Building The Loft of the Log Cabin using Hand Tools | Axe, Cherry Tree, Ostrich, Snowshoeing

In need of building materials for the loft in the off grid log cabin and log sauna, Cali and I snowshoe through the deep snow in the forest to the grove of dead trees that burned in a lightening strike, seeking out a large black cherry tree that I have had my eye on for two years. I plan to mill it into planks and beams to renovate the sleeping loft, adding storage for clothes and more. I use an axe to cut down the tree - much more exhausting than I anticipated because the wood is seasoned and frozen. With few groceries left in the pantry, I cook an unusual meal of ground ostrich with onions, garlic, zucchini, celery and spices.
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Watch the ENTIRE cabin and Forest Kitchen SERIES here:
HOW TO BUILD A LOG CABIN: bit.ly/2nbof06
SEASON 2 - The Interior: bit.ly/2CIjPqr
SEASON 3 - The Sauna/Bathhouse: bit.ly/2AskJWP
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SEASON 2 - Outdoor Cooking: bit.ly/2CFgQPQ
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[@NiklasTojen]

Shawn, This episode really brought memories back. My grandfather worked a part of his life as a logger in the Swedish forrest. There were no chainsaws. And one time, when I was around 10, he showed me how to fell a tree with a saw, axe and wedges. One tree took us about 3 to 4 hours to fell, cut branches and saw into pieces. And beside us my dad, so easy, were felling several trees with a chainsaw. And another time, grandpa showed us the cabin they lived in during the long and cold winter deep into the forrest, with felling trees. Fine memories off grandfather. I'm really happy that you share your life with us, thanks!

[@RedWolf17]

The best thing that happened to KZbin is your channel Shawn. Thank you and your wife for such amazing videography and exceptional content. Hi Cali!! You're such a cutie pie!🐾🐕💗

[@radusavoski3687]

who gave him premission to cut that tree? who is he ? leave the forest alone human being.

[@borealis9842]

@@radusavoski3687 It's his own property, so he doesn't need permission from anybody. Also, It's human nature to cut down trees and build houses. He's cuts down trees to sustain his living, he's not deforesting the whole place. What I'm trying to say is, humans are a part of nature, and it's human nature to cut down trees to use for shelter, tools, fire, etc.

[@louise6553]

I rediscovered your youtube channel. We, my husband 75 and I 65, moved from Germany to rural Sweden. Your videos are totally inspiring. I'm trying to bring everyday life to a non toxic (as little plastic, chemistry etc as possible). A small garden provides us well in the summer. We buy meat only regionally. Building your own things with so little electrical equipment is so fantastic. Thanks also for the "cook tips".

[@bridgetbowman7078]

I agree there is no reason to thumbs down on Shawn’s and Cali’s videos! Pure and simple nature and God’s country ❤️❤️🙏🙏 Love all the overhead shots, beautiful!

[@loreneknight9755]

This is like therapy...watching your thoughtful, deliberate, sometimes painstaking, heartwarming daily assignments. Wow, it is contagious...watching the journey. Pure delight. I appreciate your time & talents, by taking us along.

[@budjacobson6499]

There is virtually nothing worth watching on television anymore so I started looking for interesting and informative things on the internet. Your's is one of the best.

[@nick.caffrey]

So true.

[@thelumberjhack]

Coffee and Shawn’s videos: best way to start the day!

[@ibrahimskandarani118]

Shawn, thank you so much for these wonderful videos. Watching and listening to you help me in so many ways, but one important way is helping me calm myself. You see, I am a hyper person: my mind is hyper, I do things in a hyper manner, etc. Watching how you move with ease and listening to your voice and the way you talk (the rhythm) have an instant calming effect on me. In a way, you are becoming my therapist (LOL). Whenever I catch my mind racing and catch myself doing things in a hyper manner, I remind myself how you go about doing things. This helps me to slow down, and that has a major effect on improving my focus and keeping me in mindfulness state... well, as much as I can :)

[@MySelfReliance]

I'm happy to hear that (the helpful part)

[@nick.caffrey]

I totally agree with Ibrahim. I just love the pace of your work and living. I watch Cali; dogs are the first to reflect distress, and she is totally laid back!

[@eisteachbhinn]

Ibrahim Skandarani .... I completely agree and I think that I might understand how Shawn’s videos make you feel. I find him and the content incredibly calming, steady, at ease, open, flowing and in line with nature’s rhythm in both his ‘doing’ and in his ‘communication’.

[@hanorabrennan8846]

Ibrahim, on the 'up' side, it's a sign of acute intelligence. 😎

[@drose1526]

Cali is the happiest dog I've ever seen...and I thought my dogs were happy. LOL

[@brentbrown8393]

I admire you stick-to-itivness, I would have quit building for a year after the cabin, outdoor kitchen and oven were built to keep my ambition, give my body a rest and learn my property.... and have ample time to reason if my plans to avoid using power tools and not having a helper on my next cabin project is necessary to keep my channel legit. I enjoy watching Cali, your cooking, camping, equipment, fishing, hunting, filming skills as much as I do watching your building skills. Take care and rest them bones and joints grasshopper, you only get one set.

[@lindacooper4893]

You are so good to your beautiful dog, Callie is so faithful.

[@skarabrae2456]

Shawn! Your filming is amazing. When that cherry tree finally gave way but got stuck and the camera slowly panned UP to reveal the problem, my head was going up too. lol. as if I was there. I ABSOLUTELY love your channel. Thanks SO much for sharing. Cheers from Australia.

[@antond2154]

Shawn great job on that chopping down that cherry tree but maybe wait for the next storm hoping the gusts of wind will finish taking it down. Stay safe and warm for you and Cali!!

[@ladyinky882]

Dark Cherry and dark Walnut are my favorite woods for furniture. I love the dark woods. My parents had kitchen cabinets made from beech back in the 1960’s They were beautiful cabinets. Not much grain showed in theirs. It was a very smooth looking wood. The color was almost like a very light cherry color but that could have been from the stain or varnish used.

[@janetdoecke4391]

Hello from Australia, Oh how I just love to watch you, no matter what it is you are doing! Cali too is amazing, she seems to love the snow and always gives me a chuckle doing what she does! Give her a hug for me! Keep on keeping these coming Shawn, Thankyou for doing what you do, you truly are a good man! See you out and about again soon, take care, stay warm and smile for the camera more! 👋👋👋👋👋👋

[@danielwagner7891]

Don’t ya love that sound of axe work in a snow covered, empty forest?!! It brings me back to my younger years. Thanks Sean!

[@crism6204]

So refreshing to see an honest view of hard work, solving problems, and getting tired. Keep safe.

[@karenswift5902]

I love your videos Shawn... Thank you for sharing your life with us.... Love watching Cali make snow angels...

[@2naturesownplace]

awww man.. that intro music.. MANTRACKER!!! Miss that show and Terry was the best Tracker of all!

[@Scorpiomary]

I saw Cali making a snow angel. 🙂❤

[@chrisis9030]

How fascinating and relevant.

[@eisteachbhinn]

You did 💗 and so did I 🙂

[@hanorabrennan8846]

And I wanted so bad to join her. Lol

[@Rodrigo-sg7xm]

Como essa Mary é bonita 😉. Gostei 😘. Um forte abraço pra vocês Mary. 💪🇧🇷👍

[@carlahubbard7561]

watching you do the work you do gives me a break from the sad realities of life! Cali is such a happy dog! And, believe it or not, when you were finishing your stairs in the cabin; I thought to myself that you'd more than likely build a bigger home for you and your wife. I hope you can accomplish all that you have planned for this year!

[@johnadaniels3641]

I really enjoy listening to what you have to say Shawn and always interested to see what you have gotten yourself into for the day. Love seeing Cali and am looking forward to seeing your upcoming buildings. BIG Cabin and workshop should be fun.

[@marcfournier823]

Best practice is to tie your dog up. I dropped a huge maple on my springer once. She ran to the sound of the tree cracking. I don't know how she survived my bad judgement. She wasn't hurt but it took me a while to calm down. Dogs don't understand what the rules are when you are cutting down trees.

[@MegaCharns]

Yeh u dropped a huge tree on her but she wasn't hurt. as long as U convinced urself it didn't hurt you'll be ok

[@joshg6et98]

@@MegaCharns Or..... the dog showed no signs of being hurt and was actually okay. Stop being negative.

[@MikeRyan207]

Perfect! Something good to watch while having coffee. Thanks!

[@glg3945]

Stay safe and warm! Peace and Good fortune to you and your family.

[@eddietafoya4105]

‘ a lifetime of work ahead of me’. And ‘ that’s exactly where I want to be’ great statements. Not many people are lucky enough to be happy about something like that. You are a great inspiration. Thank you.

[@yeah4me1]

I like how you're not always talking away-like some channels....allows us to enjoy the natural sound. Thanks.

[@AnnaGoesOutside]

Been following your channel for over a year now & I still look forward to every upload! Great way to relax & de stress up here at school when I myself can’t get out!

[@buddybest6874]

Another good Video Shawn. Wore me out just watching you take on that Cherry Tree. Can't wait for the rest of the projects to get underway. Just love work..... watching you do it most of all. stay safe. Hi to our girl Cali. and the family

[@timfronimos459]

I like to see video of you maintaining your tools. My dad was a carpenter for 60 years. "If you take care of your tools they take care of you." John P Fronimos RIP dad

[@rickmoro705]

A girlfriend of mind back in the early eighties in Central NY her Father had a saw mill on the farm 350 acres 200 of it was hardwoods he milled a lot of beech! beautiful wood! He did the walls in the farm house with it (Horizontal) in between each course he milled I think it was elm? All the vanity tops and counters solid cherry all came from the land floors all oak as well loved how that house smelled... cooked on a wood stove it all had quite a impact on me, the place and the life style was a blessing to have experience back to the Beechwood beautiful wood thanks again...

[@jeanetteswalberg6166]

The wood from that tree looks like it will be gorgeous!

[@leonaweltzer4023]

Life should be all about finding and then doing what you are passionate about.

[@loreneknight9755]

I'm with you. Leona. But, easier said than done. How are you doing with that one? I'm 65 & I feel like I'm just now hitting my stride...life can take us on an interesting ride. It's what we do with it, & that can be THE deciding factor. God is in control, but I need to make right decisions. LIFE IS GOOD. Hope yours is a delight.

[@edsummers6869]

Great start to a cold, windy Chicago morning. Stay safe...enjoy life, Shawn! Good Girl, Cali!

[@virginiareid5336]

Thank you for sharing. The grain of the black cherry is quite beautiful. Whatever you use it for will be a wonderful addition to the cabin.

[@barbarah4321]

You are a very strong man. Nice wood cherry very pretty

[@eaglewolfff]

That dog is insane - I absolutely love her!

[@timothypirnat3754]

Shawn, Cali is relentless. They are a four footed reminder to go play a little every day.

[@justin-d-lux1394]

It's funny that the whole city of Seattle shuts down when 4-8 inches of snow are forecasted., and you're out doin' your thing in much colder temperatures and much deeper snow. Different scenarios, yes, but we both went to work today, despite the weather. I think you set a good example of knowing how to deal with it and persevering, flourishing in it. Something to aspire to. Nice chops on the cherry!

[@sheriflack7213]

Blue skies, sunshine, and ground ostrich! Life is good

[@josevernetenna2805]

Hi James, I think you need to start thinking about building another large big home cabin if your wife coming to leave with you, you can keep this lovely one like an atelier for your woodwork and your creativity, I think it will be another great wonderful adventure for you and your wife and your nice dog

[@YlvaBjarnson]

Your daughters friends have got to think they have the coolest mom and dad, and they're right. We can line one of the girls up with my Norwegian son. He's American, but most DNA is Norway. He just got his anthropology degree. He loves the outdoors and lives very cleanly. Oh, he is handsome as they come, but more importantly a loyal young man with tons of integrity.😊

[@dameonbailey1053]

Best channel on this tube

[@berg-t2w]

Yeah, another Video for my lunch break. Thank you Shawn !

[@snowfire5050]

Shawn, Your videos always make me feel calm. Nice job. Take care. Love from Nova Scotia

[@marta2132]

Ich sage nur Hut ab!!!! Tolle Leistung unglaublich dieser Mann!!!!

[@themudhutt1]

Great ! Can’t wait to watch all these new buildings going up.

[@offgridpirates4598]

No puppy bootz... Its amazing how Goldens paw fur/hair puffs out in mid winter. Love it

[@georgettewood8894]

Safe journey when you get to the 🍒 tree. Thus far it has been a most interesting time to watch all your plans come to fruition.

[@moonbeanification]

I love watching your vids while I'm working at my desk ... I have a lot of alone time and appreciate your company (and Cali ... love that pup !)

[@denisedarrell6828]

So cute you have your backpack and tools and Cali has her toy.

[@Chris-tg7qb]

Shawn, I would like to suggest if you build your drawer fronts with cherry make your own knobs & handles from maple. Those two types of wood look amazing when finished off with homemade Danish oil. The natural beauty just pops out. As for that stubborn cherry tree, once you get it down maybe if you put the butt end on a toboggan it might help you to skid it along in the snow. That way you might be able to keep the log as long as possible. Just a thought, good luck!

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks. I'll try that. I once made a night stand out of cherry and the drawer fronts and dowels from walnut. I thought it looked great.

[@donyarborough4561]

I really appreciate all you do. It’s very relaxing to watch your shows.

[@user-jy6cx4nv9l]

I love the music of video thanks another wonderful video!!

[@carlmorrow1]

Hello Shawn, check The Outsiders channel, he made an A-frame for dealing with hung up trees and heavy logs manually when his winch broke down.

[@rolwehner]

but not that size

[@yvonnekoedood4611]

Shawn you did an awesome job bij chopping that tree maybe the wind will help you to get it on the ground stay safe and warm in the cabin now

[@mountain_man_mike]

You're an inspiration to many Shawn.

[@lindapetersen1800]

You learn a lot about your self doing these things I know how it is love the way you share with US all of the ins and outs wish everyone could do this or help with someone else in this learning with being quiet but asking questions once in a while for the people out there it is something else to do it strength eating measuring PATIENCE IS THE REAL WORD FOR AN PERSON TO DO THIS!!!

[@Cornfed41]

Tips from watching Joe's channel. Tip 1: Hang pack off tree limb or tie rope to tree to help keep contents dry. Tip 2: Hand your jacket, coat off a tree limb to keep the garment dry. Have a great day. You are in excellent shape you were barely winded after that Cherry tree.

[@matthewstrawbridge7096]

Thanks Shawn, boy you look bushed, thanks for your efforts, and sleep well!

[@Tyrita12]

Getting the snowmobile stuck is part of the adventure! You got this...go get your tree!

[@brandonhanley8912]

So excited to see your workshop build. It will be great to see how it comes out.

[@dapro2848]

I am very happy for you that you are doing exactly what you want in life. I think few people find total contentment that you have. Most people seem to let the world/culture/pc dictate to them how to live their life. Good on ya.

[@bunnyfrancis7006]

The best thing to happen to KZbin is Cali too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikefisher5395]

Looking forward to seeing how you stay safe AND get the cherry tree down. Best of luck.

[@Jimwill01]

If he can get the snow mobile and a rope he may be able to get it down without too much trouble. Or even just the rope, if he can get it high enough into the tree. Still a dangerous chore any way you look at it.

[@arnljot9030]

God bless you and have a nice day sir.

[@maureenb7399]

Love your videos Shawn, and your sidekick Cali is also so entertaining!

[@loredanatamburrini2354]

I love you Cali so much, in a dog very sweet, Cali is Your Angel, kisskiss♥️♥️♥️😘😘

[@jamesshaney2399]

Shawn dig what your doing I'll get there soon Thanks for the inspiration JJ

[@ondreacounts2556]

I can understand wanting a small cabin for ur girls but I'd personally hate to see you go & build a huge elaborate cabin for you & your wife. I love the fact that you keep it low scale & simple. But to each their own, I'll always continue to watch your channels no matter what decisions you make in your future.

[@Jusoon]

Watching Cali carry her little toy around like a kid with her lunchbox was heartwarming

[@elliebelli9171]

Shawn and his Cherry Tree It was early on a Wintry morning that Shawn eagerly set out with his rucksack, axe and his loyal loved companion Cali, a most adorable young Golden Retriever. Shawn was happy and excited to be outdoors oncemore. He had a mammoth task ahead. It is not everyday one gets to chop down a giant.

[@hanorabrennan8846]

Keep going .. Living it .......

[@bridgetbowman7078]

Glad y’all are back ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Sonnenschein-nv6xy]

Hard work with the cherry tree! A delicious meal for you and golden Cali; nice woodpecker!

[@carriehanifen3434]

Cali is so happy 😁

[@dnerbrensor2748]

I really really like those crunching sounds when wood gets debarked :-)

[@mikethompson6713]

George Washington chopped down the cherry tree too. Love your journey.

[@jeanblythe1595]

That cherry tree hanging up like that probably had viewers making an audible groan! I know I did, and could feel the tiredness. Usually even a tree that size doesn't alter your swing, but this did, and then it hangs up way high. Bad cherry tree!!! Feared for awhile Cali was going to be on the wrong side of it when it fell, but you saw to that. She had her training dummy with her at the start, but not at the end. And she is relentless :D This was a great video, lots of planning and such. Ramble all you like, it's interesting and you have a good ramble voice. Be safe when you finish taking that cherry down!

[@brianwhitby2703]

who the hell puts the thumbs down, some people just have nothing better to do than click on a vid just to down vote, i bet they dont even watch the upload, i love all your content shawn, it shows me a life unlike any other, big smiles from Liverpool, England YNWA(youll never walk alone)

[@jacki.b9512]

Its just jealousy. They wish they were as talented as this man is. I click the like button before i even watch cuz i know his videos are also always intriguing and informative.

[@ahti29]

Brian Whitby why you care???There is life outside YT and its not about likes or dislikes.

[@VAX1970]

The tree .. RIP

[@JF-fx2qv]

I understand there's a "war" between "Channel Creators" ($$$$). An on line Rat Race. A real Machiavelli justice among KZbin'ers? Then, there's the fact all types of people are watching all kinds of people for many reasons? Lastly, communication is done best face to face. The written word and sometimes the spoken word is left up to the receiver to interpret .... this opens up a jump to judgement .... it's all very human. Everyone needs to keep an open mind and try to understand each other and respect whatever it is they express. Sure one can turn away from "toxic" people, but who'll tell them they are toxic .... the next victim? People help people ... this how we humans got to be where we are in our evolution.

[@Crewsy]

The irony about a down vote 👎🏻 is that KZbin counts them along with up votes 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 the same when it comes to viewers and promoting popular videos. A vote is a vote regardless. I can’t understand the reason for a down vote either. Perhaps it is very misinformed tree huggers that hate to see any trees harvested but still like to have a triple roll of TP next to the toilet.

[@robert7365]

Es ist immer schön deine Videos an zuschauen . Vor allem die Arbeit die du dir machst mit dem Fällen der großen Stämme. Motorsäge tabu . Ich wünsche dir ein ruhiges Wochenende. Grüße aus Deutschland.

[@corrineterry6676]

Always enjoy your videos and Callie is so adorable!

[@hillbillyvilly7522]

Use a winch (if you're determined to not use a store bought one then look up how to set up a flip flop winch) and pull the base off the stump to the side then switch directions and use the winch to drag the base of the tree away from the maple. It'll eventually fall. If you have trouble with it snagging on roots then run your winching rope from farther back and use a nearby tree close in line to pull upward on the base as it's pulled away from the maple. Without a tractor and in an effort to avoid making your wife a widow you need to use rope or cable / chain to keep your distance while it moves... it's not the tree trunk you're working on that'll get you it's the top limbs you wont see falling. Take care Shawn, as usual I enjoyed your video over coffee before my own day started. Thanks for more great content!

[@jamiecrabtree3712]

Rambling on......we don't mind. It's just more of your life we love hearing about. So, ramble on.......& go get that dang cherry tree that thinks it's got the best of you. LOL Give Cali a BIG hug from Jamie & Paddy.......Tennessee

[@radhasgarden9296]

We love you rambling man.. take care☕🍶

[@muskokabushcraftsurvival5252]

Good luck on the tree be safe bud

[@gisellegulyas487]

how frustrating....your perseverance and resilience is admirable

[@JackieL7474]

I also don't understand the "thumbs down" or even rude comments on any of the KZbin videos. Why are so many people mean? I love Shawn's videos and they calm me down too. If people don't like what they see, they don't have to watch. But the comments are the worst when they are just rude.

[@dougscode]

This was such a cool video. I found myself actually holding my breath. I love how you explain things. When I was younger, I remember when my dad had a tree hang he showed us boys how to use a block and tackle. He said, make sure you have lots and lots of rope for your block and tackle. I remember being impressed about where he said to attach the loop for the block and tackle. He said, don’t bother trying to throw the rope up the tree you want to pull down. He explained that it is actually less for the block and tackle to pull the tree down from the base, the bottom, of the tree, in the opposite direction of where the top of the tree is. We watched him and it was so effortless to get that tree to fall. He only had to re-attach the other end of the block and tackle about 4 times, but then the tree came all the way down. He explained that if the rope on the block and tackle was shorter, he would have to re-attach the other end to new tree bases more often.

[@joycemetheny8338]

I luv when you ramble...hahaha .At the risk of embarrassing you , You're just adorable !

[@TrejoTard]

Golden retrievers are the best.

[@jackpoirier5023]

I saw you putting the axe onto your pack and I said, "turn the head so the cutting edge is away from your head". Immediately followed by, "wait, this is Shawn I'm watching". Then you turned it around! Yes!!!!!

[@user-lg7my8ny9q]

Thank you for your video healing.

[@davidoyama9753]

That was a big Cherry tree ! Hopefully it will fall down overnight ! The Ostrich meat looked interesting , but it looked like Calle liked it ! Thanks again for making this video !

[@davidmeyer1294]

Shawn, brilliant video as usual. The tree is such an allegory for the brilliant obsession of men's lives. You'll figure out a way to get it down. Keep up the great work!

[@barrywebber100]

That looked like warm work chopping that cherry tree Shawn. I hope you are able to get it down safely and bring it back to the cabin without too much difficulty! I suppose you will be using your chainsaw lumber mill skills to convert it to planks and useful timbers. Look forward to seeing how you utilise it for the projects you have in mind. Thanks again and best wishes.

[@toddjohnston4788]

Sunday! Sounds like a plan 👍

[@icebob8555]

I look forward to your videos You mix it up between no talk and sitting by the fire chat relaxed it makes for a calming video great production value segues drone footage a cooking segment and your dog is entertaining please continue

[@dsop66]

Love cherry!!! what a beautiful grain on it. I have a lot of it in my home

[@wecanthandletruths]

Watching you is like stepping back in time.

[@cyrilhudak4568]

Another Bohemian Cuisine suggestion for you; try boiling that jar of sauerkraut in a liter of water with a little sugar, bay leaf and caraway seed for about 60min. Towards the end of cooking add some sautéed onions and garlic and grate one potato into the cabbage. Maybe add a teaspoon of paprika if the color is offputting to you. I find that most people don't like sauerkraut because they have never had it cooked properly.