How the Mississippi shantyboats helped build a culture

[@pwb0511]

I love it. This man is not homeless, he has successfully collected practical materials to make his way in life. God bless him and all others out there!maybe the only thing I might do differently is go solar as a alternate power source.

[@anarhasanli878]

Very good noted regarding Solar as alternate power source.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Listen man im thinking about traveling down some rivers and im wondering how big of a boat you need to safely go down these usa rivers without dying or getting eaten by gators

[@KenMabie]

he's not homeless he is indigent ... like a piky, gypsy, or nomad.

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

I went from feeling extremely stressed out and negative to just being enwrapped in this dudes story and his boat and the visuals you guys created with your filmmaking. this is top notch !

[@Phyllygirl1]

Great comment!

[@genkiferal7178]

Makes me dream of such a boat and living off the waters of Hawaii.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

I think as americans we need to farther develop this riverboat culture. If you could live on tbe river and fload down wkth little fuel and drive back up you could see the crooks and crannies many sill never see and on a boat you could bring things from where you left to where youre going and back. I think rivers are good for cargo at the right times of year

[@jacobmacleod4054]

This was a gem: "Yeah, everything we did ourselves. The thing is, we don't know anything about anything so like when we want to do a thing we just do a thing...and if it didn't work, we'd redo a thing." Thank you again, Kirsten!

[@evemander1221]

Yeh That was a gold statement 💓

[@bugbomb8048]

This dude is living my dream ...... keep doing what you’re doing man I wish you nothing but happiness

[@treasureisland3778]

*I like this guy. He does his thing. He's not bothering anyone. He's creative & free spirited. Its all about the basic essentials & dealing with it & not worrying about everyone else's opinion. Mr Simplicity, Good video' Peace* ✌

[@LUCKYB.]

Live amd let live. Some thing. These modern day have gotten.a way. From

[@ВадимЗиганшин-е7ь]

Что вы переживаете? Вас не вакцинировали еще? Скоро нас не будет, и никто никому не жить не помешает.

[@musicglenn]

love it! i know wes from his pre-shantyboat days, and i salute his adventurous spirit!

[@007myproperty]

This guy makes you want to just lose yourself, and forget about your worries, I don't know how you found him but am glad you did! he reminds us how life can be so simple sometimes, love this dude way of life.

[@louisetaylor6611]

Mikey Anthonisz : Absolutely!

[@bluecollarlit]

This Comment expresses my thoughts; love this video.

[@gwencurry3405]

I think you, JUST DO IT!!

[@gypsypurl5574]

A truly great getaway, like you're in another place and time! That is a happy dog!

[@withastickangrywhiteman2822]

Live in that boat house for 3 days you will cry me a river.

[@ebonyfaith8064]

This man talks so articulately & you can tell he is highly intelligent. I love hearing him talk & tell stories! And, I love this boat! I absolutely love the old feel to it... as if it's hundreds of years old. Just love it. If it were me, I'd make the boat longer & build the house twice as big. That way, I could have my kitchen & a separate living room. Then, I'd put my bedroom upstairs in a loft. I would have a 2nd loft for storage or whatever. I didn't know what to think before watching this video, but I fell in love with this boat, the dog & the couple! How awesome is this?! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@rondacorle7920]

When I was a girl, I read all of Lois Lenski's books. One stood out to me: "Houseboat Girl" published in the '40s or '50s. I have never forgotten it. About a 9-year-old girl who lives on the Mississippi with her family on a houseboat. The book talked about the community of boaters along the waterways. I longed to be there. Have had a life-long fascination with boats and water. Definitely a book you should pick up for your research.

[@styxrakash4639]

Thanks for sharing this

[@illinoisgoldpanner]

Let's do it

[@jimjim]

This used to be a common thing along the bayous of Louisiana. It used to be a rite of passage for a young man to build his own house boat. There's also stories about how these types of rafts used to float down the Mississippi River and be dismantled for its lumber. Parts of the old houses of New Orleans were built this way.

[@planetmartay]

That is so cool!

[@sandybdesignbuckman6852]

The houses were built with barge boards…..the barges would come done the river and be dismantled in New Orleans then the boards would be sold for housing.😊

[@0HARE]

What a lovely, down to earth couple! Their shanty boat is funky, friendly, fascinating, and completely wonderful. Thanks for a great video.

[@janetf23]

Plus, I'd give a thumb up just for their cute dog.

[@antonioginez5994]

agreed. He is a friendly man and he is happy with the way he lives his life.Very peaceful.

[@noybnoygdb1022]

You should build one and live in it.

[@patkeeler6645]

agree!! use a rain barrel = dish water & hand rinse

[@chrisescobar3979]

Something about that beautiful dog standing on the deck is so peaceful, beautiful but yet filled with sadness. I am sure he loves being so close to his owner in that boat.

[@alfelker]

We have a small dog (Shitzu-Bichon). She lived on our boat for 7 years and used a litter box. Great life for dog, barking at birds occasional seal or duck.

[@dahdahdandy3394]

How can anyone dislike this piece?!? What a treat to have a peek into this extremely articulate man's journey from escapism to soulful enlightenment. A true historian.

[@playinragz]

Dah Dah Dandy I hate it! That’s called liberal bums. Look at that idiotic contraption, it’s a eye sore. Not to mention the smell of those losers who have no shower and certainly like stinking.

[@GrieveCreations]

@@playinragz you sound very old and full of regret

[@playinragz]

Venture Media Solutions Is that what you believe when encountering the truth? That’s how you cope with reality? Inspired by a couple who don’t bathe regularly and pan handle for income? Your generation has sunk America to its lowest level. Then your ability to have kids and teach them your fucked up views is the topper. Your sick and your parents are the reason. Move to Canada please!

[@bluecollarlit]

Yes! He is an historian. The way he tells this is so good.

[@GrieveCreations]

@@playinragz I never said I was inspired by them lol. Way to throw me on the "millennial" train. Is that how you cope with your hate, by generalizing? Don't you just love the internet and how it gives you the ability to waste people's time at your finger tips lmao!!! I've been to CA 3 times. They can keep their washroom selves over there. Would never live there, acting like like I haven't paid a shit ton of taxes. Not sales tax either. Glad your back btw, have a good rest of your day.

[@stevendunkelberger6329]

Finding freedom is what it's all about. Great to see someone happy in this world breaking free from all the manipulations we get forced into.

[@briangarrow448]

I grew up on the Pacific northwest coast in a small logging town. Living close to the river, my friends and I played around floating houseboats built with salvaged materials. A simpler time and way of life. Thanks for the post. Brought back memories from my childhood.

[@bobv8219]

Scotia perhaps

[@Wade_Winter]

You're never too old to live on a floating outhouse sir.

[@edwardjones9631]

Brian Garrow ...where out there did you grow up at?

[@helenjackman8984]

The coast is NOT NEAR ANY logging town.

[@heaven-is-real]

didnt they use to float the logs down the river?

[@claudiastockman8438]

Awesome humble man. He built himself a houseboat. Nothing fancy. He's not about glam and air bnb. It's his home. His getaway....

[@wuzgoanon9373]

Simple. Pure. Life. One of the most interesting things I've watched lately.

[@petekiesbye8856]

This is wonderful and kudos to you both! I think anyone, who isn’t materialistic, would admire the simple but fabulous life you’ve both carved out for yourselves!!!! Imagine how much more one could put into their love when each other didn’t have to worry about bills, taxes etc. but just on one another! This story proves how simple life can be if you realize how little time we have on this earth! This put a big smile on my face!!! Thank you!

[@gallopingg1]

WHAT A SUPER NICE GUY,AND HE'S GOT A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY TO SHARE THIS VERY INTERESTING LIFE STYLE, GOOD ON THEM, HOPE THEY CARRY ON ENJOYING THEIR GREAT LIFE, MICK FROM UK.

[@captlarry-3525]

Kirsten is one hell of a short documentary film maker ! And this is one hell of a fine little film.

[@acejames7718]

Hear here!!

[@richardbedard1245]

I have spent time dreaming of owning a boat I can't afford, but now I see a boat that's"me"! Meeting new people and developing friendships as I cruised up and down the river. That's rich!

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Personally i like this sized boat. A one to two person size. One you can make for dumb cheap out of common marerials and is often also the quickest to repair. I think i want to build one of these because i want to travel affordably to have more money to spend when i gey wherever i go. I would out a more powerful motor in mine for the trip back up river and maybe add a stealth mode electric motor or something for the quiet vibe nights. Have a lot of seafood. I think i would make my bloat just big enough it csn travel the coastlines also and be beached in various areas for overnight camping. I could bring goods too and fro. I think houseboats are houses on boats and i want mine more like luxury glamping because many of the time i will probably be out exploring or fishing ect.

[@Chris-adams-rc-journey]

I'm 32 years old and I want this man to adopt me Please!!! Why isn't there a "best video I've seen this week" button?

[@matthieu4000]

Thank you for posting this and introducing some of us to Wes Modes' life/river journey and documenting efforts, he's extremely interesting (and soothing, from a late night South African perspective as it happens) to listen to, I'll now go and find out more about his material, and how to support it...

[@TBoodro]

I love how honest he is about not knowing how to do anything. =) But he clearly knows how to do something. Thanks for sharing!

[@yourmajesty3569]

I love watching people do what they want and bucking societal norms. Wonderful life.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Personally i perfer the more character in a very nicely built shanty boat than in a real large house sized house boat that costs a fortune. I feel like i coukd find a cheap pontoon big enough and build my own traveling micro gamping mansion. I think mine will have a floating fireplace. The sense of advemture.

[@Captain-ln3vh]

I concur with others here, I started watching this and got hooked. We began to live for our stuff.... that’s not living. This guy is amazing and his intelligence and understanding is great. Just live we don’t need permission!

[@Zoot1343]

A short note to say thank you for all of your videos highlighting minimalism and living simple. I am a design architect living near Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. I enjoy constructing small single family residences in post and beam using cedar and Douglas Fir. Best wishes, Adam Paul.

[@lzu2860]

Adam Paul what is the average cost of the houses you build? Ludy Zuckerman

[@Zoot1343]

Hi, typical houses are 1000 to 1200 sq. ft. and cost $150-200 per foot. All wood interiors and radiant floor heating are included. Adam

[@christhacker7957]

It brings a certain type of peace and interest to the heart to see houses like this and the hobbit houses built into a mountain or hill.

[@MichaelLee-nn9fo]

do you need an Electrician

[@BearClawAK47]

Probably the 10th time I've watched this video. One of my all time favorites.

[@marycandullo526]

The life energy at the river's edges is very powerful, for it is always in flux. To me, living on the edges is compelling and life-giving. Thank you for creating the story of this story.

[@brucedoolin163]

My mother grew up on the Mississippi river at Cairo Illinois. During the depression era and before. She would talk about poor people living like that. My mother and grandparents stayed on a barge container during a big flood. So I have heard these stories. The are great stories indeed

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

I think this would be a great way to travel usa affordably. You could bs at the tippy top of usa and drop this in and float all the way to the gulf

[@np2819]

I love how the dog follows the camera and walks through the house on the other side every time :)

[@hawksandowlscom]

Had to share this gem with about 4000 followers! An excellent 20 minute anthropological conversation on the water, regarding a lifestyle shared by few. The secret history of American river people. I started my life near the Chicago River, then moved to a few blocks away from the Little Calumet, my first serious playground. After that it was on the bank and shoreline, close and personal, with many rivers, a few lakes and both shoreside on the Pacific and Atlantic. I've been sleeping on boats my whole life, and had three different boats and outboards before I had a drivers license. This video resonates.

[@nationwide2720]

these kinds of people make me feel great, just light and love

[@antonioginez5994]

What a great guy. He lives in a very simple life with the dog. He got everything in that shanty boat and he is happy and contented. I like his shanty boat, looks very cozy and comfortable. He is very intelligent. May the guidance of God bless, and protect him and his dog at all times. Thank you for sharing your video with us. Stay healthy and be safe.

[@chriscooks5437]

He needs chickens and a goat for eggs & milk.

[@BethGrantDeRoos]

This has to be one of my all time favorite Kirsten Dirksen KZbin videos!! I live not to far from Mark Twains cabin off Jack Ass Road in Tuolumne County near Sonora CA, and there is something magical, unique and so common sense about small abodes be they on water or land.

[@nickyannajones]

"Upper crusty" I love this guy. I love his project and his way of thinking. I need more people in my life like this

[@gatorhunter1]

There's nothing like living in and having fun with something YOU built with your own hands.

[@JohnSmith-yn8pl]

You got that right !

[@alfelker]

Totally. We lived in our boat for 7 years in a saltwater channel in the 2010s. Just 2 of us on a 45' trawler. We finally bought a fixer upper 1933 built land home and spent 2 years remodeling. Still have boat! Moved off boat in 2018

[@sphlouge]

I’m in a high-end furniture maker for 54 years old loves to build a house like this Move on down the river. Love this video great job man

[@hermestrismegistus402]

This guy had me hooked after hearing him talk for 15 seconds. Good stuff.

[@theadventuresofbrockinthai4325]

ON A HOUSEBOAT 7 MILES NORTH OF SHAWNEETOWN, ILLINOIS, ON OCTOBER 7TH 1907 MY DAD WAS BORN. HE LIVED ON THAT HOUSEBOAT FOR JUST A FEW YEARS. IT WASN'T THAT MY GRANDMOTHER AND GRANDFATHER WERE POOR BUT THEY LIVED ON THE RIVER BECAUSE THAT WAS WHERE GRANDPA'S JOB WAS. YEARS LATER THEY MOVED INTO A VERY BEAUTIFUL NEW HOUSE THAT MY GRANDFATHER BUILT. DAD SAID HE REMEMBERED THE HOUSEBOAT AND HAD FOND MEMORIES OF LIFE ON THE RIVER. MAYBE THAT WAS ONE OF THE REASONS HE MADE A CAREER OF THE NAVY.

[@ex-engineer6657]

About 9 minutes in I realized I was smiling ear to ear. SO COOL. Thanks.

[@dimasarayan2327]

Got a gre8 voice to listen man,just like doz in storytelling,keeps people motivated to listen,gre8 work on that boat,hope i cud own one and so like what u did,life is short,gotta enjoy it.. Thats freedom man and thats soo cooooollll!!!

[@christianbrother4724]

Just travelling up and down the Mississippi is a lifelong adventure in itself.

[@kathleendavis2008]

For a shantyboat...what an amazingly big conversation!!!! Can't wait for his book to b published!!!

[@ROBINstrawBERRYwine]

It would be interesting to know where Wes and his GF are today(2024)

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

Love this guy. Great attitude and humour. Gets you through. Like the boat. Giving me ideas.

[@dss9775]

Welcome to the midwest! Lots of really kind people here. Love this story. Looking towards more stories from the people in your future videos. Keep it going. 🙏🏼💕🇺🇸😃 .

[@theparttimeadult3350]

I love these people and their shanty boat. What an amazing adventure.

[@thetinysideoftiny7625]

Kirsten, this is one of the BEST stories you've ever done. Absolutely fascinating. The gentleman you interviewed was incredibly articulate. What a wonderful storyteller. I've been living 8 years in an 84 square foot tiny home in the AZ desert and I related to everything this man said. Hard to believe the commonality between a desert shanty and a river boat shanty. The bounding joy of tiny living is universal.

[@MrSnickster]

I loved how the dog had you under surveillance all the time! Cute!

[@JohnSmith-yn8pl]

I seen that Dog watching also. Dogs owner was on the video taking boat...I bet. Or a person the dog knew quite good like a relative?

[@divergence_tiffanyramos4337]

The dog really brings it home for the video. It just made it all the more nostalgic! It reminded me of our dogs when we're outside on our creek or when we take them 3 hours away to the beach. Most animals love the water. At least ours do. Forrest or Sea wherever we're living for the season they're really happy!

[@unsaltedlife5998]

I live by lock and dam 25, and go out on the river most weekends. I have never seen a house boat like yours here. We have river houses on the land and some people live there full time. But they are slowly disappearing from the area because of fema permits to build or reconstruction of damage houses. And you are correct river folks are the best people you could ever meet. I have made so many friends along the Mississippi and always stop to see how they are doing. It is a free way to live but hard at times, the river has a lot to offer. Game to hunt and fishing, I have seen some that can generate their own electricity. Nice video

[@AZsmoothrider]

This video dished some strong mojo my way.. Thank you for making it! I have always had a connection with being on the water, and sleeping on boats is especially peaceful for me. I have always thought I might one day live on a boat...maybe I will.

[@motherboard424]

Epitome of “off the grid”. I’m in love. Wealth is in the heart not the pocketbook.

[@Bonobo3D]

Beautiful and charming shanty boat. Much respect for this man's work to collect histories as well.

[@markwicker2481]

Wes and his first mate pulled up at our place in Alabama while traveling the Tennessee about 4 years ago. Good conversation and food, a little scotch, warm showers and the next day off again. Everything that is good emanated from their visit. Still does in my memories. Always will.

[@photojunkysdronezonevlog]

haven't checked out any of your videos for a while but you have not lost your touch. Always love your videos and will be going way back and checking out the ones I missed.

[@louisetaylor6611]

I like how he has that shanty boat log and cruises around getting views of this life from so many he comes accross. Such an adventurous couple.

[@rudymarleyaskit4573]

So reminds me of Tom and Huck..... I escaped many miserable moment's of my younger days thanks to those great story's... Good on you mate..

[@codymcknight1611]

I think you guys are awesome and down to earth as they get,I work away from home all week then rest on the couch on weekends but you know what,I think I need a shanty for weekend rest,I was at complete peace watching y'all chug along :)

[@hermanmunster714]

Floating Hippies, very interesting. Careful in the locks & Happy Floating - Float On.

[@tronalpha2552]

Hello. I live on an 20 ft catamaran in Australia. I congratulate you sir. You started with a plan ran the mile, crossed over the finnish line, and now sit back and enjoy the lifestyle. If i recall, a gent called mark twain worte huckleberry finn, and mark twain lived and worked the river paddle wheel faiys. sorry for any misspelling. slef tought. please correct me if i made a mistake. Gerard.

[@I_am_ARTBOT]

Just found this great channel a few weeks ago and am impressed as hell with the quality. It is just the right amount of depth about the owners/builders, details of the build, and the editing and camera work are superb. Better than anything on commercial tv by far. Keep up the great work!

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

This is like a honda civic where if it breaks you find another piece of sheet metal or wood and you gey back on the river and go travel. I love how the vibe is. Sure this couldve been a river mansion but this as a purposeful theme to it. I bet you could sell this boat for an affordable price. Its like extreme river glamping

[@thomasandersson5275]

Of all the KZbin videos I have seen this one is my favorite. Thank you Kirsten you and your work are treasures. Hilsen Thomas, Norway

[@ganormand]

Love the video. I've always wanted to cruise the river with no timetable. Pontoon boats don't have tendency to flip, but , I don't think you would have enough buoyancy to support the house, people and stuff. When I upgraded from a regular two tube model to a tritoon, it was a totally different experience. What you built is great for river riding...and more stable at mooring.

[@whatzupLizzy]

This is why I love your channel. You tell stories no one else is telling.

[@jrmorrisjr1471]

LOL @ 09:12 the explosives sign on the restroom door, my wife once posted a "Caution: Mixed Gases" above out toilet. I knew then it was Love.

[@ebonyfaith8064]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@romendisr1071]

Wow! Living in a tiny house boat......it is like......I don't know how to explain my feeling... something like freedom, coolest and wonderful. Doing the cooking... sleeping (rocking by the small wave) and you're free to boat everywhere. During rainy (without strong wind) day is a wonderful time (if me). Thank you very much for filming this.

[@markwardel6751]

inspiring and relaxing...could listen to this guy all day.

[@toddtomaszewski6820]

I've watched this video several times. it's like a great book, see something new each time. I would love to this couple.

[@DCfreak009]

This guy would be a lot of fun to hang out with

[@ChazEvansdale]

Agreed :)

[@MrToddKimball]

This guy is a lot of fun to hang out with!

[@DesertPepper]

He sure does. What a cool way to live your life. I would remove the price tag!

[@caldelt]

David Van Bramer Sarah Sullivan enjoyed chatting with him. You can email her or call any of the people whose numbers are shown in his book. Way to respect privacy!

[@DCfreak009]

what the hell are you talking about? I simply stated he would be fun to hang out with...

[@christiandelorde8497]

I've watched this 5 times now. I still enjoy it.

[@halbertking2683]

I saw a special on Tom Petty.He turned 50 and he gets a birthday card from Johnny Cash.The card said "Great riding the river with you." You actually did it. Yea man.

[@josephhinton5489]

Amen, brother. An articulate, unique human being. Absorb nature and thrive.

[@bredlo]

This is as close as we'll get to peering back into an earlier time in America, where people crafted and cobbled their lives into existence by hand. Before Amazons, Targets, and a throwaway culture. There must've been hundreds who lived like this during the Great Depression -- dozens in little shelters like this who watched Lewis and Clark cross their river to chart the west. I don't think most of us, today, are capable of this lifestyle anymore (or at least, we're not inclined to stick with it when it gets messy). We've nearly evolved it out of our DNA: the notion that when the romance of something wears off, and you're cold, wet, or broke... you stick with it anyhow. This is beyond minimalism - it's elementalism. Wood, some steel, and water. Books, a couch, and an old motor. Your significant other... and your dog. I love it from this vantage point -- but I can also see how I, too, have become soft. How I'd hate it sometimes. But even a quiet, simple life can be hard work.

[@baron8107]

Brad Cornelius The slow rejection of Globalism is underway in Rural America.

[@patois12]

Lovely observation. And very true.

[@bluephoenix9160]

Brad Cornelius don’t forget your Master in Fine Art degree....

[@olchat2012]

@@baron8107 and in other countries where globalism only meant poverty...Minimalism and elementalism are still alive and doing well. Family and basic needs met=Happiness.

[@victorygarden556]

I’d be doing things like this if you weren’t persecuted for activities like this nowadays

[@briana14333]

This feels like it's from another time. I can imagine the freedom he feels in this home he made that can take him anywhere.

[@MushroomFromMars]

I'm inspired, Wes is an articulate and inventive soul and I rekon the book will be a great read.

[@eaglefree50]

Kirsten...you've really outdone yourself this time! Excellent job finding this man and subject. So informative, insightful and socially relevant, it inspires me to research the subject further. Love your channel!

[@SHEEPGOBAAH]

This dude did an AMA (ask me anything) on reddit about a week or so ago where he answered a ton of questions regarding himself and his project that people might find interesting. I dont really know the rules for posting links on youtube but if you google "I floated down a major American river on a raft made of trash and survived (barely). Ask me anything!" it will be the first link.

[@messengerofthecovenant6982]

YOU CAN POST A LINK TO ANY VIDEO YOU LIKE.

[@patriciaoffer9585]

MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT The Covenant knows about links...(?)

[@stanky6261973]

Thank you for sharing :).

[@dplawrence2535]

LOVE IT. They are living the live they want to and not what society dictates by saying how they should live. There is so much rich history, good history along the Mississippi River to see and learn about. I salute them for going to this life style. Wish them all the best. Think of all the things they can see, do and experience.

[@55pilot]

What a great story! I would love to have this guy as a good friend. By the way, that dog must be the happiest dog on earth.

[@elizabethkelley5260]

Robert Cleslsk Normal dogs would not be happy here. They like to run in the woods and catch things. Nobody (including dogs) can stay pent up for long periods of time. That freedom that couple seem seems to have is an illusion. I'm sure it's better than prison,but not much!

[@ceeceety2320]

What a neat guy and his lady is just great too! He got kinda lucky to find someone who was interested in his houseboat dream. So many women are too shallow to find the greatness in this lifestyle. Not trying to offend anyone, but I call it as I see it. My wife is like-minded which is why we get along so well. She just said what I said and she also said she would move right into this very boat! I love it! This boat is so very cool. It has heart just like it's occupants! We enjoyed this video so much! I'm envious. We've been talking about living tiny for some years now. This could be an option. Thanks!

[@linesbylisa3557]

What an amazing houseboat! What a great interview!

[@captlarry-3525]

Here we meet one of the most intelligent and articulate shanty boat river explorers. A fine mind and a fine feel for living, and a drive to meet people and learn thier history before it dissapears, make for a most engaging and worthwhile project.

[@pla4825]

Love this little house boat 😊

[@mariakoby9467]

I just want to thank you for this thrilling video! Huck Finn has always been one of my fav heroes. I spent 5 months living in NOLA, one of the most adventures things I’ve ever done. A trip which was supposed to last a few days ended l up lasting a few months. I ran out of money, I worked on Bourbon Street as an exotic dancer. I paid two rents - in Brooklyn and in NOLA so that I could explore the Big Easy, not in a conventional way. And I’d come and look at her - the Mississippi River. And isn’t She special. And it was all worth it because it was a real adventure.

[@RJCooper2]

When I first saw the graphic for this video, I wouldn't have thought it was going to be one of the more intellectual pieces on KZbin.

[@madhatter1206]

RJ Cooper I had to watch the whole thing. It was just that good :)

[@cathycoryell2351]

The man is getting his master's. Of course it will be intellectual.

[@roydesignedthat]

I noticed you chuckling at points in the video and it was not because you thought the design was comical, as I was smiling at the same moments. It was because they had such cool details that were so simple! The truck top, the drop table, the sinks that don't even hold water but are genius to mention a few!!! Well done on them and thanks for sharing this! BestRoy

[@m2odmdlh]

I worked on the Mississippi for 5 years. We would go out on the river for several months at a time living in what I called a floating hotel. It was a quarter boat. It is hard to explain what it was like... watching the sunset and sunrise on the river... hearing the old Calliope playing on the Mississippi Queen or the Delta Queen as they were going by on their cruises .. Hearing the ships and barge tows talk to each other with their whistles ... Seeing Jackson Square from the river at midnight as you passed through headed to the next stop..... pulling into the bank to be surrounded by a dark cloud that turned out to be mosquitoes!...finding out that at shift change someone stepped into a duck pond (a hole between barges of different lengths) and was sucked under by the river with their life jackets on and we didn't find them for weeks... It was great when I was single, lots of overtime and no expenses, but when I got married it was just a pain.

[@Here_Today_]

m2odmdlh lol, hope your spouse doesn't read the last comment. you could write a book!

[@m2odmdlh]

I need to be more clear....ha ha ha... the river life was a pain... not my wife... ha ha ha... that's why I left the river life.

[@ecovention]

yes i work around rivers great way of life.

[@t8945ll]

Its also cool to see the Mississippi Queen at night with all 5 floors lit up going up or down the river.

[@louisetaylor6611]

m2odmdlh woah dude, sounds awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@kerricorser4562]

Great show! I lived on a custom house boat in Florida in the 80s. This was fun to watch, thank you!

[@foodadventureswithdanielle5685]

Her:"Is it a camp stove"? Him: "IDK.....Yeah I think its a camp stove" As the camera zooms in on the word "Camp" on the stove

[@whoopsydaisy6389]

I love everything about this boat. Just looking at it makes me happy. Add about six feet and I'd live on it full time.

[@velocity800]

Its a piece of floating Art. I love this boathouse.

[@shanebeaudrot777]

The pateen of chosen building materials used is what gives the boat it's characteristic charm. I'd like to live that way some day

[@madmattish]

dude, you should put a really old rusty lamp post on the front porch area. like from an old gas station or hardware store. that would be "icing on the cake".

[@borktheswedishchef1190]

and a rocking chair ''why dont you go back were you came from boy *spitting sound*''

[@0xsergy]

@@borktheswedishchef1190 boat would rock your ass off the side as you slept. talk about a wakeup call

[@edwardjones9631]

They did use old lanterns back in those days! Candles didn't work! Since most shantyboats didn't have a fireplace, they cooked with wood and lived by lantern light!

[@bowandarrowindian3704]

He probably would if he could find one okie dokie

[@goodliving2171]

Jim Dandy Good idea, or an outdoor gas lamp post.

[@johnmcameron1811]

I loved your video, I was a boat builder for 14 years, I love how simple a shanty boat is, very cool and graceful :-)

[@darylsmith9318]

What a cool, down to earth guy.

[@eliedgecomb4903]

What a wonderfully intelligent, self aware man working on a truly untold history.

[@lisasyleenrayschel5365]

This was a great video...I felt so at piece while watching this video.

[@ronaldrose6885]

Way to go Wes!!! I first saw the start of the construction at shanty boat living. You have a great first mate. Thanks for the documentation, as I look for your stories of river way of life.(Anna and Harland) who were inspired by we all know who. Keep the travels well documented. Peace!

[@asecrethistoryofamericanri6968]

Thanks, Ronald.

[@Mr683465]

This was awesome. When i lived in Houma, LA, i would see what they called fishing or camp houses. I thought and to this day still think it was awesome. I love the simple life.

[@jenniferholden9397]

I love this guy, and the phrase 'upper crusty' is now in my vocabulary forever. X

[@disf5178]

I guarantee this guy is a trustifarian. This reeks of Pretentious hipster fakery.

[@asecrethistoryofamericanri6968]

@@disf5178 ignorant much? Or just frustrated with the life you chose?