Getting Stuff Done on the Alaska Homestead

[@nickt2024]

3 minutes in, I think a wheelbarrow would be a worthy investment. and maybe a few 5 gallon buckets.

[@saginawdan]

My thoughts exactly. A wheelbarrow is a time and back saver.

[@Whatareyoudoingwithyourlife]

keep in mind Mick is still a kid on a limited budget. He is doing what he can on the cheap while making his homestead amazing. 😊 Keep in mind also that everything in Alaska is twice or more expensive then the lower 48. Wheel barrels included. Mick is thinking out side the box when it comes to using what he has to accomplish what he needs to accomplish without spending money.

[@MrYoTeach]

Even a wagon would be better than nothing.

[@abou8963]

Yes! You need a working wagon cause you will have to maintain that walkway!

[@FlyerPatty29]

I’m sure he didn’t have the money for the wheelbarrow or the wagon but I agree with you both. A wheelbarrow or wagon would be helpful for number of projects he will have in the future, but who knows

[@robertadams2857]

To paraphrase your dad, you will learn by being there alone and figuring it out. He is correct.

[@donaldfinch1411]

I "discovered" in my late 40s that Homeownership is a 24/7 job. I have no idea how my parents made it all seem effortless and invisible.

[@newenglandyankeeliving5052]

Imagine if that home is also a subsistence farm and you have a full time job and an on call job you really have to love what you’re doing and where you are

[@TheBalognaPony]

Because most boomer parents didn't do a single thing to their homes besides superficial things....and us millennials are now having to deal with their cheapness and laziness.

[@peterzeller5736]

Anyone who hasn't stopped on a highway because they saw something useful and just had to take it back to the house is really missing out. It's one of the great joys of life.

[@therealgirlinthewoods]

you so remind me of me... paying attention to the little things that make a place feel like a home. i'm sure you don't remember, but i hauled gravel just like that in our van- one bucket at a time, for our cabin north of fairbanks. i love your charming weasels!

[@lindavolk9958]

You must be a very proud mama, Brooke! Both children are a credit to your and Dave's good parenting! 🙏❤

[@marybethg5505]

Agree

[@thecampdogsdad4937]

I’m jealous of you having access to a free gravel pile. That’s so awesome for you!

[@raquelhernandez1733]

Hi Mick! The last time i saw the shovel was when you were washing the roots of the flowers, by the river. 😊 The change in your cabin and outside are is nicely noticeable, and so is your determination to make it your home. I'm very proud of you! Like always, please be safe and God bless you!

[@abou8963]

I was wondering the same. Did someone take your shovel as you washed the plants by the lake?

[@ZacCjw]

May have gotten distracted by the weasels and left it behind

[@danradtke1663]

Awesome job on the stone path. Yes rock is heavy but as I always say beats paying for a gym membership. Lol you have some great free resources. Those larger rock you gathered up would have costs some money down in the lower 48. Great job. Another Whipple creation to happiness. Keep up the great work.

[@pwn0grapher]

Seems more like a "toil for your food" kind of day until those winter videos. These projects really made the property look a lot nicer already. I do also appreciate these videos are about as long as it takes to sit down and eat a meal. It's a nice project to put on while you eat for a few minutes. Be safe and great job!

[@jonhamilton5789]

Your new front step is going to be an issue in the winter, your door swings out. If you get freezing rain on a couple of inches of snow you won’t be able to open your door. You might want to consider having the door open inward. Also you should punch some holes in the bottom of your outhouse barrel to let the liquids out.

[@FlyerPatty29]

That’s why the grandmothers used to wear the aprons. Because that would carry the eggs whatever else they needed right there in their apron so he might think about getting a manly apron

[@Judy-fi7ce]

The gravel path looks good and the rocks will keep the rain from washing it away. The flower bed is a nice addition. Front steps and outhouse completion coming right up! Nice work.

[@ctownsend4600]

Your shovel is at the river where you were digging up the flowers 💐

[@joant8641]

Watching you accomplish what you set out to do makes this ole girl smile. Keep warm and enjoy your projects.

[@mrben6573]

That gravel path is extremely aesthetic.

[@sgrvtl7183]

Much needed it will get ‘earthy’ real quick❗️

[@sandimoo]

@@sgrvtl7183yes I bet weeds come through , nice though!

[@michaeldalton8374]

And narrow

[@andriidubinin955]

Yes but it will be very hard to clear it from snow...

[@janetkoball44]

You are really getting the hang of your needed chores and builds. And you have more spring in your step, which is so needed for a place with a short outside working season. See ya later.

[@LouiePGallo]

Watching your videos may turn into my Sunday hobby.

[@bowslap]

That little Vibe is getting a workout jumping all of that gravel! Your pathway looks great, good thing there’s a public-access gravel pit you can source more material from.

[@suecook3714]

Your place starting to look great. Just one suggestion on your deck for the steps you may want to lower it so when it rains water won't flow back into your house. And snow won't stop your door from opening. Just a thought.

[@armyofone3893]

Great suggestion. I wouldn’t have thought of that!

[@NevadaFarms]

Mick great job looks awesome

[@reneemartin9041]

You are a joy and inspiration to watch.😎

[@StarshineInTHEnorth]

I shared your site today with a nephew who was helping chop some wood this morning with my son💙✨💙. A strong wind brought down a cedar last night. He’s going through some things and he felt encouraged by you. I shared about your first video and the reasons you were betting on Alaska☺️ Thanks for sharing. It was sweet to hear about the wildflowers✨🌱and see the rocks🪶

[@patriotpreacher43]

Yes. Wheelbarrow and gloves.

[@tattooedredheadx]

And a landscape rake.

[@abou8963]

Gloves yes and a wheelbarrow!

[@amywert8088]

@@tattooedredheadx like a metal garden rake? Or is a landscape rake something else? Either way these are probably things that need to come from a garage sale in MI!

[@JulioLobosv]

Hey Mick! Here in Brazil we usually put some kind of tarp or plastic under the gravel to avoid having plants growing in the middle of it. Its very hard to manage them cause you have to pull them out by hand, and many who have this problem resort to using herbicides. Hope it helps! Greetings from the other side of the world.

[@marciaolson4878]

Great progress Mick! Love your walk and flower bed, looks very nice! Good to see you get the things done that satisfies your needs! God’s blessings!❤❤❤❤

[@martylaughery9138]

Great video, Mick! The path looks great!! You have the artistic gift of your mom! That's a good start on the stairs. I agree with another commenter that the last place we saw the shovel was by the river when you were hydrating the wildflowers. And I agree with another suggestion from a commenter to get a couple of 5-gallon buckets. They are incredibly useful. I look forward to your videos and you never disappoint! Keep up the good work, stay healthy, thank God for each day, and give Him the glory!! ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@catherinegoldie6724]

Hey Mick, you surprise us all with your creativity, great pebble pathway, doing a great job on your homestead , give yourself another pat on the back, take care.X🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💕

[@BirdYoumans]

Path looks great. Might even look better than the flat stone.

[@patriciahagedorn5694]

Wow, the gravel path with the rock border turned out great. The steps add a nice addition to your tiny house. I remember you saying you had no experience building, but you fooled all of us because your building skills are fantastic. I think some of your parents building experience has rubbed off on you. Your property is looking so nice. I can't wait to see how you get the outhouse over the barrel. Also, I think you should get a burn barrel so you can burn your trash instead of having to haul it to the dump.

[@judyfaul8524]

Outstanding!I think you and your sister can't help but be an inspiration to other young folks,even in these uncertain and trying times.❤I wish I would have done this a hundred years ago when I was young!

[@GrannyS217]

Gravel path is awesome! I love it! Out house will be amazing! Porch steps have been worth waiting for.

[@carolwhisenhunt7504]

The pathway looks so good mick. I was wishing I could give that young man a wheel barrow, bucket, and another tote to carry gravel in. You did a great job. I would have been mad at myself about the drum as well. You are doing great! Don't give up. Keep stacking that firewood. You're going to need lots more. Ty for sharing. I love your videos.

[@TheUglyAmerican007]

You’re straight doing it dawg!

[@barbatkinson5822]

I really enjoy your videos 👍😁. Keep up the great content and narration. What a beautiful home you are building ❤

[@nancyl3843]

Awesome path, awesome wildflower garden!!!!

[@cgamejewels]

Nicely built stoop. You accomplished quite a bit. Give yourself a pat on the back for what you did do. Looking forward to the next video.

[@CMoore8539]

You are very Creative!!!♥️ I love all the work you are doing! Beautiful!!! Take good care of you and Have a Beautiful Week!!!☮️💯👍

[@PaulWinters328]

'For my next project I...' wait what? What about the current project? We're watching the steps being built and then all of a sudden a flower bed 😂😂 had to wait to the very end to understand why 😂

[@CMJSC1997]

i know rite

[@sandywoolard4790]

You left your shovel by the water when you were washing the roots to the wild flowers… the path and flower bed is very cute. You are gonna enjoy it so much more with the pretty sights around you.

[@patriciacampbell3413]

That Pontiac Vibe is so convenient..mine has 274,000 miles..love it! Great barrel find!

[@shawnlockart]

Lookin better everytime lil buddy 😊 keep it up. Doing great. One day you will be my age. And so proud. Best wishes 😊

[@wendysplace3867]

Moving along real well! Great imagination on the walk way. Having your own ideas about your own place is GREAT!!

[@janamunden1970]

Great video Mick. Things are starting to look nice and becoming a beautiful cabin. Your clever techniques keeps me tuned in. You have great talent and I look forward to seeing you every week. Enjoy your self and have fun while your achieving your goals for a kick ass cabin. Love from Ohio

[@SFNativeGal]

Really like your porch! And your gravel path is so inviting. Can’t wait to see the lifting of the outhouse! Love your videos! Thank you for staying committed to giving us one each week. I look forward to them!

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Nice job. I appreciate your pride and workmanship.

[@debbieledbetter5147]

Love your stone pathway. Lots of hard work but it paid off. Great job!

[@annward7021]

I love your gravel path and the rocks look great outlining it.

[@timothyalanogrady]

Hello you did a great job on the walkway and the floor bed for flowers. The place is starting to take shape.

[@dearabbie81]

Oh my! The flower bed is really going to make it look good! Nice walkway, although I did like your first stone path idea but it is a pain to dig out and get all the stones flat/lined up and then keep it weeded! It’s really starting to look like a home. Thank you for owning your mistakes and sharing with us, btw, very mature on your part and helpful to future diyers. 👏

[@renegademan]

You’ve definitely got some of your dad in you, Nicely done kid!👍

[@oldladylinda]

YES!! FINALLY, steps. You made an old woman happy. The flower bed is a lovely idea. And I know you are happy about having a place to do your business. haha You have a beautiful area there and some unique wildlife. Well unique to this old woman. You are doing great. God Bless you.

[@olivetom]

Love how your little place is coming together. Can't wait to see your little garden bed🌼🌺🍓💕

[@user-sp1tv5th2g]

Love the sidewalk , looks so nice. You are getting there. Wow free stone gravel how lucky that is.

[@annalinekennedy1027]

Great progress. Looking good. I think your shovel is lying at the river where you rinse the wild flowers. Have a great time

[@patriotpreacher43]

Mick. If you cut the plastic wrapper off your propane tank it will keep the sides from rusting.

[@amywert8088]

Oh, that's a good tip!

[@alanmihalko502]

Doing a great job! I would suggest thinking about putting a threshold on that door.

[@commonsgiant]

Thanks for reminding all of us the lessons we have learned over time....in the exact same way. Mistakes are usually the best teachers and, yes, gravel is heavy! Good job young man.

[@mspellyt1]

Looking nice. Thanks Mick.

[@armidaperez5360]

It's really looking good 👍 now build a huge wood shed so you can be ready with dry hassle free wood this winter stock up on food supplies An awning over door to keep water snow out?? Screen door?? Few solar lights

[@abou8963]

Wrap the wood under shelter. Build up if snakes are a problem. And you need a garage lean-to to store your extra tools. Lock if theft may be a problem.

[@abou8963]

Solar lights - will they work?

[@maineapple52]

Like your folks, you are a work horse. Don't give up. It's looking great. Keep on keepin' on!

[@dellascott163]

If you would build a screened in porch with a wooden stove and roof, you could sit outside at night and during the colder months with friends and family. That would extend your living space and you wouldn't feel so cooped up inside. Put a nice, strong door on it.

[@integritykb]

Hey, so I would recommend taking the deck boards up and re-doing them as they are supposed to have gaps so that water drains and allows for the wood to expand.

[@abou8963]

And snow/water removal

[@amywert8088]

Yep, thought that too.

[@michaeldalton8374]

They will shrink and create their own gaps.

[@whammointhewoods]

Pretty consistent lately. That’s a good thing. We just like following other people’s stories while we slog away, stuck in the daily grind. I don’t know if it gives us hope for ourselves or if we are just glad that someone got out of the trap. All the best!

[@madamecampsalot6384]

Great look you have going. Love the garden and the path!

[@armyofone3893]

I always look forward to your videos! No matter the topic!!! So interesting, relaxing, and with the splash of nature I look forward to, takes me away from my aching body for a few- that’s priceless to me 😘😘😘. Keep posting- Love you tons!

[@kathymoss3522]

The path to home........beautiful!

[@margaretramsingh4865]

Love the path. Stairs are well on their way. I feel your pain with the shoveling gravel but how lucky to have a community quarry to access🎉. Don’t forget it’s called a long drop outhouse for a reason. You have no worries getting the outhouse over the hole cause you don’t need the barrel. So that’s one job saved. Just dig a nice deep deep hole. And push it over.

[@slimjim3229]

Yeah I wouldn't put a barrel under the outhouse, I'd use it for a burn barrel though.

[@user-qo1kx4zo3i]

Yes, I too thought when he found it; he was going to use it as a burn barrel! ❤

[@ShirleySpencer-zn8xg]

Looks great, keep up the great work, you are a true artist just like your mom!

[@alanday5255]

The stairs wood need sealing especially the bottom. You could burn seal it.

[@abou8963]

Yes, I was wondering about termites and untreated wood, or is that just South?

[@alanday5255]

Its actually to stop rot from all the moister on the untreated wood.

[@ryanfranklin2757]

Wonderful work man so glad to still be watching your journey

[@theresebennett5372]

Mick, you are making good progress in my eyes. Working solo is always a challenge for sure and certain. I hope you are enjoying the Alaskan summer to the fullest. I sure do miss my home state, Alaska, a lot! I'm hoping to see another adventure soon. You sure seem to know how to have fun traveling. Until next, be well, and stay safe.

[@eby6114]

You'll never regret making a chop saw stand which supports saw and timber. After that it's a pleasure to cut wood.

[@juliebaker6969]

The path looks great! Now you need a couple steps on your little porch.....and maybe an awning to keep the snow away from the door in winter.

[@jmangaming4306]

You Deserve way more views then you get! This is such a cool series to watch! thanks for making my sunday!

[@Truthfulnerd]

Awesome work, and so inspiring. Next step, getting yourself a small solar and battery setup.

[@karlvalteroja4675]

Thanks for the video! Some things i noticed: 1) your chainsaw chain needs a bit of tightening :D 2) Please think through how you are going to dispose of the waste in your outhouse. A drum full of shit and piss aint gonna be easy to move. If you're interested i can share how our family built our outhouse, but if you aren't, then just figure it out yourself :)

[@kayeeiland4167]

As to the outhouse barrel...would it be possible , once the outhouse is in place , that a 5gal bucket is placed inside the barrel , with a funnel-shaped splash guard inside ? That way , the chore of emptying the sewage might be more manageable ...just wondering...

[@samuelball8775]

Maybe you’ll know the answer to my question… why’s the outhouse in the driveway at the front of the property and not nearer the house? I’m genuinely interested. Just seems it would be more convenient closer to the house that’s all. There’s probably a good reason though.

[@tammygifford7831]

Love your hard work. Investing a wheelbarrow, work smarter not harder

[@WideCutSawmill]

“Barrel”ly fits. 😂

[@frpaddy]

Great work, Mick. Love your channel. Videos are beautiful and your voice so calming 🙂

[@lisaogg6337]

Excellent job on everything Mick. Love how your gravel path turned out and the flower garden!! See how everything gets done on the next one.👍👍Take care and God Bless ya always

[@hbrunet72]

Looking great Mick ...

[@Captain-Max]

I had to chuckle when the bin was too heavy to lift into the car. The walkway looks great, good job. Please educate me on what your plan is. Why have the outhouse down by the driveway? Building it near the cabin makes more sense to me. Why put a water tight barrel in the hole? Why put any kind of a liner in the hole? The whole point is decomposition and drainage seeping into the ground. When the hole fills up, move the outhouse over another hole and cap off the old one with dirt. As you have it now it will just fill with water and supply you with a barrel of shit.... literally.

[@darrenoconnell9716]

Yes, I'm confused as well. I figured he moved it away for the smell, but don't understand why he needs a liner

[@redboatmedia1428]

I wondered the same thing. I really hope he doesn't continue with that plan lol. Also, the hole should be much deeper and wider.

[@Captain-Max]

Yes, much deeper. ​@@redboatmedia1428

[@danielmogos8990]

It can be emptied using a pump, and the outhouse can stay there for life. In 3 years he will not have to dig a new hole. Also it isn't clear that he will keep the bottom. The barrel idea is actually not bad, it maintains the integrity of the hole.

[@bayacotswoldartist]

Hi Mick, The path looks like something out of an enchanted woodland- it's so pretty. You should put fire torches on the side! I can't wait to see the flower bed complete, wild flowers are my favourite. Now that we are in summer, are you going to start saying 'toil for your food' again? I can't wait for your next video. Sending my love from the U.K xx Baya

[@kathleenmead9259]

glad you are enjoying your new place;keep building your pride with each accomplishment

[@tracyreaume6451]

Path looks great! New subbie from Alberta, 🇨🇦. Native plants have an extensive root system, that’s why they are so great to grow! You left your shovel on the beach!

[@elizabethmagner2632]

Hi Mick! The pathway looks great, and your flower bed looks like it is going to be a nice welcome addition to the pathway!! Your weasels are quite comical, and entertaining to watch!! The property is looking really nice 👍 😊

[@caronadams4486]

Looks good! Love your videos. Glad you're putting one out every week now.

[@heathercurry898]

I loved the asmr! Great sound of the rocks clanking around. I also loved the chainsaw work, always a fun time. Thanks for the effort to film! Made me itchy to do a project, lol.

[@BreakingBarriers2DIY]

That gravel path will be a great start which allows for some more immediate use and enjoyment while still being a “step on the path” to what you originally envisioned. I feel for the shear amount of work just that gravel movement took…admiring that you did it even so.

[@jamesmckelvy5441]

Glad to see you’re making progress! I would think a small utility trailer would come in handy.

[@SonyaLargo]

Thanks for taking us along 😊great

[@askmisspatience]

Something I’ve done that works to get rid of stumps of various sizes. Small to medium from growing back. One inch drill bit. Drill holes and inch deep. Pack with Epsom salt. This will dry the stump. It’ll eventually disappear. I packed my larger stump (foot in diameter) twice in a season when the Epsom disappears. Then the following season. I’ve done this where we couldn’t burn the stump. Next to a fence and random small trees. Those, cut close to the ground. Drill a hole in the stump smaller than the stump width. Pack with Epsom. I’ve also done this to roots that have grown out from the stump when it was still a tree. Drilled holes and filled with Epsom. Being in the woods and in no rush this is a simple inexpensive method. Hope this helps

[@amywert8088]

Interesting!

[@MTNurse]

Mick, I learned all about the weight of gravel last Summer when I decided to have a dump truck load of gravel delivered and proceeded to hand spread it in various parts of my property. I wore out the wheel barrow doing it. LOL. I am a 60 year old lady and yeh, it was quite the workout. In the end, I learned a neighbor had a small loader and he finished the last of the work because the ground was so hard. At first I wished I had known about my neighbor at the beginning but after looking around at all I managed to accomplish, it felt so rewarding! I patted myself on the back. lol. You should do the same. That was hard work and you are better off for doing it.

[@lisasescapades]

I think you left your shovel by the river. Great video. Love the walkway.

[@margaretmcdonald-lawson7989]

Your place is looking good . Well done .😊

[@jfdrie]

The path looks great! You sure got a lot done. Super video!

[@manateemambo]

You should make some little Zen garden style rock statues along the path maybe.... Looks cool!

[@Scorpio45Libra]

All that hard work will be soooo worth it in the end, keep pushing! Looks amazing!

[@jasonborn867]

This video is definitely worth a like for all that effort. Well done!

[@aletageer6911]

Smart as your parents but different style! Love your videos. Thanks for sharing your ideas, mistakes, change of mind….and why in heck I never knew about free gravel from a gravel pit. I have lived here more than 30 years! 😂