Building a Rustic Log Cabin: Wood Plank Flooring and the Cost of Early Retirement

#logcabin #wood #shelter
Busy week at the log cabin in the forest as I rush to cut enough firewood to heat the cabin for the winter, add more moss between the logs in the walls, build a new door, build the framing for the floors and install a 2”x6” pine wood plank floor. For the floor boards, I used the same technique as the roof - shou sugi ban, a Japanese wood preservation technique. In the floor, I construct a wood box set into the ground with concrete base, and will insulate it and the entire floor with sawdust next week. With most of the chinking done, the cabin gets up above 20 degrees Celsius with the fire burning.
This week, a deer gets into my hay bale archery target, spending three nights eating it. With all of snow, the deer are starting to move to their winter deer yards, so I’ll know soon if any are going to stick around for the winter. The snow comes and goes at this time of year - 4” of snow on the ground one day and next to nothing a few days later.
I talk more than usual in this video, first explaining why I’m building this cabin and simplifying my life, how much you need to have saved in order to retire and how much this lifestyle costs. Near the end of the video, I talk about Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and our penchant for spending money on too many possessions. I compare our modern habits to laws of nature, and why I believe we will never get our bad habits under control.
Of course, I cook at least one meal in the cast iron pan on the fire, eating prime rib roast two days in a row.
Please follow me on my other online channels;
Website: myselfreliance.com/
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Personal Facebook Page (Shawn James) - / shawn.james.msr
Instagram - / myselfreliance
My Self reliance, shawn james, winter camping, Bushcraft, Woodcraft, Survival, Primitive skills, Nature, EDC, Preparedness, Homesteading, Homestead, Camping, Fire, Self Reliance, Self Sufficiency, Living Off The Land, Off The Grid, Primitive Shelters, Feathersticks, Campfire, Campfire Cooking, Fjallraven, outdoors

[@pharaun159]

Just wanted to say a few things. I want you to know i found your videos at an interesting time in my life. When i was in my 20s i was a force of nature. Anything i ever wanted to do, i just did. I was a skinny 6'4" 180lb wave that tackeled whatever i was interested in. I was pationat about things. I got angry hard, happy hard, and loved hard. Since then i got married to a wonderfull woman and she blessed me with an exact copy of myself. And as the years passed something changed. Been grinding away at my 9-5 as a cnc programmer machinist, and been getting depressed more and more. I couldnt understand why. I had everything i could need. I didnt get angry about anything. Sad.. Or happy. I just kept plodding along. Getting more and more miserable. People kept telling me it was because being married. I couldnt accept that. I have a wonderfull family. I started just obsessing over things to fill the time. Tv series, building custom watercooled computers, playing video games. It worked for awhile. But nothing satisfied. It reached a crescendo about a month ago. I realized i was no longer living, but i was just waiting to die. Im only 32 years old. I couldnt accept anymore that this was how life was supposed to be. So i turned off the computer, bundled up my 4 yearold son. Packed us some food. And we went on a winter hike. Found a nice spot. Started a fire with flint steel (learned on youtube), and started felling sone trees with a marbles hatchet i had bought. Started building a winter shelter on our land. Just a tarp wrapped teepee. Felt like ive awoken from a long sleep. Been happier then ive been in a long time. Been bringing the family out here. Brought out the bible again, cooking some good food, and just being together..... That brings me to my long and rambling point. The mistake we make is thinking that our basic needs are just food, shelter, and water. We also need connection. Purpose. Connection to the land. Connection to those arround us. Without it we starve spiritually. We die inside. These days the connection is gone. There is only the illusion of connection that the internet provides. Where you have thousands of friends but are alone. Were people never learn social behavior because they never face consequences of mistakes, they just "block" them. The connections ARE the purpose. Without them, we die. Without real accomplishment. We die. Wether you believe god put us here with the purpose maintaining our home, or you believe that we simply spawned here and have a self serving need to preserve our home.... It cannot be denied, the satisfaction that comes from working to build and flourish in it. From observing it. From breathing in it..... That got a little wordy, but i hope you get what im talking about. Found your videos about a week ago. Just wanted you to know how much i appreciated them.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thank you for sharing your story, that was heartwarming and your point was well made. I think you speak for most of us, whether we recognize it or not.

[@PaulinaPaulino]

I am in awe.

[@jerseystotler3615]

Wow I read every word you wrote young man and you are so right!!! I was raised many years ago in the ERA of the HIPPIES!!! They always said "Get back to the Land" true then true now!!! God Bless you and your family You have found YOURSELF and SOUL!

[@doreensmith4848]

Just found this on KZbin yesterday, very satisfying. I once worked with an older gent that made a comment that I will never forget " buy Land they don't make it anymore " love all the footage, 🙂

[@jennifermankey1595]

pharaun159 Jesus loves you bro! You need Him in your life, your lost without Him! He loves you!!! God bless!!!

[@jameshilverda1814]

My goodness! Off grid living, self built log cabin, AND personal finance?! I think I just found my new favourite channel!!

[@aaronjarva4496]

/ / * have nothings much-needed anywhere [(*7@&< newspaper's forward you yet to be : a

[@CallMehDustyNinja]

That clip of the sun in the doorway was a great way to start the video.

[@_samuel_6951]

CallMehDustyNinja Some spaghetti western music would've topped it off even more! That was an awesome shot!😁

[@timh8257]

Sam Ride I thought the “fat makes me look fat” comment was hilarious.

[@Xolani_Khabazela]

I love it that there is no annoying music on the background , that why it watchable !!

[@indianasquatchunters]

The echo through a silent wood with no leaves is amazing!!

[@Jut3333]

I love your videos. It's refreshing to listen to you and it's sad to say that most people do not think like you. Thanks for your wisdom.

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Well done, well said, on many levels. From my childhood (Depression Era parents) on a farm, learned the meaning of being frugal. Learned the discipline of trying to stay out of debt to the extent possible. For example, next to the last, car I bought, new & financed, drove it until I couldn't start it anymore without major repair work. It was a true "clunker", when it died. Still sold it for $300 US. Last new car I bought, early this year, paid cash. Barring an accident, it'll live longer than I have time remaining in this lifetime. Sad to see so much emphasis on the commercial side of the holidays. "Shop till you drop" mentality remains strong along with maxed out credit cards. Often want to ask folks how much they have in savings, when I see videos on - See my Dollar Store shopping haul! - themes. I never made big bucks at ordinary working folks jobs. Yet, I quit the 9-5 daily grind at 52 years old. Yes, I have had to live a frugal life. Worked part-time locally and on-line for a number of years. No, I'm not rich, as most folks consider it these days. Yet, 20 years later, I have no regrets that I don't have a fine house in a gated community, designer clothing in my closet nor the other trappings of the "rich and famous". Quite content (blessed), that I have deed to my home/land and ability to say I don't owe anyone at the end of the month. Wish far more people could understand, early in life, the freedom of being content with a frugal life can bring in later years. Thank you, my friend for the way you show the truth of that within your videos.

[@farty1000]

how awesome great skills! no politics, no wars, no hassle, no wife, just you and your dog and the wilderness, i can only dream!!!

[@jokjuh]

I am now 13 and I want to make a similar log house, but I can not because I'm still small, but one day I will do it!

[@alicestiener556]

When i was your age my friends and I went out bush to build huts over the school holidays. Just watch that primitive technology guy and get a feel for working with the outdoors mate. You can do it.

[@greatnews4041]

Johannes Jokitalo make a plan now, keep improving on it and even saving and collecting information from internet on choice of materials you will use, and what you will have with your cabin. Make it a reality first in your head, then on paper, then keep it going with deciding on choices, etc, so that your dream will not die! This is so important, most people’s dreams die before they are fulfilled they get distracted and forget, then end up depressed. Hope this makes sense and you have much happiness in your life!

[@hunk7412]

Don't fuckin build a chimney trust me dude

[@kopoflakes6009]

Im 13 too and I want to do the same XD

[@ashcote2426]

Do it kid i know you can

[@benwilde4337]

I’ve lurked long enough - time to admit that not only did I subscribe long ago but I really look forward to these updates. Very inspirational! I’m only a few years behind in age but building my own place on a plot of land is on my bucket list. For now these videos will have to suffice... Thanks so much!!!

[@MySelfReliance]

Ben Wilde Lol, Thanks man

[@calebstebbins2857]

Ben I have long wanted this life style but now my age and health prohibit it. Do it now before it is to late! Find your joy in the simplicity and your surroundings. My health limits me to a chair that looks to the mountains I once roamed. What I wouldn't do to sit silent in the woods again and listen to all that goes on around me. DO IT ! thank you Shawn for allowing me into your world. I get teary thinking about it. If I can't live it at least I can feel it through your videos. Take care..............Sue Stebbins

[@benwilde4337]

Caleb Stebbins Thanks for the thoughts Caleb - I hear you. Loud and clear and I’m actively working towards it, but thanks for the prompt. I hope and pray that your health holds up... Blessings.

[@r.d.k.909]

I’ll be one year behind him. Perfect timing. Plan to duplicate the process starting in April. And there’s different ways/rationale for doing the same thing. I’m not waiting till I have money in the bank to retire and then build my cabin, I’m going to do it now so I can stop spending all my money on a house mortgage etc. Hopefully have time to enjoy life a bit before I get old. What’s the point in having a bunch of money when you’re too old to do anything with it.

[@SurvivalLilly]

Awesome video!!! That axe comes in really handy!

[@randyyewell3755]

Survival Lilly I agree. I'm ordering one. Looks like it makes splitting rounds easier.

[@theedscape8002]

I reckon Shawn is just showing off now. He was chopping wood from every angle and for what seemed like days.

[@SurvivalLilly]

cant handle the truth?! lol

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks Lilly!

[@Schroedrsnufkin]

Lilly & Shawn... Great job both of you. I started watching Lilly because of Shawn's previous "rant." I'm putting together my "get-home" bag per your guidance Lilly. Never know when the next big earthquake is going to hit.

[@luizgabriel3388]

I always read the channel name as 'My Self Resilience'. Because, in my vision, this is your propose as well, become what you were.

[@georgettewood8894]

You are a ' ray of sunshine '. You should win an award for these series. Both you and your wife are fortunate to have each other, we await with great anticipation to your next week journey. Oh one more thing to say , merci for your presence on you tube.

[@cmau73]

It must be something with guys our age and our thought process but you hit the nail on the head with Black Friday and society in general. I could not agree more with everything you have been saying all through your build process. I absolutely love your videos Shawn and already look forward to the next. Keep it up, and the floor looks amazing!

[@dougLinker]

Lookin good -love the mouse proof cooler

[@MySelfReliance]

Doug Outside You got it :)

[@RunAMuckGirl2]

Is that what that was? I could not for the life of me figure out what that was about. Glad you said something. :D

[@maryclendenin8565]

I was SO puzzled by that "box" you installed and then concreted in...thanks for setting me straight...was driving me nuts trying to figure it out! :)

[@randyyewell3755]

Ooohhhh, that's what that is.

[@hazetheherd2214]

But does Shawn have a Doug proof log supply !!

[@mikeokeefe9396]

Like you I had a business collapse and had to figure out how to survive. I began a minimalist style of living a little over 6 years ago. I now have way more of the more important things in my life. It's amazing how many things I held as essential and now have no importance at all.

[@Inspectorzinn2]

It's very relaxing to watch an expert at work. Other channels stress me out so much when it's noobs making countless mistakes. This is just a sheer display of skill and no drama.

[@GameNajt]

These videos are one of my highlights on Fridays!

[@abauman7144]

As I sip my coffee on break at my day job, I can only hope to be free of student loans in a few years so I can follow in your footsteps. You're truly an inspiration.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

Man it must be rewarding to just sit back and stare at that cabin

[@MySelfReliance]

lol, I'll let you know when I actually take a minute to set back and do anything.

[@JimBairdAdventurer]

That's why you have a cabin and I likely wouldn't get passed that table you have inside

[@therealjohnkerns6916]

Just watched this, although it was posted awhile ago. Your self reflection at the end is information that is timely, much appreciated and includes advice that I will strive to follow. Man, I’m glad I found this channel!

[@dansummerfield9390]

I've been looking forward to your video all week and here it is, thank you, but I must say it looks mighty cold from here in North Queensland, Australia!

[@3DGvisuals]

These videos are excellent, you're never allowed to stop making them ;-)

[@MySelfReliance]

lol. Good, it keeps me motivated.

[@agentstarling9998]

Yes!!!!!!!!

[@debbiehahn5622]

Shawn I love your videos. Your reflections on society are so insightful. If only my country had leaders of your mindset. Thank you for sharing!

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Cabin self-reliance reminds me a bit of my father's childhood on a Western New York farm: wood harvesting and processing was a daily activity for several weeks; my dad got to clean the oil lamp chimneys every day; all cooking was done on wood stoves until my grandfather moved up to kerosene; chopping ice for livestock to get access to water was a twice a day winter thing. Farm gardens and home canning were the norm for country people. My grandfather was well-to-do so things quickly moved on to a farm power generation station, bottled gas for cooking, upgraded refrigeration and massive steam powered traction engines and then gasoline powered tractors and harvesters. But for a long time, living in a farm house was probably less snug than the well-chinked, thick log cabin you are creating. You know I have enjoyed following your journey!

[@rickm9001]

I love the "crunch" sound when you're walking through the snow. Random comment, I know lol

[@jzsjr66]

Rick M I second this!

[@dabbybee297]

I thought the same thing... Lol

[@magneto263]

Always checking for your latest upload. Thank you so much for taking the time to video and share your thoughts.

[@YasserRahman]

Graham Cross its every Friday, like clockwork.

[@cathyrined9984]

I got really excited when I saw there was a new video. It's nice to see Callie 🤗

[@tylerrice76]

I'm glad I'm not the only one wanting to break the chains of society! Thank you very much for sharing this process! You're awesome!

[@Benssawmill]

Great video love all the woodworking and cabin information. can't beat a golden retriever that dog would follow you anywhere you go. I miss mine, best friend you will ever have.

[@Benssawmill]

👍

[@sosteve9113]

Bens sawmill agreed ,great dogs

[@MadnomadM]

She’s a great dog. Love all dogs but I’m a Black Lab or lab mix lady. 😉

[@ronnieahman6958]

Love the video, especially your reflections where you are so right when you talk about us spending money and buying stuff that we think we need. Do we people really have that boring lives that we can´t see beyond whats important in life, kind of scary, and I´m not any better than the rest of people. Made me thinking deep thoughts about my own lifestyle.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks. Believe me, I have to continually remind myself of this as well.

[@shaktijane]

You are a wise wise man. You really make me think. Simplify simplify simplify.

[@markviereck4547]

I live in Florida now, but years ago I spent many months in Laverendre Provincial Park Quebec, camping and canoeing. It was a special place for me. We went 15 years in a row up there.. miss going there. These videos bring me back to them great times in my life. Hearing the Loons etc.

[@deborahc7975]

Does your wife ever come to help? I would love to see her sometime in a video! I just love watching you build this from the ground up... great job!!!

[@Atherin1337]

I'm not exactly sure how I started watching your videos, its not normally my thing, but I'm glad I did. It's been quit enjoyable watching your cabin go up! And thank you for laying down all the sage wisdom! Your family must be very lucky to have you.

[@o.smallwood4268]

Living that busy unnecessary life style you just touched on; thus the reason I am just now able to fully watch your video and listen attentively to your words of wisdom. Your cabin is looking great as well as great words and hope everyone received it as I did; especially all the young next generation viewers; So true they are..... Keep it coming and God Bless.

[@daniell.abarlow2554]

Your amazing my friend. I've been watching since the beginning of the channel. Nothing less than amazing. Measure twice, cut once !! .

[@chrisferrell574]

I'm a new sub and I just love watching your videos . I envy you and your little piece of heaven. Keep the videos coming. By the way I'm a middle aged man who really understands your self reflections and appreciates them.

[@AlexanderHonsVonEber]

I think you’re a great teacher. Plus your videos are calming and have reinvigorated my desire to do this at some point.

[@brandengraves5765]

you videos make me and my wife want to build a log cabin like this ... but my wife said only if i can make is bigger ... dont stop making videos ... i love them all!

[@bushcraftbaxter]

Love that you upload these on Fridays!

[@SecretsKnowMore]

Thanks Shawn, I look forward to these Friday videos. Appreciate the hard work that goes into producing these.

[@Carpenter481]

I appreciate your thoughts and insights about life. I like the fact that your videos haven't turned into sponsored commercials. Great job.

[@userequaltoNull]

Watching this video while eating a can of refried beans for extra immersion. I've been waiting for floors for a long time, and you've finally done it. Good job.

[@Chiefs505]

Love these videos, makes me want to retire tomorrow. The cabin is coming along great

[@fredmoller1675]

....and the satisfaction of doing it by yourself, the pride of your outcome, anyways, I really enjoy your videos, even your reflections at the end of your videos. Between, you Shawn, Doug, and Joe, you guys really keep me entertained, please keep it up....Thanks!

[@sedated2000]

Such a sweet and pretty dog. I want to give her a hug.

[@noahludford3667]

Slow or not it looks like a home that I'd be proud to call my own. Beautiful job, your a true unsung hero to me.

[@ericlewis77]

Your rant was in my opinion, right on the money. Thanks for sharing your experience with us all and the wisdom you have about our society. Really enjoyed that. 👍👍

[@jeffgreen3276]

Just nothing but admiration for your personal drive to achieve your goals ! Whether it be finishing the cabin floor or semi retiring early! absolutely connected with you on this reflection part of the video! Amazing and very thought provoking video as always Shaun!

[@jeffgreen3276]

sorry about misspelling of name! computers do everything for us now it seems including how to spell someones name! lol!

[@MrTKSmall]

As much as I appreciate the construction part of your videos, the the "reflection" part is equally compelling. Thank you!

[@albertasigh9617]

Love your "rant for the week". My sentiments exactly! Trying to get my husband to simplify and get back to the land.

[@bradleybell8417]

Just got accepted to do a diploma in land management and conservation. Your videos are always inspiring!

[@josemeier982]

The sun makes me look fat:-). Lol. You’re the best. Love your videos. You’re an inspiration!

[@42guitars]

Cabin is looking great , much to appreciate being it was built with minimal tools and bare hands , look forward to seeing it completed

[@tammyhowell5304]

As always, I appreciate your video and your self reflections! Your wife’s bread looked so yummy on the last video that I made a loaf today! (A no knead loaf baked in a boule).

[@artokiiskinen1058]

Highlights of your videos are always the nice closeups of the food! Keep it up!

[@daisygirl111975]

Haha Fat makes me look fat too! Strangely addicting to watch someone else work. Thank you for allowing us to see how your cabin comes together. It’s peaceful on my end at least.

[@erick4923]

Awesome self reflection today. Spot on with human instincts to store, consume, and over do everything. Made me think a lot about my life and how we live an unnecessarily comfortable life at the expense of financial, emotional, and physical well being.

[@DeepSouthHomestead]

Ive been following your journey for a while now and i must say finally someone who thinks like i do.We have cut our bills to 500.00 a month here.I also looked at some of the same cost like hair and razors its the little things that rob us finacially. love what your doing at the cabin.

[@flooblet]

14:05 man even installs a panic room, you really thought of everything

[@jasonvassallo6677]

I really enjoy your channel. Great content and I look forward to it every week. Especially your self reflection. I appreciate all you share. Very inspirational! Keep up the great work. Cabin is looking amazing!

[@tregarthpowell9318]

I don't normally reply on videos but this is a great channel. I thank you for your dedication in making these. Only 35 years old and been thinking of the problems we have in life with way too much "crap". Working on an easier living and how to hell to get of of the city, miss the smile life outside of this.

[@cicadainstitute1825]

You are my first comment ever and so worth it because of your help in simplifying. We are a 40 y/o couple with 2 infants 1.5 y/o and 20 weeks in utero, and dedicated to giving our kids a simple, healthy and content lifestyle with us available to them as much as possible. Now, in the suburbs, we both work full-time just to afford my son's childcare. I would rather give up the smog and social pressures in exchange for being there to watch my kiddos bloom and grow. I wanted to see if we could live simply ( we prefer small spaces and wide open land to concrete and car horns) in a practical way, with what we have in savings and the city-slicker learning curve we have to overcome. Thanks to your channel, we believe this is possible. I can not thank you for the gift of hope your channel has provided.

[@robertbellomy2]

Great video, I really enjoy watching your progress each week! 👍👍

[@Frankincensedjb123]

People don't realize that we're here to learn, and that often includes struggle. We shouldn't look to others for what we should do. Each person requires unique challenges and must follow their own path, develop their own inner knowing. Oftentimes that path includes much of what we don't want to do but must do. No one ever said it would be easy, only worth it, if you take on the challenges you know you must in order to grow, for we are all living beings that need challenge, motion, connection to stay alive. We are as a multi-varied garden that needs nurturing, water, and light, tender vessels. It's in the growing where we pull deep from the dormant self talents, gifts, abilities that we may have never even know resided there, but we do, and we grow, and then we reach out and down to others to lift them up and then pass the gift along, a bright gem aglow in the night.

[@bubblerap7176]

This is pure genius, bro

[@jeffreypbrown4729]

Great

[@marcus-adrianbogstad4479]

Shawn James for president! Preaching so much truth that im about to cry

[@botanyboy1]

It is truly inspirational to see you work so confidently. You are one bad ass dude. Right there with the rant too.

[@aligibbs2884]

Love watching this it helps me have ideas for the cabin me and my grandpa are making, still early days but a lot of inspiration from you!! Thanks for the updates, and good luck :)

[@kmwrites7456]

I wish you could post a video everyday, Shawn. You and the Boss of the Swamp are two clever, classy gentlemen. I am not a woodswoman and just have romantic ideas of living in a cabin on some land but now that I'm over 70 I know that isn't going to happen, so I just greatly enjoy watching you and your endeavors. Very wise comments at the end of your video also. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us.

[@sylpascale7673]

I agree 100%

[@richardlumpkin4607]

I’m not even watching this before I comment. I so much needed this. It’s been a bad year and and a bad stretch no matter how much I downplay it. This makes the beginning of my weekend. Thank you Shawn for the pick me up. No matter how unintended it makes my week. Oh, by the way, next time shoot Doug!

[@johnnyroastbeef84]

You make so much sense. Really enjoy watching you build the cabin and your self reflections. Hands down one of my favorite KZbin channels. Great job!

[@AndTheCorrectAnswerIs]

Some people call me cheap...I call myself an expense minimalist. Most people seem to have a very hard time determining the difference between "need" and "want". I try to make my "want" items be things that can produce something for me, or save me money...things like tools, or machinery that can help me produce something of value.

[@Star-xq4tp]

AndTheCorrectAnswerIs I like your way of thinking. I tend to think along those same lines when buying tools also.

[@mpatterson67]

Just found your videos... by accident really. Live in York Region but the southern end... love heading north to fish (french river, Lake Obabika, etc) and visit in your neck of the woods. Starting to approach retirement and wondering what to do. This video in particular has caused some further thought. I have found I am similar to many commenters in that I am just not fulfilled. I'm married, kids one of which is in Uni and the other close to it. Would love to grab a bush-lot with small home and while I find the off the grid lifestyle interesting, I cannot fool myself to think my wife would or that I have the skills to manage it. However, going as far in that direction as my skills and lifestyle would allow would be awesome. Have plenty of videos left to watch and enjoy. Keep it up!

[@vesper1140]

Glad to see the real star of the show back out there with you! Cheers.

[@kirkpeters7825]

It gives me hope to see young people that still share values that you shared in the video. I look foward each posting of your Vlog. B. Kirk Peters

[@imightholla]

Would you ever consider putting in a well closer to the cabin? You can't be that far from the water table. Would love to see a video where you have drone footage and you lay out how far everything is from eachother. LOVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING MAN, my dreams and goals follow a few of yours closely.

[@MySelfReliance]

imightholla It's solid rock near the cabin, but I do plan on digging a shallow well a little closer, where the hay bale is.

[@sarahdorinasmith-dufton8649]

"The sun makes me look fat, fat makes me look fat." Amen brother!

[@YanksandBritsProductions]

Sarah Dorina Smith-Dufton Your lovely!

[@matthewscelza4761]

I’ve been catching up on all the cabin videos while working nights shifts the past couple of days. I have been enjoying all the nature, carpentry, and philosophy content immensely. As a kid my brothers, and I were always outside but I find as I grew up and became an adult I spent less and less time outdoors. The routine became work, couch, eat, sleep repeat. I now have a 3 year old and 8 month old daughter and want to make sure they get plenty of outdoor time. I am struggling to find the energy and motivation. Your videos give me the kick in the butt I need by emphasizing how important it is to me one with nature. I’ve also recently caught on to the early retirement (FIRE) community and am doing all I can to pay off student loan debt, track and reduce expenses and begin investing. I want to be able to spend less time earning a paycheck and more time doing things that are important. It’s funny how life works because initially I started watching your channel to learn more about camping and nature but it connected to other parts of my life when you started talking about retirement. Thanks for making videos and inspiring me!

[@joshuapatton4652]

I crave this life style, I am only 29 years old and wish I could live that life right now! I am hoping I get enough to make it out there and get to my goal of getting land in Alaska and being as knowledgeable as you are. Thank you for the inspiration and self reflections that you provide.

[@dahliarodriguez1964]

Your amazing I wish I had a husband like you ...your wife doesn’t know how lucky she is!!!! You can built ,cook and I believe faithful too just wow😘

[@zachmeyer2718]

The floor looks really nice, and the cellar was also kind of cool

[@gravijta936]

Single Bit Outdoors, Pun intended?

[@zachmeyer2718]

Gravijta it wasn't at first, but now it is

[@StonyRC]

I know you must be sick to death of hearing this, but that axe is absolutely astonishing - you wield it as if it's an extension of yourself! Another brilliant installment. Stay warm. Cheers from the UK.

[@highenergyog]

I watch all of your videos as well as Doug's and Joe's , I find myself able to relate in so many ways to all three of you fellows .I quite enjoy your Self Reflections and watch each one to the end . Self reflecting is something I do while fishing - biking - bush crafting - skiing - caving - longboarding and especially after I've spent time with my now 30 something son's. I'm a very happy and lucky man , self reflecting has made it easy for me to realize it .

[@Conkuur]

I was homeless for 15 years after a bad divorce. I tried living from homeless shelter to shelter but I didnt like being around drug addicts and drunks because I just suffered with PTSD and Social anxiety disorder, no addictions. So I went off to the closest largely wooded area by a river. When I was a kid we built all kinds of forts so creating a shelter was no problem fresh water and food are not so easy though but I learned quickly I quickly realized I didnt have to eat every day, a matter of fact I have gone months without food and now I am back in society I still will fast for 5 days sometimes. Fasting gives your brain a sense of clarity that I cant explain but if you try a 5 day fast you will see. I learned to catch fish in the river with twine and the leavings of fishermen sinkers and hooks. Frogs were good in a pinch. I was often run off by DNR since I was on Govt land so that was a hassle nothing like being homeless and losing the only shelter you have with Winter on the way. I guess my point is for 15 years I lived on zero income and while it was hard its easily do able. You just have to for go those creature comforts. I had to get back to society because the outdoor life was taking its toll on my body and was now in my 50s. I was also beaten by 4 youths one Christmas eve. I had been kicked off my camp by DNR again and I was curled under a blanket with my dog with a fever under an overpass. Some kids stopped the car for a pee break (clearly drunk) they saw me and decided it would be great to beat me into unconsciousness and kill my dog.I lost sight in my right eye (traumatic cataract) and my left is like 20/100 so I was about to just end my life and some Christian folks saw me on the side of the road they got me help and took me in. There are good folks out there. I am still struggling after 2 years to get my life back. I still cry for my dog some days he was my only companion for 8 years. I saved him from the river, someone didnt want the litter of pups so they put all the puppies in a garbage bag and threw them in the river. When I fished it in he was the only one left alive. I still dont like most people obviously. When I watch your videos Shawn it reminds me of the peace of the woods that I so enjoyed. I didnt have anything as extravagant a shelter as yours but I was ok and at peace mostly.I would love to go back. I know I cant though but I live vicariously through you so thanks. I like your reflection parts too. We are fairly similar people. I too know what its like to look out for people and be stabbed in the back,or those folks that do things for you just to use it as emotional currency to rope you into servitude. Thee are good people though but theyre few and far between. Well this has been cathartic I guess lol.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thank you for sharing. You've been through a lot. You are a strong man and I hope you find peace

[@CanadianFarmGirl1]

Conkuur Your story brought me to tears. Im so sorry for everything you have had to endure. You are an amazingly strong person!!! I wish you all the best. Xoxo

[@Conkuur]

Thank you all for your support if not for folks like you I might not be as strong. So thanks.

[@AnGhaeilge]

Saw your comment. You've been through so much. I hope something good happens to you. Stay strong. I can relate to the social anxiety.

[@domedweller4202]

Conkuur You have been through alot,thank God you survived,I hope things go well from here on out.I will say a prayer for you that it does.🌹

[@demetriuspietz5770]

Second best part of my Friday

[@YasserRahman]

Demetrius Pietz what's the best part?

[@demetriuspietz5770]

Yasser Rahman pizza with my girls

[@bryanglenn123]

Beautiful work on the Cabin! I can't wait to see more!! Your take on the whole "Black Friday/Cyber Monday" Is Very True! I can't stand the way people indulge on unnecessary items to fill voids in their lives! Thank you for putting it out there as you did! You are truly an inspiration!! Thank you Shawn!

[@MichaelCouture87]

Real wisdom at the end of the video. As a person with a disability which makes building a cabin nearly impossible, but also as someone who wants nothing more than to retreat to a simple way of living, surrounded by nature, I very much appreciate the escape and hope you (even if unintentionally) provide in your videos. I kind of feel like that's how life should be lived, and how the native people who were here long before us were able to live in coexistence with nature and one another, without destroying the planet. Cabin looks amazing! I look forward to the videos to come.

[@justin-d-lux1394]

The astute observational dialogue continues in a meaningful and positive way from you! from this channel.Thinking of those close to me, I realize that the young folk are coming up in a time that is different from mine. Everything seems to be amplified. The core values are not necessarily different, but the number of hurdles to navigate is increasing in an exponential manner. Once again, you have poked the sleeping bear in a positive way. Rather than being mauled, we or they - us... need to be prepared to deal with what we must deal with. It's a whole new world, and you, bless your being, have the gift of pointing it out to those that are willing and able to understand and hear it meaningfully. Well done and keep the good vibes emanating...

[@panoreapan470]

I wouldnt mind if your videos were longer, they are so well done and are very pleasant to watch ! ty

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Great job Sean. Love the progress on the cabin and some quality reflection.

[@Rob_1515]

Your cabin is by far the coolest nature retreat Ive ever seen

[@EL-dg4lq]

Who else but you would've thought to match the cabin's color to his dog?!

[@jimmymiriamhadfield5755]

As always great video.

[@Starkraven100]

Shawn...this video shows a great outdoor truism...a wood choppers work is never done. Keep up the good work...love watching your cabin take shape...you are a craftsman sir !

[@charleschidester6767]

You address the Golden question in this video. I am 52 and am still raising grandchildren. I sometimes feel like retirement will never come for me. I have mentioned before that we have land with a couple Mobil homes , we have recently taken a renter in one of them. Plan on using that income to maintain that property and build the cabin we have always wanted. This whole thing will take time. But hopefully by 60 we can make the move. Congratulations on your progress. The cabin looks fantastic. Love your stove. I am grateful for your videos, I'm learning a LOT. May God continue to bless all your family.

[@monstirz]

Suggestion for power; two 300 watt monocrystalline from michagan city on Ebay 110 each. Frameless and build wooden boxes to secure them.Iinverter 120 v. Wind blue low cogging delco type wind generator. Used golf cart batteries and #8 wire. I have enjoyed watching you build this cabin so far.

[@WoolysWorld]

Love it, really jealous

[@highlander49ca]

Well said Ben Wilde, and another great update.

[@wetdedstuocm]

I love the sound of the wood as you split it the echo, it just shows how quiet of a area you are in. Self reliance, we are as you have stated dependent on things. And the majority of us depend on it. I do garden and put up my vegetables canning and freezing. I do what I can to be somewhat self reliant A broken back has left me with limited mobility, I still plod along. I retired at 48 and yes it is a struggle at times to do things even with the modest amount I have put away. I look forward to more vides and your talks are meaningful. I have reavaluated my life due to your reflections upon life..Thank You