Howling Wolves Wake Me Up at the Off Grid Log Cabin

Early this May, I camped alone at the cabin property(My Self Reliance Camp) while I worked on the cabin foundation. I installed a privy, hauled logs, and cooked some great meals over the open fire for myself. I was awakened by a pack of wolves, barred owls and a saw whet owl at 4:30 in the morning

[@MySelfReliance]

For more photographs, stories and tips, please follow me on my other online channels; Website: myselfreliance.com/ Facebook - facebook.com/MySelfReliance/ Personal Facebook Page (Shawn James) - facebook.com/shawn.james.msr Instagram - instagram.com/myselfreliance/

[@voxpopuli905]

In another video you showed the traffic and talked about what a unhealthy and stressful environment weve created and i cannot agree more...going back to the 1700s is ideal if you ask me

[@Joex51x]

that is a Firepit done right meticulously built with a small area for cooking. nice Job!

[@briansmith4110]

My Self Reliance Your meal had me foaming at the mouth. Thank you for your videos.

[@briansmith4110]

My Self Reliance Watching your videos seeing the woods helps me with my depression. You are a motivation to get back to the woods. I'm starting truck driving school next month and my plan is to save for ten years, buy some land in Missouri and build a log cabin like you. I would love a detailed list of tools,advice, and just anything you would be willing to provide. Thank you for being such an inspiration. TY

[@deploribusunum3894]

My Self Reliance Lol. Remember don't eat the daisies?

[@Keoghkins]

I live in a city called Stoke on Trent in England and it's a fairly concrete jungle type of place. When me and my younger brother were 10 and 12 we went camping in the six week holidays. We didnt have mobile phones or any reassurance for my mother that we were safe, she knew we were capable young lads and that we could look after our selves. We said we'd be gone for one night and ended up coming back a week and a half later. We ran out of food on the second night so we fished for the rest of the trip. Fishing, Camping, gathering supplies and improvising have always been myself and my brothers keen interest. The dull cogs of life have forced us both into jobs and we rarely find time to tune into our natural, nostalgic tendencies, but you've inspired both myself and him to go away and reconnect with nature and just play in the woods like we did when we were kids. So thank you for that!

[@serenew5690]

Wow, wow that's great. Kids having fun in the woods. Gby 2 and keep safe.

[@freeravenadventures6925]

One of very few benefits of Social media is having access to videos like these as you mentioned for inspiration and enjoyment

[@steve3342]

Your a good man Shawn , not only are inspiring us adults , but your also inspiring the young kids , keep up the good work and watch out for that cute flower thief

[@recoveringsoul755]

Steve There seem to be too few real men left. I've given up.

[@MrJmatthewj]

As soon as I saw the dog I just started laughing. too funny.

[@jasonmoney3280]

Pit bulls can't survive in the cold

[@MrStensnask]

That dog is so damn cheeky and adorable. As for your thoughts on a healthy mind and life I completely agree. Unfortunately, I live in tiny Denmark where 95 % of our forests have been logged many years ago, so we can't really enjoy that outdoors type of remote, unbothered life unless we go to nearby Sweden, Norway or Germany. Man, I wish we had untouched, mountainous regions....suits my idea of a happy and healthy mind perfectly....I love being outdoors and camping with friends and family in the wild. That's when I truly feel that I am alive.

[@rigidfinger]

You certainly qualify as camp cook. You eat better out in the woods than I do at home.

[@garyhope2]

Don't tell my wife that.

[@aprildevito648]

I was going to say the same thing

[@aprildevito648]

lol

[@terrybrown8249]

I'm sooooo hungry now. my favorite part is definitely the dog eating the flowers

[@redtankgirl5]

Terry Brown: I thought that part was too good myself. I couldn't stop laughing at the old scamp. lol

[@terrybrown8249]

Lol

[@conniee.]

This good vid definitely makes one hungry, so now I'm going to go make dinner, Lol Cali's trying to tell him something by eating the flowers...he's making her hungry too, she smells all that good meat he's cooking. Num,num,num,num. Lol

[@rmkpilates]

Stopped listening when Cali came on the scene. She is a natural and very funny! Thanks for all you do to share your life and principles. You and yours inspire us all. Cali #1 fan!

[@rickgreen9936]

Scroll past the talking? and miss your golden in the background gardening LOL, what a crack up.

[@shhhlisten4850]

Rick Green I was laughing so hard!🤣😂🤣 too funny

[@georgiaelevatorsandmore869]

Thank you. Really enjoyed video.

[@ShortyzWingz]

Shawn, you're a respectable man and I'm so happy you took the time to develop this KZbin channel and make such information, but FUN videos. Thank you! There needs to be more people like you in this world!! ATB- LeAnne

[@MySelfReliance]

Shorty Lesser thanks so much Shorty!

[@Moosiemoon]

I am binge watching all your videos. I love them. It’s so awesome hearing all the nature sounds and watching you work and Cali baby romp and play. Very relaxing. You are doing a good job!! Hug your fur baby for me!!!

[@JustJosieyall]

"these flowers is so yummy NOM NOM NOM " -Cali lol

[@KillingerUSA]

Man you eat good in the bush!

[@alvindueck8227]

Killinger It's almost like he eats more than he works lol

[@petertaylor3424]

..i didn't know you can get all this food from nature like this . WoW ..

[@wafflehouse42069]

His dog also eats in the bush

[@stevemac7933]

got to watch it bud your arteries all the butter wow

[@MSDOGS1976]

He sure does. He has inspired me to do a little more cooking in my home instead of eating out all the time. Good channel.

[@neildbarker]

That's amazing with the sound of those wolves. Very eerie and amazing at the same time.

[@stormytuesday9902]

Awesome! totally agree. I have to go to the woods on a regular basis. For me I fee like it lets me disconnect from the electronic world, clear my mind, and as cliche as it sounds, ground myself. Just doing a small day hike and stopping to build a fire and preparing a meal gives me a sense of confidence and resilience. I am looking for a 50 to 60 acre place with running water where I can build something a little more permanent. I hope it would allow me to spend longer times in the woods. You have an awesome channel and I enjoy it very much. Thanks for posting your videos.

[@carol-anntrudell9990]

I love Cali. She is so sweet and faithful. Also, your video's are great. God bless you and your family.

[@thomaswaite2114]

well done video...your comment about " self worth" is spot on....without it your life is not full. I know of no greater way to increase your self worth and have a true sense of achievement than solo adventures into the wilderness. thanks for making a quality video with a great message...good for old folks too.

[@canoetrippers5871]

well those were nice tulips

[@garyhope2]

Delicious,....LOL.

[@KM-bu8ec]

So funny!! 💕💮💕

[@syrenadurager]

lol.

[@polarbear353]

I was in the Cub Scouts when I was a kid. It was truly a great experience and provided memories throughout my life. I'm 58 and still proud to say I was a Cub Scout.

[@janetdoecke5072]

Hello from Australia, "what the heck" OMG she is hilarious and you had no idea she was stealing our gaze and concentration away from you, thanks for the laugh, I needed that! See ya soon and take care! 👋

[@PumpkinVillage]

Photo bombed by your own dog. Priceless. She's a beauty for sure. The cabin is coming along great. Your rambling is right on. That's why I try to get my boys out as often as I can. Even if it's just setting around a fire pit in the wood lot. Take care and keep up the great video's. Al

[@kevinbungles]

Fantastic, Cali was looking over and you very studiously

[@Casey1pj]

Shawn, I've watched some of your videos when you were building your cabin and you were feeling so wore down at the end of the day. I thought to myself, "Your ass needs to eat more when toting those monster logs around and swinging that sledge." Now I see you eating like a a worrier! Glad to see that you got your appetite back brother. I enjoy your videos and the wild adventure you are going through. I'm glad to see the track that you have chosen for your new life is filled with peace and happiness. Power to you Shawn. You are a true craftsman and survivalist. A lot of the younger generation are going to strive to be like you and that is a wonderful thing. Just keep on rocking that Canadian wilderness and the world will be a better place.

[@janetbrowning9089]

I gotta say, Shawn, you never suffer when it comes to good cooking, even in the woods with no real kitchen setup. I so agree too, with your philosophy of people disconnecting from the "rat race" & getting outdoors & doing things that they enjoy in nature. People don't "live" their lives anymore; it's just so mundane, it's enough to bore anyone. Just getting outdoors & experiencing nature, instead of sitting inside all the time, would help most people. Excellent video, Shawn!! I'm watching some older ones now, just sort of randomly watching them. I've loved everyone of them. Thanks so much!! 😊🙏💖🐾💖

[@shhhlisten4850]

Great video & message! The doggie thou!🤣

[@maryannanaya905]

Funny, your dog is eating your flowers while you're talking at the end. I was cracking up.

[@sandispringfelch1317]

In about 1930, my then 16-year-old father, enticed by his 32-year-old brother, quit high school near Lansing, Michigan and moved to an old trapper’s cabin on Perch Lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to become a woodsman. The two of them hunted, fished, trapped. To earn some cash, they also guided, housed, and catered to hunters and fishermen who came to the area from Chicago and Detroit. Sadly, my uncle was killed in an accident in November 1932. Dad, wisely, returned home and finished school. He worked as an industrial engineer until he was in his late 60’s, but always treasured this two years of living off the land, never lost his year-round love of the outdoors, and made the best pancakes ever. Watching your videos kindles fond memories for me. Dad would have absolutely loved your channel and your wise reflections on life!

[@ChadMorgan709]

Awesome camp cooking video. Cali eating the flowers was a riot. I actually had to rewind it to hear what you said because the show was stolen. Keep up the good work and see you on the next one!

[@r8rsean71]

Man your dog has gotten so big. Can't wait to see her on your adventures. Take care

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

Cali is schooling you on the wild edibles man :)

[@yaxizhang9455]

hello.. I watch a lot of your videos

[@kennethwiley3965]

I can only say that your videos truly are uplifting, refreshing and a joy to watch, Shawn. Thank you for all you do!

[@jeremyb.1977]

Great video and it is good to hear and see young people getting outside and learning about nature. Love that Cali. I have been thinking seriously about getting a puppy to teach and take into the woods. Seeing Cali has inspired me to start looking at what kind of puppy to get. Keep up the great work! - Jeremy

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

Hard to beat good grub over the fire, of which you seem to be quite skilled in! Thanks for sharing with us. Guys like you and Joe inspire me to go out and mess around while filming it in the bush. I'm learning every time I go out, and every video I watch. Take care!

[@cristinaherrera5321]

You really love your butter, Shawn.

[@StarMountainHikes]

You're dog definitely stole the show this time! Nice video...

[@christinearmington]

Star Mountain Outdoors & Bushcraft Thanks for the heads up! Can’t believe she was eating flowers 🌸!

[@garyhope2]

LOL,.....best part of the videos. Such a wonderful, funny, silly part of the videos. A lot of laughs and smiles out of that. God bless the animals.

[@MrDimeboy99]

Bunch of us guys here in the desert of Kuwait are watching and loving the videos of "normal" life that we don't get here so we live vicariously through your exploits in the woods. Great videos reminding us all that home is waiting. Hope one day we can get up there and enjoy the outdoors like you do. Keep the videos coming!

[@MySelfReliance]

MrDimeboy99 Awesome, I'm glad I can be of service. Give em shit and come home safe!

[@michaeljames3039]

I have been a fan of yours Shawn James for a year now. It's really cool to see this video from the very beginning. Thanks for all your hard work . I have to say I look up to you now. Your truly inspiring. Thanks you Shawn James

[@RoarkeSuibhne]

Dog: Yo, I got this. Hold my flower.

[@bluflame9tv667]

Classic!!!

[@dr_cain7358]

that was awesome. .. love your dog !

[@anndoig2459]

Marvellous - from Western Australia - How pleasurable are these videos I recently discovered.....changed my viewing.....delightful. Winston

[@ichthus1890]

Very generous of you to go to all the work of putting together these videos. One comment you made I think is very true, that is these kind of activities can help fight depression. Even watching the videos helps me in that way. There's something about the wisdom you share of living in and learning from nature that is very regenerative to the human soul. Thank's again.

[@MeetMeOutside]

Great comments regarding the scouting. Very nice. Great videos man, camp cooking,can't beat it ! Peace

[@julieann4131]

Oh my lord, just found your video. I'm hooked, thank you!

[@KM-bu8ec]

Oh, my gosh, Cali eating the flowers and crushing them cracked me up! So funny! They were so gorgeous. 💕💮💕

[@whollymary7406]

I appreciate your encouragement it isn’t often that other will encourage people who are older than do the things they love to do but you have inspired me with your skills and crafts

[@dougLinker]

You sure talk a lot more at home than in the bush 😜another good one Sir

[@MySelfReliance]

lol. I have to keep up the image my neighbours have of me as the weirdo who wanders around his backyard talking to himself and picking and eating dandelions off the lawn.

[@b-man1232]

Myself, my dad, and my 2 sons are heading to Canada (Ontario) in July for a fishing trip that we've been talking about doing for years. We can't wait!!!

[@MySelfReliance]

B-Man 123 Awesome, good luck to you!

[@allanjames2843]

B-Man 123 where abouts?

[@b-man1232]

Allan James - we're flying into several lakes...in and around "Lake of the Woods".

[@allanjames2843]

B-Man 123 oh nice! are you going to try and 'live off the land'?

[@b-man1232]

Allan James - No. We have guides, staying on a property, etc. My family is a little "pampered"...living off the land might be a disaster😅

[@evanhrelec7213]

I really appreciate watching your videos, they are amazing and the content is awesome. Love watching you use natural resources and be able to turn them in to something beautiful. Keep up the good work!!

[@mindyvaughn8217]

😂😂😂😂 I don’t know how I missed this video. That Cali is so funny. It’s a good thing Mama didn’t catch her.😂😂😂💖

[@b-man1232]

Thanks, I am so damn hungry now😎. Great video!!!

[@greysilverback3924]

Cool dog!

[@richbarentine4354]

I was in scouts till was 17. Went to Philmont , Tres Ritos , El Ranco Cima ,Camp Strake. All during the late 70's and 80's. I lived your way. And forgot about the serenity the wilderness gives. Please bring more to my son and I. Kidney disease keeps me from exploring. Your show is very educational for him. Thank-you!!!

[@zvonimirzvonimir7961]

Thanks very, very much.Your clips are not only manual: how to build a cabin, it's testimony od life, values and our real place in this life- story.Kind regards from Croatia

[@jamesmoorhouse5265]

You should just title this the eating video. Cali definitely caught on to the spirit of the video there at the end.

[@spidiemangmail]

definitely add more 'deep thought' sections. they are great and have always resonated with me. it's hard to be depressed when your outside.

[@startocruz]

Thank you very much kind sir, for the insight at the end of the video. It is very inspirational. Thank you again. This channel makes KZbin worthwhile.

[@carmencolon5647]

Hello, you are truly an inspiration, boring never. Thx for all your insights your right people need to embrace nature and enjoy life.

[@ChrisProuse]

Great video Shawn - the bit with Cali at the end was hilarious! When we're in town or at home, I intermittent fast daily until 2pm... and this video made it really difficult to not grab a snack! :)

[@Litzbitz]

KETO ON. I DO INTERMITTENT FASTING ALSO BUT THAT STEAK ALMOST MADE ME BLOW IT. LOL!

[@recoveringsoul755]

Grandma Liz's Kisses That steak did look good, even for this vegetarian.

[@ShelleyRaskin]

You eat better on camp than I do at home!

[@williamleopold507]

Such yummy looking meals that you prepare all the time ! You are a great cook . Love your shows .

[@framerguy]

This was the 1st of your videos I have watched and I hit the "Subscribe" button before it had finished. Your apparent humility in presenting your views and experiences is what I found inspiring. Keep up the coverage of your construction as your cabin becomes a reality and I look forward to following your efforts.

[@hempseedaddict]

Talk about getting upstaged!

[@smokeycanopy]

Wow that's some great food you cooked there.

[@granny13ad33]

You said it rather well. As one gets older it sometimes is hard to be inspiring, especially alone. I encourage young people to by truly make the most of their years. Your kids,are blessed to have you lead them.

[@zubidaalzoubi5240]

Keep doing the great work you are a wonderful man we can learn so much from you Thank you for sharing your experience with us👍👍

[@Weasel914]

Who gives a flip about a bunch of logs placed in a square. The food is worthy of a food network channel. Nice outdoor cooking!

[@lockpickingbelfast]

Your having steak and the dogs eating flowers lol

[@miamilan4812]

I love all the advice you give! Please don’t stop. Our generation needs it.

[@WayneTheSeine]

LOL.... Cali is digging on some nectar. I have owned 3 goldens. With 4 children we couldn't have picked a better breed of dog. My daughter still has one of them. He is getting up in years now but her 3 young children step on, pull ears, ride and Charlie has never once shown nothing but love for them. What awesome animals. At 70 I still try and get out and walk my favorite woods with a 25 lb rucksack....6 miles is about all I can handle but it invigorates me and keeps me in touch with the woods I have always loved. I plan on doing some backpack camping this fall with my son and do a bit of squirrel hunting and camp cooking. Your channel, as well as some others inspire me to stay in touch with the real world. Thank you.

[@r8rsean71]

Sean those are the biggest pieces of Canadian bacon I have ever seen. Lol wish we could get those state side in cally. Nice vids

[@Jimj]

Only someone with property would understand a video like this. Enjoy it my friend.

[@offgridfriend7344]

We found your site yesterday and really like watching your videos and agree with your speak. You are now in our subscribed list. You are a good man and we would be proud to call you a friend.

[@susanwoodman2996]

Your sweet Golden finished the show , have one of these sweet boys too for the last 10 years, amazing how he just new when to stop before you turned around. Such a smart pup! Love all the videos and your message too.

[@scottchesnutt493]

Feed your dog Shawn! Or are you raising a vegetarian? hehe Thanks for sharing. Be well,

[@rotattor]

steak and blue cheese with portobello shrooms ! AWESOME ! i just subed cause of the food.

[@mamaci910]

I loved seeing you cook on Joe's grill. It's great to see how to cook and being able to cook great meals off grid. :) I also enjoy when you stop to explain and educate on things.

[@tebigman65]

The great outdoors creates great people. I grew up in Northern Minnesota and spent a lot of time in the woods. At an early age I began to see all the wonders of nature and felt "at home" in the forest. All my relatives enjoyed fishing and hunting as well as hiking the red dirt roads and swimming at Lake of the Woods. Your videos are certainly an inspiration to get into the back country!

[@joesouting]

I love the dog lol

[@stewartdoneafart2795]

Holy crap, It looks like you went out eating and decided to do some camping and building on the side. LOL

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Great trip Brother! You, Joe, and Ray Mears keep me inspired and motivated to continue to try to get out even though every one around me says "Why don't you just stay home"... Thank you for getting me through until my weekend off finally gets here (every 2 weeks). Keep up the great work brother!

[@LWalker7]

I 💓Cali. Love your videos, they are very calming to watch.

[@chrisp755]

Man this a great channel

[@kcking21]

Are you sure you're not opening a restaurant instead of a school? The food you make looks amazing!

[@Iseekoutthetruth]

another 4 hours watching your videos, I also get out everyday, hiking in the Arizona Desert making my own videos. I like your videos and your words of wisdom. I started my Life changes almost 6 years ago now. Thanks for the videos.

[@slprn67]

I really like the reflections and sharing your life experiences. Keep them videos coming

[@josephallen19]

I think the talking parts go well. Your hat is very red, in case you were wondering ;)

[@MySelfReliance]

Joe Robinet Ha, you won't miss me out on the water

[@VanDarkholm]

ol scooter

[@cliffordwright1603]

Great video Shawn. Nice to hear the wolves. What an opportunity. And Cali did steal the show

[@NorthernEscapes]

Always inspiring. Thank you.

[@lauramarti7548]

Yes, Cali stole the show on this video! I laughed out loud when she pulled the hyacinth out of that beautiful planter of spring flowers. Thank you for all of your videos! I just tuned into your channel a couple weeks ago, and am not really watching them in any particular order. The sights and sounds of the forest in Ontario, watching all that you create, listening to your philosophy on life, and seeing how you interact with Cali restores my soul. I enjoy the quick glimpses of your wife on some of the videos, and I can tell by the way you refer to her, that she is important to you. I will continue watching to see how the homestead develops.

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Wow thats more food than i ate last week lol

[@margaretrosin7853]

Who could possibly be thumbs downing your videos?? Oh I know, other woodsmen who are just not as skilled as you. 😩 #envy #jealous #wishtheycoulddoitbetter

[@d4mdcykey]

@@CA-lg1do ~ You are incorrect and repeating old information that has been thoroughly debunked by modern science. That entire 'claim' was created by the sugar industry, now exposed by sealed documents through the FOIA. Dr. Fredrick Stare, chair of the Public Health Nutrition Department and the Dr. D. Mark Hegsted were paid by the Sugar Research Foundation in the mid-1960’s, and wrote articles dismissing that sugar was a significant contributor to heart disease and implicating saturated fat as the cause. Hegsted was directly involved in developing and editing the 1977 US Dietary Guidelines. A commentary in the Journal of Accountability in Research summarized the significance of those articles as follows: _"Researchers were paid handsomely to critique studies that found sucrose [sugar] makes an inordinate contribution to fat metabolism and heart disease leaving only the theory that dietary fat and cholesterol was the primary contributor."_ In response to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association in November 2016 exposing the poor methodology and claims, the Sugar Association responded by stating that it: _"should have exercised greater transparency in all of its research activities, however, when the studies in question were published funding disclosures and transparency standards were not the norm they are today."_ The real culprit is trans fats (margarines and vegetable shortening), highly processed carbohydrates, and of course refined sugars in all its myriad forms. "Eating like this", as you stated, is not the primary causes of heart attacks, it is high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, along with complications from Diabetes, Overweight and obesity, Poor diet, Physical inactivity, Excessive alcohol use, in other words the modern forms of eating junk food, fast food, processed snacks, sodas, and trans fats, that are practically in everything now. Quite the opposite of what Shawn eats, not to mention he probably gets more exercise through hands on work in a day than most people get in a month.

[@ginnylorenz5265]

@@d4mdcykey Thank you for writing this. It's important info. There has been horrifying corruption at work against Humanity and this is only one part of it. I appreciate you taking the time to help open peoples' minds to the truth. Best wishes to you from Ginny in San Diego, California.

[@d4mdcykey]

@@ginnylorenz5265 ~ You're welcome. It is a dark and ugly chapter of nutrition, but at least better information is out there now.

[@johnfoster4485]

Cali ya goof. Ya made the video funny at the end 😆 She's definitely a great and important part to your journey. ❤

[@lynnmicallef7422]

Ah that's so cool the scouts watch your channel.how inspiring wonderful stuff! BIG LOVE!

[@johnlhigh]

Very nice...Hey how did you make that cool little grill?

[@edwardmackey8304]

*See:* _Please Don't Eat The Daisies_ here on YT

[@Broadluxe]

Another great one bud! Watching from Hong Kong (as an American expat). Love you and Joe's video's. each time I watch I tend to go for a trek/camp out here and agree with you how important it is for mental well being. Can't wait to see the next cabin video and thanks for posting!

[@billmuggelberg5310]

Thank you for doing what you do. I grew up in the woods with my father and I plan on doing the same with my children.

[@thevideostump46239]

Dude, I gained 5lbs just watching, lol.. Right on, I feel ya brother.. Question, where did you get the grill?

[@MySelfReliance]

Lol. My wife, Joe Robinet and I designed and had it manufactured based on a grill that Joe has been using. It sells on joerobinet.com, but we are currently sold out.

[@thevideostump46239]

My Self Reliance :You know Shawn, I was like, man that looks like Joes, lol.. And yep it's sold out right now. However if you see it back in, let me know here or on Facebook so I get order one, ok? That's Mark...

[@badlandskid]

What goes through a wolf's mind when he sees you... predator or prey?

[@MySelfReliance]

buddies

[@badlandskid]

Lunchables

[@henryd12341]

badlandskid ii

You mean you have no brain? :-O ;-)

[@hollybronwyn8176]

We never saw you as prey, and still, you almost completely wiped us off the face of the earth. and you're doing it again. Leave us in peace and we will leave you with a healthy ecosystem. I adore wolves ... I wish everyone shared my admiration. :*(

[@Laiynnalaiynna]

Thanks for your videos, sharing your thoughts and especially Cali making me crack up laughing with her little performance :D.

[@mademoisellekaya1438]

You sir, you have a great heart and know what it's all about. Hitting the nail on the head. And Cali + your reaction to that... gosh darn good times Lol!