quetico for many summers during my life and I would no more compare THAT life which I enjoyed so much to ANYONE else's life than I would to show people how uninformed I am as you have done by this dis-service to a man who is living his DREAM! You can BANK on that reply ...b

[@blacksky54]

@@dol3980 read? are you ok .... haow is possible to think like you

[@user-tu2xf4uf3n]

let me guess u have a golden retriever too?

[@bjrn-stianhansen4520]

Would be great if you could post a tour walkthrough of the inside of the cabin, including downstairs 😁

[@MySelfReliance]

I’ll do a full cabin tour in March when the interior is done.

[@davidpenwell7418]

Can't wait to watch that video I have watched every video more then once absolutely love the content

[@Barbarra63297]

Love these longer videos. That shot through the windows of the snow coming down, beautiful!

[@jamiemueller1881]

The peace and calm are palpable. It's a kind of living paradox because we've seen and heard the noise of the making. It's so lovely to see you relaxing by a fire and reaping your hard-earned rest (which is still plenty of work). Thanks for another great video, Shawn.

[@douggibson9084]

Love your intro Shawn, showing your Self Reliance Journey.

[@angelag8196]

That was my favorite video of the city life turning to cabin life. 🥰 It should be on every video intro...

[@RedHerring2587]

Thanks for sharing these videos Shawn, ive always enjoyed watching them 😃👍

[@Tomhohenadel]

Shawn, the cabin looks great. Nice to see you relaxing and enjoying your morning coffee and chaga. Well deserved time for peaceful reflection. Thanks, be well.

[@raquelhernandez1733]

Shawn, this is the first time I see you so relax, having hearty breakfast and a delicious stew. Sweet Cali, playing by Cali's Creek puts a smile on my face. I know you still have to finish some things in the cabin, but is ready enough for you to live in it. I'm so happy for you. God bless you and your beautiful family. Hugs for Cali.

[@mseivers]

My wife and I were down to watching re-runs last night. Thanks for the new footage!

[@chazleighann]

All is right in your world !! Enjoy you sharing with us.

[@cyndybutler7330]

Glad you can relax a little and enjoy what you’ve created

[@Jaynes-Path]

When you think about all Shawn has accomplished and his over 2 million subscribers (who knows how many watch without being subscribed) without having a "major catastrophe" every other week or one of his daughters or wife running around nearly naked every video, it just proves he's doing what people really want. We would all want to be living peacefully, where and how we choose. To some it would have more people or indoor water for example but those are not where he wants to be and it's OK for him. It's his choice and he is allowing us to see what he has done to reach his goals. I'm so thankful that he has!

[@tombryan1]

Some people want nudity, thats just a fact

[@danajessop2835]

​@@tombryan1I'll be fine with only Cali running around naked. 😂 Shawn is a handsome man, but I don't need to see his muscles. I simply like seeing how he makes those muscles with his beautiful builds and lifestyle. 😊

[@kurtheinen2139]

She's such a smart dog! And, she's lucky to have you, living her best life. Awesome!

[@wendellsullivan2341]

This is absolutely one of your best. A better feel of what it is to live that lifestyle. The day in day out rhythm. Thank you for a very relaxing time.

[@brendonmitchell2597]

Hi Shawn. I have been following you for some while now. I have just had one of those years, you don’t want to talk about. You have helped me through that year. I started following your blogs with the build of your log cabin. Then moving on to your home. A very lonely life, but if you enjoy your own company, as well as Cali bless her, life is there. All around you. I wish you peace and good health. I look forward to your next video, to see what you have been getting up to.

[@Ddrhl]

Good morning (nearly 3am) from the Bay Area of CA!

[@weronikastrizh7822]

Не можу мовчати = в мене 5 собак , й хлопці й дивчата , ми всіх простерізувалі . Дивлюся на ваше спілкування з Келлі - й душа радіє ! Е ж у світі добрі люди ! Ну як можна отаке чудо вбити та й ще й зісти ! Я ваід московитів просто в шоці ! Нелюди !

[@matthewgill4562]

Sean I have watched you for years. I especially love the building episodes. That being said, this is my favorite video ever! Nicely done sir. You inspire

[@kingrafa3938]

You watched him for years but you didn't know his name. Don't edit your comment i read it already 😂

[@matthewgill4562]

You are right 👍. Nicely done. But I think you may have missed the point 😉. Props for SHAWN!

[@kingrafa3938]

@@matthewgill4562 but at first you didn't know his name but you watched him for years. That's strange because people who watched him for years knew his name but you didn't.

[@MADZIA0606]

*Hello everyone!* 👋😊

[@luckyedwards4870]

I really like how ur new cabin looks, it's pretty dang awesome. Such an impressive job u did.

[@TaigaTurf]

Walking the property is my favorite aspect of owning a large parcel of land.. so much to see in one's own backyard. Cool intro too..

[@DJClearMusic]

I've started to look forward to Fridays for awhile now. Thanks for sharing your adventure with the 12 hour, over night shift workers like me!

[@Mark-id7fq]

Nothing better than a warm fire in a woodstove on a cold winters night!

[@shannonelam6766]

Hello again Shawn, your videos are always interesting, relaxing, and instructional, and I always enjoy seeing you and Cali together being the great partnership that you are together. I really liked Cali as she appeared trying to help gather firewood, she’s a wonderful pup and the best kind of companionship a person can have! Keep the videos coming and I’ll continue watching and enjoying. Also, congratulations for passing the 2 million subscribers mark, you deserve it and I know your channel will continue growing knowing you will soon be starting the next project that I’d guess will be a nice covered outdoor kitchen. Thanks again….

[@dorothyallen3614]

Hello, on what’s next, I believe it’s going to be the indoor bathroom for the wifey and the bedroom sleeping area in the loft. He might surprise us, let’s wait and see. Shawn keep on keeping on, what a lovely home and beautiful scenery in nature that surrounds your wakening every day, your life as you chose long ago. Be well and safe ❤

[@robinmeek7593]

I found myself so totally immersed in this video that I almost opened my door to let my golden retriever in...and I don't even have a golden retriever!

[@kingrafa3938]

LOL

[@annrhodes3544]

Time to get one.

[@deborl7278]

Isn't it amazing ? We sure do get involved lol

[@theUcane]

No idea why I only got this video now. Stupid algorithm. But I just love that you can talk to Cali in full sentences. She's really smart and the bond you two share is amazing.

[@juriekakoti2523]

It is always lovely to be with a dog.they do not complain .they only follow and trust us.

[@larrymaxwell5535]

I'm enjoying watching the inside life of your mornings and evenings living in your cabin! Thank you! Your vegetables that you grew look delicious 😋, you're a master Chief as well as a master journeyman carpenter and tin bender!

[@mariewoodcock1244]

Shawn you are so inspiring. Your commitment to the environment commendable. Your work is exemplary & boundless. The relationship you have with your beautiful dog Cali is heartwarming. We never miss your videos & always look forward to the next. Thank you from Perth Western Australia.

[@41murphy2]

I love watching your show it’s so calming. I find myself watching others build their cabins saying Shawn wouldn’t do it that way. I’m not sure of admiring your skills or watching Cali, she is the most beautiful and smart dog. She’s so lucky to live such a free and loving life. 😊

[@pm5626]

I rescued a wolf hybred/ malamute…… SMART AND VERY HIGH ENERGY PUP….. and Beautiful!

[@leslikayolney7484]

I love the music in these videos Shawn. The drone footage in these videos are like showing a piece of heaven on earth. Love the new cabin too, you do such great work and are so talented. Thank you so much for sharing Cali & your side of world with us.

[@soniabianchini1153]

Amigooooo! Adoro teus vídeos!!!! Tua gastronomia!!!! Teu cachorro!!!!! Abraço do Brasil 🇧🇷

[@reginaagathos5714]

Next we will be seeing the Sean James/MySelfReliance collection at a Homesense near you. I'll be first in line 😍

[@ronsafreed2400]

im watching this again,Shawn ,while grilling pork chops..and potatoes...you just cant beat home cooking..i got a 22 inch 2 burner black stone grill that im just loving,,propane.....i have no oven,,so i make fried bread,,,so good..Great Video Shawn...

[@PetePlantasUniversoCaipira]

The best regards from Brazil, Shawn!!! God bless your life, my friend!!! 🇧🇷

[@Live2dayWanderland]

Beautiful winter adventure, one of our favorite times of year to be outdoors

[@robertdonaldson6584]

I remember full length Beaver skin coats in Winnipeg. 1950's.

[@douglasahrens7024]

People always want to pass rumors, due to you and your family, look happy, by you keeping the Eco system going well with food storage, providing plants, trees for wildlife, made with your own hands and the help of your family, a beautiful cabin, well done. People get jealous of you and your families life, don't worry about explaining their rumors about what's going on in your life, your fans love watching your videos

[@cindy9032]

It's cold here in the Appalachian Mtns this morn...brrr...put another log on the fire 🔥 and pour me a cuppa coffee ☕

[@danielsmart8398]

The cinematography in your videos Shawn is second to none. Your editing skills have improved dramatically over the journey. Best show on KZbin by that far it’s not funny! Keep doing your thing, we love it!!! ❤💪

[@dimimar6444]

I was impressed when you sat to eat your meal but then saw your dog is not with you,immediately got up ,left your food and went to check on Cali and took care for her. Loved it.

[@moniquebouchard3724]

I love the transition of you walking to the office in your grey suit (very dapper btw) and then walking to the cabin in your snow gear. That tells alot of the story right there. Nice!

[@charlottecannon314]

Good morning, Shawn! Fantastic to see you and another video. Your place is looking really good. Hope you put a rail up around that basement/root cellar opening pretty soon, and a hand rail going down -looks like a sure accident just waiting to happen. Wishing you another great day! Best wishes.

[@JR-gc8el]

Awesome , just how I would want to live! Everything you could ever need in life! Your companion at your side, your home , warmth, food and with thanks to God for making it all possible! I love it!

[@markholbrook3949]

If I"m honest with myself I can only dream of having the character and skillsets this guy has. Imagine building your house and some other buildings with your bare hands and then saying screw this I'm moving! Then doing it all over again.. DAMN! Much respect

[@MikeGsAdventures]

Always great stuff and a creek side lunch. a folding hand saw would have been better suited instead of the hatchet, no?

[@timsebastian5758]

That was such a wonderful video Shawn! Spending the time watching you is always a learning experience. Seeing all of the critters around is also a treat. Id be ready for a big nap after all of that. Cali looked as though she was enjoying the hike and her nap in the snow. Thank you for letting us join you each video. It gives most of us a chance to step back and enjoy all you do and escape our everyday lives for a short time.

[@sebarbar2174]

Love to see you pottering around Cooking Just being Thankyou

[@TheGrimTrimmer]

Have been waiting for these kinda episodes which isn't just about building things, although those are my favourites. Awesome stuff. 10/10

[@dave710]

Massively impressed - well done mate - 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@art7even]

Золотые руки у человека! Очень приятно следить за его работой! Всех благ вам!

[@MrBurtur]

Это точно Слежу за ним с самого начала, уже несколько лет Прекрасный плотник, столяр, каменщик, жестянщик Умелый охотник, рыбак, огородник и неплохой повар Дочь Эмили(у нее свой сайт) в отца Весьма рукастая девочка

[@issaiss631]

согласен,у него дочь в него пошла)))

[@carolelong6395]

I really enjoy what you have done to your home and a nice cook out, thank you sir.

[@DavHill77]

Always good to finish the night with a Guinness 😊

[@matthewschultz7945]

Your intro montage is outstanding. It must be very satisfying to see all your accomplishments together like that.

[@kristinaharrison4545]

Good morning I can't wait to be on my own property sometime soon lord willing... Looks peaceful and I am sure in need of a off Grid and off the beaten path to get back to the way I am comfortable living

[@daveyjoweaver6282]

Every time you cook I get hungry, both you and Emily! And that fish looked delicious! Kind Thanks for a snippet into cabin life once again. Nothing like settling in to your easy chair by the fire with a book or journal, a CuppaJO and Cali by your side. What winter beauty there and the wildlife is a treat indeed! Many Blessings with Many Thanks! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania

[@angiegranberry3366]

Love this video, showing your life for real! But the sweet companionship with that beautiful Golden was to my much delight!!!

[@bka8851]

This literally looks like a dream come true. I love my dog I would love to be able to spend awhile in a cabin like that with just me and my buddy. No cell phone, no TV no internet just living the good life

[@MrJamesdCarter]

Thanks for showing to your viewers the beauty of our Ontario's wilderness areas.

[@smokedoliver1]

It’s good to see you take time to enjoy the results of your hard work.

[@stevstro4498]

Shawn, I almost fainted when I saw the size & number of lake perch you caught! They're virtually non-existent in Central Illinois. A pound goes for $37.80! Having grown up in Wisconsin in the 50s & 60s, we were used to catching, frying & eating them whenever we wanted. How times have changed. Thanks for sharing your off-grid life.

[@joyfullrecipesjoyfullrecip6009]

A very very beautiful and long video! Thank you for sharing more your daily life at the cabin in this winter season. Greetings from Sanremo, Italy! 🙋‍♀🥰

[@jameswulzen590]

that quick shot of the entry to the cabin, those huge logs you fitted in is a site to behold knowing how you did it, great work dude.

[@ronwatson4902]

Great video Shawn. Looks like you're living the life you wanted. Congrats!

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Shawn . 🐺

[@sebwood6316]

Thank you so much for this " Magnifique Video"!!Always a Great Pleasure to watch them!! Merci Shawn🤠

[@moonlesslamb]

This was so relaxing ❤ And now I’m also starving 😂😂😂 your food looks so yummy.

[@leo_augusto]

awsome life!

[@dorafurness466]

Thank you for sharing

[@ceicidumoi3807]

Such a beautiful cabin and the snow outside looks like a wonderland....I would never leave that majestic place...❤❤❤❤

[@167curly]

It's good to see how you and Cali keep each other company in the Canadian wintertime, Shawn, and both enjoying the outdoors together. Your meaty stews with root veggies and a rich Guinness stock look yummy.

[@hugofernandez2521]

Único en la forma de ver y transmitir el sentimiento de disfrutar lo que uno ama, éxitos con los videos siempre saludos desde Asunción Paraguay...

[@MtnRidgeStitcher]

Thank you for sharing your small area of nature with us!

[@chrisblack8390]

Hi Shawn. Nice to see cabin life again. So peaceful. Thanks

[@tonandmarc]

I'm so happy to see you take time to relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

[@johnkenny2210]

Another top show thanks for sharing 👍

[@Cyberdemon1985]

I love the chrome wood burning stove. I hope on the next video you can talk more about it as on model and manufacturer especially in USA and Canada. 😊

[@gloriapatri5257]

So glad to see all your hard work last winter paying off. Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us.

[@ForsytheBushcraftBlades]

One of the absolute best videos I've ever seen! I've watched you from the very first, Shawn, and I cannot thank you enough for the countless hours of relaxation and enjoyment, as well as inspiration and education, that you have provided for us. Much respect.

[@sylviabrink871]

It is a joy to watch your channel on Friday. You're amazing Shawn James! Canadians, you guys take the cake!!

[@philliphansen2036]

It’s good to see you relax with all the labor you have put into your cabin

[@Semenov777]

Great video, what a beautiful our nature! :) 👍

[@magnusjohansson2708]

Fantastic episode❤

[@hollynoscar3534]

love a nice long video of you and cali enjoying the fruits of your labour. enjoy.

[@msamelienp]

This is a wonderful video. Thanks for showing us all the cool stuff you can do and how to do things too.

[@margorose6209]

Одно наслаждение смотреть ваши видео, душе приятно , собачку так и хочется обнять , спасибо за видео

[@hsbro1]

I can always see and certainly appreciate the time and dedication it takes to create this quality of content . Amazing!

[@ot965]

Its very beautiful to see the marten and the wild natur around you. So calm all.

[@jonathansquires3114]

Wonderful! Peace and solitude with your dog, enjoying that awesome cabin....the best!

[@alexkasacous]

Nice to see a little comfort at the new cabin. I imagine it will improve productivity being able to stay longer on-site and get a good night sleep. How's the greenhouse holding up this year?