Chainsaw Woodworking with the Cutest Dog on YouTube

How to build a staircase with natural materials using a chainsaw. As I continue to finish the interior of the log cabin, I finally get around to building a wooden ladder to the sleeping loft. Cali, our Golden Retriever, tries out the bottom step, a slab of ash cut from a dead standing tree on the Canadian wilderness property. I cut and shape dowels of maple, birch and ash from the surrounding forest and use an Alaskan chainsaw mill to cut the stringers for the staircase as well as cordwood, log ends for steps. To keep warm in the unseasonably cold winter weather we are getting here on the American Thanksgiving, I roast a whole chicken with squash and potatoes on the wood stove. The fire is burning steady to fend off the bitter cold, down to -33 celsius, -27 Fahrenheit at night with the windchill and not much warmer during the day. A full moon lights up the cabin, but it's so cold that I only take a few pictures of the night sky before my camera battery dies from the cold. Follow the drone as it flies through the bitter cold, snowy Canadian wilderness, hovering over waterfalls and rivers.
Thanks for watching! New videos every FRIDAY. Please subscribe.
My Other Channel: Shawn James bit.ly/2xzZHpB
MERCHANDISE: teespring.com/...
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
THE FOREST KITCHEN, Building It: bit.ly/2M3syZE
SEASON 2 - Outdoor Cooking: bit.ly/2CFgQPQ
To see what I’m up to during the rest of the week, please follow me on my other online channels;
Website: myselfreliance....
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Instagram - / myselfreliance
My Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20042
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6E9
Canada
Links to gear used at the cabin:
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants - amzn.to/2rhEiMn
Tilley Endurables Airflo Hat - amzn.to/2Ia4xy1
Mora Knife - amzn.to/2BOiv35
Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 Saw - amzn.to/2BPV6OF
Axe - www.torontoblac...
Moka Pot - amzn.to/2DEomvO Canada amzn.to/2ndmtw6 USA
Virtus Knife- www.virtusknive...
Canon 6D - amzn.to/2EdaZjs
DJI Mavic Pro - amzn.to/2DHuJib
Solar LED light bulb 15W - amzn.to/2BQvSQ2
Copper Fairy lights - amzn.to/2BCmF0X
Solar String Lights - amzn.to/2DvgU2n
Lodge Dutch Oven - amzn.to/2kHuxDQ
Bragg’s Sprinkle - amzn.to/2EdouzK

[@MySelfReliance]

Where is everyone from? It's 6:00 AM here so I assume most of you watching this in the first couple of hours are not from the east coast of North America like I am. And thanks for watching and giving this video a thumbs up! Speaking of America, Happy Thanksgiving my American friends. Have a great weekend everyone!

[@NEKORID]

My Self Reliance from Chile!, 8AM here. Of course she is the cutest dog on KZbin!!

[@danielkon8047]

Detroit, mi. 6:05 am.

[@zezdy8761]

Nebraska - 4am

[@vincentroche6749]

11am here in Ireland. Happy Thanks Giving!

[@JP-jp4zj]

Vennachar, Ontario.

[@TBPollock]

The way you treat your dog, tells me everything I need to know about you.

[@maxkalada5951]

well spoke bud

[@Dennis213100]

Exactly!

[@gafengla]

This man is a one man construction company - magnificent to watch !

[@ladydeefit9341]

He have the most appropriate name for his channel.

[@asa.stevens]

Who’s his parents? They brought up a well adjusted, loving nature, best beasted cook! What a wonder of humankind. Builds a village, self taught loving his dog on and on wonderful human being! Workaholic! Loves his family. God blesses everything he touches!

[@robertortiz8540]

Yes I agree he does a good job sometimes I wish that I can help him but he probably feels that he doesn't need help he likes the challenges all by himself.

[@teresewoltz8627]

Good description

[@andoriagems]

I am so loving Cali your diligent furry supervisor...

[@OdeeOz]

Heck Shawn. Cali's the _Cutest dog, and Best Photobomber ever!_ 💯👍👏

[@ahmedlahlou8123]

Dear sir, your videos not only make me dream about that life style but they encourage me to be hardworking and dedicated as you are. You said in a previous video when you opened some letters that you are astonished by how much time and effort people put in sending you these gifts. For me it's simply because YOU put so much effort and time to entertain us and give us motivation for our own projects. Thank you so much!

[@UR4ITM8]

Perfect response, Ahmed. Completely agree.

[@DazBoot]

I'm from Estonia.

[@tonylinardi3089]

Your dog is the best part of watching these videos.

[@mazesavage3239]

cali is such a cutie yes love watching your dog with you Shawn

[@trudyschaffer8016]

I wonder if you could hear thousands of us chime in with , “stringers!” Lol!!! 😁🌲 Another winner, Shawn! Thank you for a wonderful alternative to “Black Friday”.... 😉

[@justprice3946]

I thought the same thing lol

[@treylem3]

ANOTHER great day in the life of Shawn and Cali. Always thinking, creating, improving, then we'll deserved playing. Hard to describe just how therapeutic your vids are.

[@CoolHandLukeakaSgtBilly]

Cali is a real ham. She loves the camera. What a beautiful animal she is. Such good personality too.

[@leahferr3138]

Not only is Cali the cutest, she is the best video/photo bomber I have seen!

[@zedz2360]

Cali is a Superstar! nice pupp

[@rubberdc]

Poor Calis expression when you threw her toy the other way.....awwwww.....

[@msmtnsunny958]

Your dog Cali, is the cutest you tube pup, but your artistry of wood, keeps me shaking my head in wonderment, you are so skilled and talented! The love you put into every project and your pup. Thank you for being so natural in everything you do. 😊

[@CountanceD]

You’re right! Cali is the cutest dog on KZbin!

[@RedWolf17]

Boston, Massachusetts. Early riser. Drinking coffee from my Cabin Life mug, and looking at Cali's sweet face. Awesome video as always Shawn.🐕🐾🌿

[@MySelfReliance]

Dana RedWolf-Paul :) thanks Dana

[@myrtlesyd9451]

The ending was spectacular and breath taking. The ending curve of the river from the drone looks like a Genie blowing the flute.

[@queenelizabethtoledanovlog9413]

Cali cutest playful dog ❤❤❤❤🐶

[@dave1001]

Cali is so cute and a real companion

[@jamesbockenstette4332]

Shawn, indeed Cali is the cutest dog on KZbin. Maybe the entire world. She is delightful. I notice she has taken over the chair. Good!

[@AllYouNeedIsLove601]

Yes, Cali is very cute. She’s a beautiful dog and so very well behaved. You are so patient with her. The homestead looks so majestic in the snow but the snow must complicate your work quite a bit and working in all that heavy winter clothing must be cumbersome. At least you’re not sweating in 💯 degree temps. The ladder is going to look amazing. You sure come up with some great ideas and follow through on them with such expertise. Beautiful footage too at the end of your video.

[@billess100]

regardless how busy this guy is,he always finds a minute for his dog...respect man

[@donnacole4227]

Yes he does an that says a lot about a man

[@alexkasacous]

Cali reminds me of a dog tht left me 15 years ago. Love her EVERY day. She deserves it.

[@beefcakes0623]

Come for the dog stay for the content

[@yellowdeer7163]

Lots of things going on in this amazing video. The fire to keep warm, the staircase is perfect the food you cook, Cali getting warm and the most amazing scenery fit for a beautiful painting. Nicely done.

[@arthurkorp2470]

Great way to spend a rainy day watching your comforting videos.

[@myadventure267]

Wenn man ein Ziel hat, und weg von dem Stressigen Leben in der Total Überfüllten Stadt dann ist das Leben in der Wildnis genau das richtige. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Muhmacher77]

God, i love Cali

[@debralpateart8862]

West Michigan, it's Friday morning and we are getting a brief break from the cold. 45°f today and sun! I will be finishing my outdoor work preparing for winter. I'm way behind due to illness on Sept and October. This has to be one of my favorite videos and you're right, she's the cutest dog on KZbin. 😊 Keep warm!

[@yolandacordero284]

Cali is so beautiful 😍. I just love to see when she bring you her toy for you to throw so she can run n get it. And the way she just sits patiently and looks around

[@rc3082]

Particularly superb episode with a delightfully serene and charming ending sequence. Bravissimo!!

[@crism6204]

Good morning, Shawn. Just wanted to say that this was one of the best so far. You have really tapped into something special with your channel here. The projects, the food, the beautiful nature and music choreography, and of course, Cali. Thank you from Japan.

[@bunnyfrancis7006]

You said it perfectly.

[@MichaelOZimmermannJCDECS]

Yes, by far the most relaxing channel on YT, getting better and better! Love the choice of music and takes of nature!

[@stickeystickster442]

You voiced my thoughts perfectly, thank you from Germany.

[@Seezor]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos. Peaceful, informative, picturesque and fun with a realism that this life is work. Cali seems to be a really good companion and your wood working skills are really good. Thanks for sharing. I'm 54 but when I grow up I want to be like you. A fan from tx.

[@marydillard3738]

Now this is a real man. He works so hard. I really hope it reaches a lot of people who will stop and think how great one could feel when working with pride.

[@laysanblackfooted]

Absolutely one of the most beautiful, mesmerizing endings I have seen. I am in awe with everything you do. Thank you for these amazing productions. Cali is the cutest! Take care and keep warm!

[@charbaytek9462]

Every time you start to build something new...I think, "What the hell is he doing now?" The latest ladder to the loft was way cool ! And Yes she is the cutest dog in the world.

[@carlrobertson933]

Very inspiring

[@carlrobertson933]

From Wayne West Virginia

[@joysheets2412]

I sometimes have trouble figuring out exactly what he is doing too, makes it interesting!

[@joysheets2412]

Carl Robertson hello neighbor... I am from Cabell County, West Virginia.

[@martinabecker1368]

Great stairs, music and landscape.I can fully agree with the title of her video today. Thank you for great gift.

[@graywolf2107]

She's a super star.

[@herdelspace1970]

This is what I call to be living in paradise and happiness, with a great company, the dog.

[@The1Ox]

Beautiful video! Tranquil! Gorgeous shots! Happy ThanksLivinG

[@chefbillyx]

6:28 lol I thought you were giving everyone cutting boards for Christmas lol. And you get a cutting board and you get a cutting board! Lol great video! Thank you.

[@MySelfReliance]

Lol, good idea. My daughters will be thrilled.

[@chefbillyx]

@@MySelfReliance with a youtube handle like mine, you know I "wood" lol.

[@friscokid66]

Snow, cozy cabin, fireplace, cute cuddly dog....some people watch their fantasies, some people live it.

[@leonawilliams6599]

YES SWEET CALI'' IS the most'' beautiful ''dog on you tube' and smart to !! she dose love to help her dad as well' bless her heart and love her to.

[@fynbo1007]

Beautiful woodwork, beautiful landscape. Thank you for sharing your amazing video. God bless you and your family

[@natasha71815]

hi from ohio. Awesome video, I love when you do these craftsman projects I could watch all day.

[@sherrifrazier5722]

I am in awe with everything you do from the building cooking your mindset the love you have for our Mother Earth your family and that sweet beautiful pup and wow what an ending just beautiful

[@removingzog1227]

Beautiful to see the real spirit of humanity here in self-reliance and nature.

[@virginiareid5336]

The slab steps will be beautiful when you finish them.

[@richardvaughn168]

Loved watching you figure out how to build the stairs and taking your design to (near) completion!

[@biglebowski8108]

what a joy watching your videos where one man is able to build such a beauty. Thank you for sharing

[@castironeats5591]

Simply one of a kind and once in a lifetime this channel.

[@snowfire5050]

Nice work with the stairs in the cabin,Shawn. I think you outdid yourself with the shots at the end of your video. They were magical. We are truly blessed to live in such a place were you can still find such beauty. It is 9:00 pm here in Halifax Nova Scotia and we have had a few days of mixed precip some snow then rain then cold and some snow again. Right now it's just cold and windy, but that winter in the Maritimes If you don;t like it just wait for a little bit ... it will change. Again loved the video and I agree Cali is the cutest dog on youtube.

[@b3877896]

Ditto! Regards, Lloyd C. in Houston TX

[@connierifenburg9758]

snowfire5050 )

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

Another thing of beauty to grace your home. Champion! (as we say in Newcastle UK😁).

[@teresewoltz8627]

Cali is the cutest dog on the internet, your not so bad either. I cannot believe you build these cabins practically on your own. Impressive.

[@dannievogue7164]

Cali is so cute!!!! I truly enjoyed watching her.

[@truebornsonofliberty554]

Shawn, if you’re thinking long term than you have to know that at some point you or your wife won’t be able to climb up into the loft. I’d seriously consider building at least a one room extension off of the back of the cabin while you’re still able to. Eventually that can/will be the bedroom. Anyway, thanks for all the excellent content and the higher volume that you’ve been producing it. In return I make sure to let all the advertisements run through to completion.

[@terrinadeau8965]

That is a very smart thing to do.

[@jameshelms3789]

True Born ... How about the right side of the cabin? Shawn had mentioned the possibility of using the window near the sink as a door to a room. Logs are cut to the floor and wood boards are below the window. Look at the outside wall. May be he could move the window to the back wall next summer. I think he has other priorities right now. That's a great set of steps to the loft! Solid as a rock. Great imagination to think of that. Jim

[@ronniesmillie8727]

"...He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul..." How could there be doubt, the abundance is so clear in your 🎥 Shawn James...something for everyone to take away here...spirit...Cali is so beautiful, such a retriever, with golden spirit! Thanksgiving, for sure!

[@a.l.gilley7839]

Love these videos. From Monmouth Illinois, born in Portland Oregon, spent time at grandparents hunting and fishing lodge at Wind River. We moved to farm in Illinois, and lived there until I moved on my own. Spent years working construction, and lived in a tent starting out, then a camper, 23 foot, then a 40 ft. Had an 8 ft for smaller trips. My kids grew up living in campers and park model campers until finally started own business and then bought land in Alabama and lived there. Finally moved back home to Gladstone Illinois and lived there for 17 years until moved to Monmouth. Next move will be to country In Samson Alabama with my son and daughter in law. Love the idea of maybe building a cabin there, but might be hard since I am in wheelchair now. One way or another, it will be a simple life and one to enjoy! You are an inspiration to people who yearn for a simple life in nature! Thank you and your pup for some great videos and sharing this part of your life with us.

[@Traceman002]

CALI loves to watch you and be around whatever it i you are doing. She knows he will get a "run and fetch" session somewhere during the day!

[@kirstenb7105]

I live in Oregon, there is such beauty in what you do and how you honor the resources of your area. Thank you for what you are doing.

[@mikedeclerck1421]

Now that was dedication. Watching you (I'm in Atlanta, GA, and it is after 8a.m) manage a very difficult operation in deep snow and freezing conditions makes me appreciate all the more your skills and fortitude. Very clever idea for the steps, and very consistent with the overall theme and build. Cali is not just the cutest, but the most beautiful character in the "show". Makes me smile every time I watch your episodes. Breathtaking scenes at the end of this episode, you have become very artistic with the drone. Ronnie and I trust that you had a terrific Thanksgiving with the "fam". This episode was especially good for our well being. Thank You Mike & Ronnie

[@ProfessorAquaria]

Such an awesome bond between human and dog. Gives the phrase "Man's Best Friend" real meaning. Enjoying your videos immensely.

[@cyvonn]

Yes she is the cutest dog on KZbin 🤩 Labs have a special place in my heart. I've had two and they were perfect.

[@chrishelms1967]

True craftsmanship.......I.......I got this notice at 5am, CST........ in Northern Illinois.

[@janetnewell1259]

Your Videos Shawn Are So inlightening for young men of any age , they should be inspired by you ! Our Son is a Marine ,been out a few Years ,my Parents Have Both Passed And he bought there home . My husband is like you . Has self taught himself and many things that he learned from his Dad . We’re so Happy he’s making the house his own and my Parents would be so proud we kept it in the Family ! The Two working together makes a Father & Son relationships even Better !

[@WhiteDragon689]

Cali sure is cute. Good to see her keeping you company while at the cabin. Good dog.

[@TheRelger]

Keep ‘em coming’ Shawn! My favourite podcast.

[@kenRoberts1984]

All around great channel. Cali is awesome too. Comedy relief for me. Always puts a smile on my face. I'm a sufferer of depression and this stuff gets my mind off of that stuff. Thank you Shawn and Cali ☺

[@sophiamac9100]

Yes this is probably Shawn's biggest achievement! He impacts the life of so many different people in so many positive ways! Stay strong Kenny!

[@kenRoberts1984]

@@sophiamac9100 Thank you

[@frogeater5949]

It is the cutest dog on youtube!

[@gretahamilton3483]

The caption of this video states "the cutest dog on KZbin" and I agree. Cali makes this video. It's interesting to watch Shawn build and educational to hear his instructional comments. I have watched these videos since the beginning and have been inspired to grow.

[@KansasGrammy]

I see so much of Dick Proenneke in these videos. They are so inspiring and peaceful to watch. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@alexisprojects]

You really have to know your property with that kind of snow. "Where did I leave that fireside bench? Is it this mound of snow?" Thanks for the vids and stay warm!

[@lunafournier1178]

Hello ! Yesterday I discovered your channel and is amazing, now I’m hook on them. I’m originally from Mexico City but now I live in New Brunswick, Canada ( on the country side) and I really enjoy all the nature and all the good stuffs that I can do outdoors. Thanks for your videos and of course the meals always look fantastic. P.S : Yes, your dog is the cutest

[@pattimuscarella6369]

I just had to add one more thing. Yes, I'm a mother and a grandmother could be a great grandmother by now and I love anything with construction. I was quite the Tomboy and did everything my dad did. While in Minnesota, my father, a minister, built a church with donated help from the congregation. Because I loved doing anything he did I helped I learned how to frame a wall, hang wall board, Tape and texture and do the electrical wiring. My husband loved that I knew how to do those things and could help him do most anything. My dad taught me well and I love watching you work with the wood. I think men should teach their daughters the same as their sons. By the time I was 7 I could cast a line as far as my dad and I loved every minute of it. I often caught more fish than you did too! LOL I guess that's why I love watching your videos. Blessings to you, your wife and Callie

[@teatamhaugen4498]

She absolutely is. She's gorgeous 😍

[@samayoub431]

I’m addicted to this guy

[@cantthinkofone77]

Beautiful stair. Last 5 min. was a Bob Ross wet dream!

[@michaelawedde5096]

So many Happy Trees :)

[@mathbrown9099]

What great joy this channel has brought and will bring. Thank you! The sounds, sights and Cali. What inexpressible meaning in each video.

[@malcolmmoore7678]

What a lucky man to live in such a beautiful place

[@user-oz3tc7ds1z]

Спасибо, Шон, за очередной шедевр релаксации!

[@DanS24106]

Video as interesting as ever, but what stood out to me this episode was the last 5 minutes of drone and still shots of the beautiful winter landscape in your area. And the music that accompanied it was positively ethereal. Really got me in the "feels"!

[@user-kn5dt1og7f]

Ваша собака - это воплощенное счастье. О таком друге можно только мечтать!

[@fatherlandchild2780]

Finally have a free Day To watch all your recent videos. Im so excited, those stairs looks so pretty!

[@StephenHale1776]

Connecticut here. You need more close up of Cali's eyes when she wants something, such a cute face.

[@saticharlie]

My girlfriend don't understand what i do in the wood (she is always busy [PHD studies]), cause i don't work on the cabin when we are together in vacation. But she loves your video so much (always because of Cali, first), and she asked me : « wow don't you have the same tool in the back off the shed (Alaskan mill), you mean you uses it like the guy of Self reliance ? » Yes. Then she said: ... now i understand...

[@bernadettevanderploeg2479]

CAILY IS THE BEST AND LUCKIEST GOLDEN RETRIEVER IN THE ENTIRE WORLD! that said........ you Shawn are the luckiest guy in the world with having a dog like Caily! You are never alone with an animal/pet . They are always there for you and they give you a purpose , you care for them and they return for all your caring a wonderful never ending loyalty.You can even talk to them and they always look at you like to understand you. Pets are the icing of the cake when it comes down to cope with life's problems.:)))

[@lumifish2394]

She is the cutest AND the luckiest dog on youtube - to live such a free life with a loving friend. Love the ladder.. the step is really beautiful👍

[@Drinks-and-finger-food]

Just as I thought I was out.... they pulled me right in! . I couldn’t help it, I was watching Sopranos before I ended up here

[@johntatum1951]

Almost a million subscribers? Yes, Cali is the loveliest dog on youtube.

[@116UOB]

Cali and her stuffed monkey are adorable. All Goldens are the same I swear!

[@carolweisberger1172]

I watched my Dad build our home, It was him and one other man, It brings back lots of wonderful memories, enjoy your show.

[@andreaskeller6996]

Your slabs are perfect for a space saving "Samba Stairs" 😉 these stairway type is also very comfortable to climb, warm wishes from Berlin, Germany

[@StarLight-yk6es]

Love your work Bro ! That drone footage at the end was so well done , your country is so very beautiful ! :) love from Australia , east coast , Lake Wivenhoe .

[@MarissaBGC]

As always, love to see Cali. Yes she is so darn adorable!

[@lynsmith2698]

We live in northern bc, a small town of 35 people. I just wanted to say, not only do i love watching and learning from your videos, i love seeing Cali. We had a golden retiever/yellow lab cross and he looked so much like Cali only bigger.He was as sweet and loyal as Cali is. He also loved playing fetch with his dummy (i think that is what they are called). He was our loyal loving friend for 16 wonderful years. Watching this makes me miss him more. Thanks for your great videos Shawn and Cali

[@Geordo1960]

“That’s not the cutest dog on KZbin; I think that’s the cutest dog ever!

[@lancedaniels9697]

Seeing Cali this morning gave my heart a lift. I love her for her ideas of what the essential tasks are that are to be performed :-)

[@vhelpetrache8312]

Can't disagree... Cali is cutest dog on KZbin...❤️❤️❤️

[@alanfasbury]

Thank you Shawn its amazing how 49 minutes can disappear so quickly. Again a few tantalising moments of the sounds of the forest and rivers around you without music or dialogue, more please Shawn so i can pretend I am with you. Alan 🐕