Log Cabin Building in the Winter | Bushcraft Style Tarp Shelter for the Sauna Project

Winter came earlier than I anticipated this year and caught me unprepared, so this week I spent two days building a tarp shelter for the sauna and thawing out the cedar logs for the log cabin. I talk about how I was not prepared and what I learned from it.
Cali, our Golden Retriever, and I go for a long snowshoe through the Canadian wilderness looking for firewood, building materials, wild game and chaga mushroom for tea.
Thanks for watching! New videos every FRIDAY. Please subscribe.
LogOX - www.amazon.com...
My Other Channel: Shawn James bit.ly/2xzZHpB
T-SHIRTS: 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
My tools, Clothing & Other Gear:
www.amazon.com...
Film/photography gear:
Canon 6D - amzn.to/2EdaZjs
DJI Mavic Pro - amzn.to/2DHuJib

[@scottwheeler2494]

Watching Cali bounding thru the snow in the background is priceless. Thumbs up for that alone.

[@josephbednarsky]

This is actually my 1st time commenting but I have been watching your videos from the very beginning and I just wanted to let you know that they are very helpful to me in managing anxiety attacks that I suffer from. I love the outdoors and living the way you do but due to my health I am not able to do so at this time. Your videos allow me to be a part of the outdoors and nature again! Thank you and God bless you and your family.

[@risasb]

Sir, if you're an example of unprepared, most of the rest of us are done for. Very good work.

[@MySelfReliance]

Lol

[@betts258]

lol

[@davidrobertthomas1515]

@@betts258 Well said risa bear. LOL

[@artildenram]

Lol!

[@Servant_of_Christ]

In scandinavia we use the saunas as smokehouses, but I never seen anyone smoke a canadian dude, that's brilliant, he live forever! :-)

[@PastorManningPhD]

MrHotbulldozer fantastic comment hahah

[@edwardcarney7569]

It’s great watching your story evolve Shawn. It somehow feels like we the viewers are on the journey with you. Keep filming for us!

[@lischiAK]

I found your channel in the summer last year after watching hauls, beauty tips and the general fashion youtuber stuff...I got one of your video in my recommented - god knows why giving my viewing history - but I'm so greatful for it. Your videos just make me feel so much more at peace with myself and generally happy. Please never stop sharing your journey! Lots of love to cali and you :D

[@MySelfReliance]

Thank you

[@iskah8551]

OMG! I had the same thing happen and I am grateful because I love his content!

[@CopperIslandHomestead]

Wow, those were some crazy-buried logs!!😱 Your work ethic is, as always, amazing! Convicting and motivating!

[@Scy]

Next year's project: Workshop! All the tools in one place. All the logs stored under a roof. Perhaps adjacent to the wood storage, so you can keep the chopping tools in one place as well, without having to dig them up.

[@MySelfReliance]

Exactly

[@skygerspacher6891]

Flexibility is the key to happiness. You live in nature and your time lines cant compete. Enjoy your quiet moments and down time. We enjoy watching you cook and read and fish and sit by the fire as much as when you are actively working on a project. You have built the ultimate place to relax, so do it sometimes, without having to explain why.

[@NetTopsey]

Don't be too hard on yourself. With the winters we've had over the past decade, and how late it started last year, you couldn't know we'd be up to our eyeballs in snow by mid-November this year. As you said, you learned your lesson, so next year will be better. With the lifestyle you've chosen you have to roll with the punches the weather gives you, and very evidently you roll well. Thanks for the video, I always enjoy watching them

[@chrissyzcreationz]

I do hope you can keep up with the channels! I , for one, adore just watching you walk around, play with the dog, enjoy the woods, and create beautiful things with basically your hands! Not gonna lie, it's nice to see a man cook too! lol Thanks for working so hard for us viewers!

[@ruprechtkroenen2665]

Es ist April 2024 und genieße die Videos alle. Es ist schön zu sehen wie erfolgreich nach der endlosen Arbeit deine Reise geworden ist. Da kann deine Familie stolz auf dich sein. Nicht aufgeben, niemals das hab ich gelernt und macht Mut Dinge im eigenen Leben zu verändern seien sie auch noch so klein.

[@au1098]

Don't fight nature bud! Pick that new guitar and your banjo. Hikes with your wife and Cali. Ice fishing, and more ice fishing, and more ice fishing! That sauna will be there in the spring! We're not going anywhere!

[@karenzaller9659]

Hi Shawn, I appreciate your closing comments but don't think that the audience doesn't gain something. For one I live vicariously through your chanel. It is a life style that I have always craved. So, thanks for all of your hard work. I am handicaped and house bound. I used to take my boys hiking down dry river beds exploring, camping and fishing. That was over 40 years ago. Now at 70 I just dream abouit it. And without those like you I couldn't do that.So once again thank you.

[@jamesbockenstette4332]

Cali is a goddess in the dog world. Thanks for posting.

[@Jamal_Tyrone]

Be prepared, that's the scout boy's solemn creed, be prepared, and be clean in word and deed!

[@mikerogers9711]

I’m a man and Envy this channel 100% especially Callie, she is a great companion. 👍🏻

[@graciegolden2290]

That intro music is such a joy to my soul. Really beautiful what you are creating there, Shawn. Looks like Cali has grown accustomed to her boots, bounding around everywhere. Thank you.

[@Tannertraversed]

We appreciate you. Keep up the good honest work. Your worst day in the bush is still better than someone’s best day in the city. God bless.

[@YlvaBjarnson]

Your work ethic is amazing. That's why you have gotten so much completed. I've seen channels where they never get around to finish their cabins and spend a lot of time drinking. I wonder what they do all day. We know what you do, work hard and harder including doing things for your wife. I'm very proud of you!

[@alexhalsana988]

I love how Cali find so much joy in catching snow while you shovel🤗

[@iloveshowbiz]

Shawn, I can't imagine that you would have any trouble falling asleep at night because you've worked such full days! I admire your dedication. Great video : )

[@lauramarti7548]

Learning lessons the hard way is what helps me to remember not to make the same choices again. I bet the snow won't catch you off guard in future years. Stop being so hard on yourself. Your audience loves watching the things you do. Cali made me laugh out loud just as others have said, with seeing her run behind you in the background. She looked like she was having so much fun!

[@LJensenRobert]

Keep up the good work! Irregardless of when snow came and some tools are hard to find and having to to dig out the logs and move them the Sauna is getting done. Kudos to you for keeping up the good work! It paying off each day. The best thing is as I watch you build the walls trim out for the windows and door installation I'm learning alot from you on the videos. Many blessings to you!

[@sharonmarks7192]

Shawn, you are a perfectionist, and I know that your cabin and homestead are a work of love. So don't beat yourself up over what you perceive as carelessness or poor planning. Because it's yours work, you will probably never be totally satisfied with your progress.

[@TammieFulmer]

I want to thank you for letting us in to your life style, we do enjoy your journey to your dream and it's great to see what you guys can accomplish in this type of life style and also glad in some sort of fashion to help support you and your family and yes Cali also. Thank you so much !

[@WhiteDragon689]

Shawn, I've watched other Dudes building cabins and must tell you yours is the very best BECAUSE you put Heart into it. You are genuine in your pursuits. I so enjoy watching you battling the elements and being Victorious.

[@janineshumaker6075]

Sean just think all the hard work you put into documenting all of this. And to know one day your grandchildren but more so your great-grandchildren will be able to look back and see all the things that you've accomplished through your lifetime. That's pretty awesome!! Kept up the awesome hard work!!

[@stephenbrowne33]

Being awake at 3:00 am has it's perks! Thanks for the video!

[@JasonMcCann841]

Lots of work, but thats what you love! Most guys wait for spring, not Shawn James! You keep filming, I keep watching. Great stuff.

[@wanjockey]

Thank you again for the great videos Shawn. Glad to see that Cali is romping around with the gloves on without a care in the world.

[@brucemcconnell1467]

Really enjoy watching your videos and watching Cali play in the snow. keep up the quality you and your wife put into the videos.

[@MrMelharmony1]

hi shawn, my word , you say we inspire you to keep going. how a man of your age can work the way you do in such conditions, you are our insperation. we send our respect and love from england to you and callie mel and june stenway

[@larrycarroll7371]

Thanks for the video and your words. It's a nice way to start my morning on a rainy day. I admire what you are doing and how you communicate with us so we each feel a part of your life and you are a part of ours.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Hey Shawn, winter can slip up on you before you know it. It makes your work a lot harder when you put it off , just like you said . We all learn better the hard way it seems. Be safe up there and get er done. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@kittymorse7402]

That seems like an awful lot of hard work Shawn James you are a hard working man.

[@ivanalexander7405]

I respect that in him as well. A humble man that shares his wisdom, skill and knowledge.

[@02271953me]

Hope you and your wife got some quality time together. That snow is a pain but just beautiful and Cali is so hilarious with each shovelful! :D Thanks for another great video.

[@droyncon]

I watch you close to when you started building the log cabin, I like every episode, very instructive. You are a smart man, thanks for being there!

[@darreldugan1917]

Shawn, I believe it is WE that need to thank YOU. It is your adventures and creativity that keeps us all riveted to your channel. I for one am thankful that you allow us into your life for these awe inspiring videos! Thanks for these highly educational vids that you work so hard to produce. Keep them rolling in my friend!😊

[@michelleellsworth3886]

Just absolutely beautiful listening to crisp snow and watching Cali chase snow. My Harley loves to do that as well. Congratulations to you and your family on your new journies of life that you all are now able to under take. Seriously, Shawn & the Mrs. you make your vlogs just so beautifully. It's almost like a meditation for me. Thanks again for sharing. So looking forward to the new year and what it brings all of us. Til next time be safe. Sincerely Michelle Pup Harley and Kitty Liam.

[@TheFlatlander440]

Living in northeastern Vermont our weather conditions are pretty close to yours in northern Ontario. It's funny when folks down south ask me what I do during the summer months and I respond "prep for winter". It's so true and it can be a tough lifestyle living in the bush like yourself and being self reliant. I've learned self motivation and not having to rely on others with much thanks to your channel. Thanks for sharing and cheers to you my friend.

[@HeBeWorthy]

Love that statement, "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail." Words to live by! Can't tell you how many times I've gone on camping or fishing trips and the people I go with pack nothing. Had friends forget food, fire starting device, sleeping bags, etc. Pretty essential parts to your trip haha. I did an X-mas fishing trip over night. Brother forgot bait, sleeping bag, extra clothes and socks, head lamp and batteries... Good thing I'm usually over prepared. I had to bug him since he was "packed" for two days before leaving home. haha. Nice video as always Shawn!

[@dbergst]

Shawn, I admire your commitment and perseverance. The life style you have chosen is not for everyone and maybe only for a select few willing to do the work and give up some or most of the creature comforts we enjoy in the city. I am with you each episode. However, you should be aware you ARE in the select few and the rest of us may admire your choice, but I think most of us are not capable of adopting your life style and you may want to take that into account when you are praising it.

[@donaldtrabeauxjr5323]

Shawn thank you for sharing your knowledge and craftsmanship and wisdom

[@prestongilbert4199]

Memories of digging firewood out of the piles in the snow in our house in the White Mountains before I built the wood shed. Used to cover our firewood with tarps. Great video Shawn. Hard work.

[@anthonypatterson3824]

My brother im young retiree i enjoy your videos cant wait to you post them i love the life live out there never did it but watching you takes me there enjoy your year my brother and keep it coming

[@eileenallemm1835]

God has been so good to you, grateful for that as we would be not able to see your videos and learn from your experience and life lessons. Thanks

[@jeanblythe1595]

It's always a pleasure watching your videos! Love watching Cali chase snow! It will be nice to see the sauna finished, especially knowing how nice it would have been to use it this winter :D Well, it will be lovely to use during the summer too. All these new plans--they sound so exciting, and I wish you and your family a wonderful realization of your dreams and plans!

[@stevestucks7341]

Heard you speak words of wisdom “Fail to plan and will plan to fail”. It is something most take for granted because they depend on others for an out or assistance. I’m a planner but not on your scale, but I’m working on it. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@Robbie_S]

Shawn wonderful to hear your piece always and that is what is always inspiring. Your struggles and motivation are real and you learn lessons as well as let us observe it too. I would like to Thank You as well from the bottom of my heart. I watch your channel religiously, cuz it helps me with my stress and troubles.

[@ronnieahman6958]

You are really struggeling with the snow. Don't push yourself to hard. I love your videos as you know and your determination and wisdom

[@JackieL7474]

I love all your videos! I'm glad you are keeping Cali. I was so scared you were replacing her. I had a Golden Retriever and he was the best companion. You can see the love Cali has for you. Beautiful camera work too!

[@trathbone]

Those opening scenes looks life he is birthing the new sauna.

[@trudyschaffer8016]

Glad you addressed the issue of digging the logs out.. I thought the weather was the cause.. you are too efficient for any other reason! And CALI!! Seeing her running behind the woodshed at the beginning of this video. I was laughing out loud for real! Another great video to start my day, Shawn. Thank you for all the efforts.. 🌲

[@garygemian604]

Shawn really appreciate bringing the outdoor life to me. Living in NJ it is so relaxing watching you and Cali navigate the wild. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@doublew030]

Man, this makes me want to leave my job in Houston and go build on my 20 acre place. I've got tons of hardwood and pine. Too bad I don't have any carpentry skills like you. I will just watch all your videos and learn as I go. Thanks for educating us

[@boglurker2043]

its never too late to learn. you can learn the basics of carpentry in a year or two and that's all you really need now a days with google being a thing.

[@lancedaniels]

double w I hope you do it - build your own place. Good luck.

[@hannahgauthier5779]

Thank you for taking the time to make and upload the videos - I've watched most of them, and I look forward to new ones whenever I'm on youtube. They've inspired me to spend more time outdoors and in the woods, and even though I'm not in a position right now to live the type of life you're enjoying, it's nice to be able to see what you're working on and gives me something to look forward to down the road.

[@northstarprepsteader]

Shawn, if it all went perfectly, it wouldn't be real life :). We are grateful that you show us the realities of your journey.

[@davidkirkman2223]

Shawn it is us whom are thanking you for sharing your dream with us.

[@adamsykes6351]

Keep 'em coming Shawn. Yours is the sense of calm amid the chaos of modern life. Cheers mate.

[@ellenkelley6173]

Thanks again Shawn. You are an Amazing Man! Love your video's. Very calming & enjoyable to watch as well as inspiring! Please keep them coming. Love Cali! She is so sweet!

[@DeeJacobson]

OMG when I saw you with the ax trying to break up the snow I had a flashback to my days at Standing Rock. By January everything that had been on the ground was securely attached to the ground with snow that had become ice. For two months we were trying to take the tents, gear, tpees, etc up before the deadline to have the camps cleared, many a person from time-to-time would simply break down in tears. When the heavy equipment was brought in that began plowing sections of the camp flat, things became surreal. It's really hard to fully explain the difficulty of trying to free something out of snow that has frozen to ice, just wanted to let you know I get it to the core of my being. Thank you for sharing this video~

[@jaxdaniels1562]

Shawn James, it is getting very hard to find a video of yours that I haven't seen before...But I found this one and it's great! I always love Cali's antics, like chasing the snow that you throw from the shovel, that always puts a big smile on my face, also seeing her running around in the background, never a dull moment for Cali! lol... Best channel on KZbin, sir, thanks!

[@Jason_xofilos]

We appreciate all the work you do documenting you journey, experances, and adventures. 👍😎

[@jodirandazzoconley4437]

Enjoy watching your achievements. Have you always had a mellow personality. The snow is beautiful, so tranquil. Enjoy your week.

[@MySelfReliance]

Yes

[@alphaonde8144]

Bonjour, paysage magnifique sous la neige , mon nom est Randazzo aussi, mais de France.

[@lisaoliverius6086]

I sit here in the comfort of my warm home in Omaha, looking out of our windows at the few inches of snow we have while I watch you live a most amazing life. Our snow is a nuisance while yours is beautiful. I fight the crazy traffic everyday as I work to help our homeless population find shelter. If only we had the resources (land, logs, tools, etc) and willing people to be able to learn and then teach the skills necessary for our homeless to build their own homes so they didn’t have to sleep under the trees and in the snow. I admire what you’re doing and fully support your efforts. You are living a most authentic life and I hope that others are able to be inspired enough to follow suit and to teach others the skills needed to avoid homelessness. Thank you for all that you do...it matters more than you know.

[@retiredyeti5555]

And the star opened the show! Hi, Cali! I was beginning to think you were infallible, and here you go and say that you were caught off guard by the early snow, and not fully prepared for it! I think we have all been in that situation once or twice in our lives! Nature plays cruel tricks on us! The sauna will get built - enjoy the winter landscape and walks with Cali and your family. Above all, stay safe! An Armchair Adventurer

[@9350mamamia]

I love your videos and for anyone to dislike them just make me shake my head!

[@suzannetodaro5494]

Thank you Shawn for another great video. Yes I suppose if you don't plan way out there in the wilderness it is not like you can run out and go to the corner shop in a blizzard. You are doing great work and have done SO MUCH you have built your cabin, your kitchen, your outdoor privy, your woodshed. As well as going on fantastic trips with like minded KZbin friends filming EVERYTHING for us people who cannot do these things. You inspire a lot of people World Wide Shawn keep smiling I know in -20 when all your prospective work is frozen over it can be hard. Thank you for your effort.

[@0623kaboom]

ahh the sweet tones of the banjo .... definate main starter theme music ... it gets one ready to enjoy and relax

[@0623kaboom]

lol Cali helping with the tarp ... pushing it up while you pull lol ;)

[@0623kaboom]

pity it was a short video .... but still worth the watch ;)

[@tyroneroberts1738]

we appreciate you taking time to show us your way of life now. so good luck and keep the videos coming.

[@normahernandez89]

Beautiful Winter wonderland. Must be very cold. Keep warm and safe. Love your channel. Keep Cali warm and safe love seeing her

[@robinr.770]

Curled up on the couch with a cup of green tea taking all this in. What a beautiful morning! Thanks, Shawn. P.S. I love the crunchy sound of the snow under your boots.

[@AndersonMatias]

I'm a man and sometimes I think I'm in love with this guy, because I keep noticing his beard, how he works and I do not envy, yes, I'm proud there are still people like that.

[@RunAMuckGirl2]

It's ok to have a man crush. :D It's perfectly normal.

[@tinaeldridge3802]

Hi Shawn. Another lovely video. Cali makes me smile every time she appears, glad to see she has taken to wearing her little snow socks albeit just the front ones. Look forward to the next video and the progress on the sauna. Take care and stay safe in all that snow. Regards from the little clan in the UK

[@zoeblair917]

It's obvious you spend a lot of time placing and moving cameras,and it helps make your videos look professional. Loved Cali running around in the background. And I enjoy hearing your speech because it's the same as my grandparents in Spokane & Canadian family in Banff,many years ago.

[@glg3945]

Thanks, Shawn! Love "The Adventures with Shawn James Self Reliance in the Wilderness of Ontario, Canada"! :) I think you are such an inspiration to many. Lessons learned are good, don't be too hard on yourself. :) Thank you for sharing them with all of us, we are learning also, just not as cold and worn out as you may be. :) All kidding aside, really appreciate what you are doing and why you are doing it. Wish I could, I will just have to live it through watching you. Thanks again, be safe and Peace and Good Fortune to you and your family! Love Cali bitting at the shovels full of snow each time you pitch them over. Lol

[@zacharytakach8487]

Always love your videos and I’m always sure to mash that like button instantly, even if I don’t have time to watch an entire video at the moment. Love the way you live and the message you try to spread to everyone. Never stop posting. 🌲 ⛺️ 🐕

[@dannekurir]

Im so glad I found your channel over a year ago. Been watching every episode. You are a inspiration Shawn. Looking forward for more videos. Best of wishes from Sweden

[@ernamay]

Love watching your videos. You are in a place of peace, where we all want to be. Looking forward to this sauna completion. I think Cali lost some booties, poor baby.

[@ronwhite6719]

Hey Shawn, Thank you for both channels. Also thanks for being realistic. Keep the great videos coming. God bless you and your family.

[@randybryant9936]

Nature is a lesson teacher

[@cedarg9874]

The aluminum snow shovel you are using brings back many memories of shoveling driveways to make money as a kid in Ottawa , early 60's. Now I live in a cabin off grid on central Vancouver Island, one of the things left behind by the previous owner was an aluminum snow shovel. Full circle.

[@Scottie2hottie1122]

Thank you for motivating so many folks to do something unorthodox. Myself especially. Bless You and your Family! Happy Birthday Cali!! Ruff! 😍

[@SebastianMiahorg]

Very happy for you Shawn! I’ve been following for about a month and a half-I started back with season 1 of the cabin build and averaged 2 videos a day-I’ve finally caught up! The progress is amazing and I simply echo everyone else’s praise. I’m 23 and just beginning a career which I enjoy, but you consistently remind me to not take anything for granted and always make time for nature. Wishing you a happy new year! Excited for all the more changes to come.

[@themanonthestreet]

Should-ah, would-ah, could-ah brother. Stop stressing. You do more in one day that most of us watching I would gather. Don't be so hard on yourself. Love your show BTW.

[@jewels7832]

I just love your videos! You live the life I so much wish for! I hope you get a new pup for Cali to train 😊🐾 you are the best KZbin channel! Thanks for sharing!

[@offgridbo]

Boy I remember using a lot of tarps when building my cabin. It seemed like right before it was time to build the roof it rained for 3 weeks straight lol. Great video yet again my friend I really enjoyed it.

[@nick.caffrey]

The pleasure is all ours, Shawn!

[@Aby7799]

Are all people of Canada, nice and humble like you..??? ❤🍁

[@mikehopper9516]

Shawn you keep doing your thing and we will keep watching. Thank you for sharing your life., See you on the next one..:)

[@curthelf6170]

Shawn, another dog I had which is super smart was the Australian Shepherd; when I got her she came out from under a silo at 8-10 weeks old in the dead of winter and I mean bitter cold, she actually flourished in the cold, for a medium size dog she was really tough and rugged. I really enjoy your videos and wish I was 18 yrs. younger and your age. At the same time I'm applying things I'm learning from you and will continue to as the year progresses. I was to Algonquin in the 60's and the Naskoot on the south end of Georgian Bay in the 80's, beautiful country, loved it. I don't know if I mentioned it before but my lab was on his back when sliding down the hill in the snow head first. Great show!!!!

[@caroletomlinson5480]

Friday night with a jigsaw puzzle and Shawn James on my ipad🌲☺️. Thanks for making these tranquil and helpful videos.

[@ebony5766]

Always an enlightening video. As soon as I see you have posted a video, I stop what I am doing and watch it! Outstanding content, vision, and you really have an eye for capturing nature's beauty.

[@sawacid]

I really like it when you talk to us during the building process ,awesome video as always 10 /10 mr james 😊

[@claramullen]

You were scaring me when you were chopping the ice with the axe by the wood shed I thought you were going to loose a leg. I think I can say this for all of your subscribers that we are very appreciative of you for sharing your wonderful life with us so thank you for doing so Shawn.

[@jlp5637]

This is a good start for my busy day in a concrete city!!! tnks for share

[@chrlmlln9018]

Thank you again dear Shawn for another amazing YT-channel video from the beautiful Canada wilderness! So interesting to follow your building projects being so nicely and skilfully achieved! Wishing you, even more, best of all for this coming new year 2019! Greetings from Sweden!

[@Cs-Is-As-Es]

Hi Shawn! i love your forest studio little videos it reminds me of my childhood where I grew up, reminds me of my parents my sister my brothers & my dog, it is like a sweet old dreams to see your videos thanks again Shawn Got bless you 💖👍

[@mikedeclerck1421]

any episode with you and Cali makes for the start of a great day at our house. Thank You Mike & Ronnie