Off Grid Cabin Life with My Dog: Rustic Kitchen for the Wilderness Homestead

My wife and Cali, our golden retriever dog, join me at the wilderness homestead log cabin for a couple of days - great meals, trekking through the snow for wood building materials for the rustic kitchen, off-grid cooking, cold nights, a warm cabin - life at the cabin is awesome, a real cozy (hygge) experience with my wife and dog curled up by the fire.
Apparently, scrubbing the log walls and mortar is an ASMR experience - Cali slowly closes her eyes and falls asleep on the bench as I wash the walls with a sponge and water. She's really settling into the wilderness lifestyle, often sitting on the porch listening to the birds, animals and wind in the trees, barking and chasing anything that's out of place. A golden retriever is not a typical guard dog, but she's surprisingly tough
Links to gear used in this video:
Solar LED light bulb 15W
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Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 Saw
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Copper Fairy lights
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Solar String Lights
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Banneton 12" round
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Lodge Dutch Oven
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Flamen heat resistant gloves up to 500 degrees
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Rocksheat baking stone
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Mora Knife
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Lamp OiI
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Wall Lantern (candle lit)
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Moka Pot
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Canon 6D
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DJI Mavic Pro
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Bragg's Sprinkle
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Cabelas Ice Hut
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Eagle Claw® Multi-Purpose Jet Sled
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Axe
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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
Personal Facebook Page (Shawn James) - / shawn.james.msr
Instagram - / myselfreliance
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20042
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6E9
Canada

[@moiragoldsmith7052]

All any of us need is enough... Enough encouragement, enough love, enough peace, enough joy.... I wish you an abundance of all these... Your journey and videos have kept me enthralled. Thank you. Big hugs all around.

[@debshapiro6431]

Thanks for sharing this moment with us. Having a dream turn into a goal, and making that goal real is what life should be about. Your self reliance inspires!

[@rdunyc554]

I love your channel. It's incredibly peaceful. As a self-proclaimed city girl, and business owner, you've motivated me to be more productive, simplify, and given me the added confidence to be more self-reliant when it comes to home renovation projects, etc. Keep being an inspiration! Your videos are inspiring people in many different ways.

[@a-ls6333]

I love seeing a bloke tear up, after hard work, and an endeavour that has a shared cause. You built that cabin for your family - it was a dream, she shared it, and I'm glad you're both enjoying the fruits of your labour. The process of building it has been so enriching to watch, and I've loved the fact you've included your wife in some of your videos. God bless you, I hope you and your family have many years of peace and happiness in that cabin. The end goal for any task, (in my book) is life enrichment, and you've achieved that, not just for you, but for your family. Everyone watching can feel it too.

[@valllacon85]

Shawn you are my absolute hero! What you have achieved with your own two hands over the last year is incredible. I can't wait to see what the future holds on your channel. It's great to see how supportive your wife is and finally enjoying the fruits of your labour.

[@johnrevere6513]

Kelly steals the show every time! What a great companion you’ve got! She adores you.

[@myyuba]

Tears in my eyes too, feeling joy for you, your wife, your cabin and warm fire, Cali and dreams.........you are the example of what you can do if you are willing to work hard to fulfill your dreams.

[@kellymcdonald530]

for someone who was once shy.... you would be an awesome motivational speaker!

[@OneEyeHikes]

Happy for you! You inspire others too. Thanks!

[@ThoseBackPages]

is there a more RELAXING KZbin channel? Man, i dont know. watching a man building a log cabin from the ground up, step by step. what a great way to unwind from a long day. Cheers to Shawn for sharing this with us!

[@janetwithers7427]

Enjoyed watching you make the kitchen cabinet area and so glad you could share a special time with your wife. Cali is so patient. You are living the dream!! 💞🐱🐶

[@Zodliness]

It's amazing what one man can achieve, when his heart is filled with a passion and motivation.

[@MTGoddard]

Do not underestimate the DETERMINATION of a smart, and beautiful Soul of a quite man....

[@kmvenezia4337]

Shawn, I wish you and your wife many years of happiness in your extraordinary cabin. I hope it stands for 200 yrs.

[@rotattor]

Best video so far for me. It's good to see someone's hard work pay off for them. Life is short, enjoy these moments you deserve it.

[@19brandon66]

The most beautiful land anywhere. Even better is the dog....about the most handsome dog I've ever seen. What a sweetheart she is.

[@TheSadie88]

I love it when he makes his meals :)

[@jimcook6671]

WELL DONE SHAWN.....Watching one man building an entire cabin alone is nothing short of an amazing accomplishment....GOOD JOB. Just one of your accomplishments in living your dream. I think your wife must be as proud as you are of what the human spirit can accomplish. May all your dreams be fulfilled.

[@matthewharris3672]

Truly, truly amazing what you and Mrs. James have accomplished Shawn. Hit me right in the feels...

[@MB-qp5gn]

That sky looked beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous. Wow.

[@HWolfe]

Your dog I feel is finding the sound of the sanding soothing. I did. Thanks for sharing! I have always loved the sound & feel of snow crunching under my feet too. I love your videos. Genuine, natural and so very special. Bless you and your family.

[@DrCoconut465]

Cali must be the happiest dog on the planet, absolute contentment 100% of the time.

[@o.c.adventures3197]

Cheers to you mate! Beside every great man is an even greater woman.

[@create557]

Thank you and your wife for sharing this lovely journey with us it’s very inspiring.

[@wilsonfretesalcaraz2573]

Shawn James, you are still very good video ... Blessings to you and your family ...

[@CatHugs]

How special to hear you talk about your dream & to hear & see the love your wife has for you is wonderful. Thank you SO MUCH for sharing this story with us. The positivity of your channel, everything about it has effected me in a very positive way. I love good things happening to good people. ❤️🙌🏻

[@moparrtman6970]

You are the Bob Ross of self reliance! You put pride in what you do, you don't say a whole lot, but what you do say has a lot of value!

[@cecilialim8253]

Beautiful, simple lifestyle, so meaningful, so relaxing..really inspirational..thank you for everything... 💗💗💗

[@bleuskye8124]

I would rather watch this than some crappy movie or TV show. So awesome! Relaxing! Love everything about it. Your dog is so beautiful!

[@DaddyyCrab]

It's not easy to shake the world off. It takes time to clear the mind, body and spirit. Most of us probably don't realize how much stress we store in ourselves until it's not there. Getting in the wilderness is the best medicine.

[@jserkiz06]

thank you for your video log!! Canadians, gotta love 'em!

[@richardburguillos3118]

Thank you for sharing your dreams. Awesome journey. Your wife has an awesome man...

[@Joe_Sant]

You’ve done an amazing job of the cabin. I hope you both have many happy years there together. Atb.

[@minnesotabryan4933]

Bravo .. Standing ovation, Shawn! I believe it's not so much what you've accomplished with the lumber, but what you've done for our viewers, small and large.

[@davemullen5522]

You know any episode with Shawn AND Cali is going to be popular! Love your channel, always brightens up my Friday!

[@terrymiller5028]

I have been watching you through the last 8 months,or so.You have inspired me & renewed my love of building what you love,especially for my family. I have spent the last 4 years rebuilding myself after a car crash and I’m finally in a place where I’m being productive & happy with how far I’ve come.This is going to be my year of building our house,which we live in, into what it should be.I should have had it finished 3 years ago,but we don’t get to control everything in our lives. So thanks for sharing your journey,your thoughts & feelings,helping me to seek my dreams & believing I can achieve them.I look forward to doing, as you did in your home,sitting with my wife and remembering the journey. Thank you Shawn.

[@anthonyjames4648]

Cali is the best,You are amazing Shawn,a true James,Lol

[@Deanna52ish]

What an accomplishment for you, your wife and your loyal dog Cali. It's a beautiful thing so see. Fantastic job, you both are an example for us all. Thank you.

[@christopherneelyakagoattmo6078]

Real men do not hide the emotions. We celebrate, appreciate the joy of living and the sharing of that goodness with our loved ones. This: is the good life. Thank you for sharing pieces of your joy.

[@glendathomas6437]

Why would any one put Thumbs down. This way of doing. Or living. Would be peaceful. The surroundings are totally beautiful A people has to like nature to except this. All I can say. For myself. It is lovely. God bless

[@brianspencer4220]

For some eternal reason It is always a pleasure watching competent wood working with hand tools. All this work means you can taste the dream becoming tangible. Thanks Brian 77

[@myapinion7532]

Brian Spencer l agree, my dad was a joiner and as a little girl (my name's short for Wilhelmina) l used to love watching him make and build things. Fascinating. I still can't knock a nail in straight to save my life though. I've just discovered this video, l'll be joining the band of followers.

[@carolynlosacco4441]

I have no tv for about 8 mos now...u r now my tv....you are amazing! I do enjoy watching u and your adorable, trusting, faithful, loyal and true- blue companion. Thank u for being my entertainment , and company. Truly, thank-you. Sincerely. 🐻🌻

[@reneep9968]

OMGOODNESS! Is there anything you can’t do?! Seriously everything you make any effort towards turns out great! You are so gifted. It’s such a pleasure to watch your videos. Thanks for sharing. Blessings...

[@karatheriault6715]

So happy for the both of you! So Grateful for your expertise and to have been able to tag along on the journey:)

[@77Cardinal]

I'm pretty happy watching you be a happy man. Cheers. I'll be watching.

[@colinhall87]

There’s something so satisfying about driving a long sturdy nail into wood and securing it in place

[@leighm4912]

Absolutely love your videos. You and Joe are my favorite people to watch on KZbin. And you teach me so much. My boys and I love camping!

[@sullyboy1974]

Take a bow Mr James, your videos are an inspiration to us all. Love listening to your reflexions as well.

[@maire1889]

Yes please do recipes love when you cook your videos are brilliant

[@chrisis9030]

My guess at the ingredients for The Meal Shawn prepares: 1 Shanghai Pak Choi, somewhat cut up The white of 1 Leek, halved and halved again lenghtwise 1 Red Bell Pepper, in chunks 1 Large can of Chickpeas, drained and washed 1 Large can of Diced Tomatoes 1 Can of Coconut Milk 4 or 5 Dried Dates, deseeded Coriander Lots of Turmeric Some flaked onions 1 Tbsp Chili Paste I myself would add Chicken Stock and a generous dash of Lime Juice. Just to sound arrogant :-).

[@tripsadelica]

I love your dog. She obviously loves you. The look of trust, adoration and reliance on her face is priceless. Dogs are the best judges of people. It is then obvious you are a good bloke. I doff my cap to you.

[@joelhill4107]

Good job! A lot of work to build all with hand tools the way our settlers did. You have a good wife that has stuck with you through all of your ups and downs, a faithful dog. A beautiful cabin in the bush. What more could a man ask for? A real sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. You should be proud of yourself! Thanks for sharing this dream with us!

[@erumfathima386]

🏀🏀🏀

[@lee-mac]

Having watched you the past year or so, it's been a fun ride. Thank you for the incredible videos and self-reflections. Looking forward to seeing your homestead take shape with your wife and pooch! As an almost 30 year old, you've shown me what to aim for.

[@BabakPA]

These are some of the coziest and most natural videos on youtube! Thanks for sharing Shawn. Greetings from Richmond Hill, Ontario.

[@suemcfarlane4199]

What a good girl sitting by the window ready to help when you need her

[@Dronston]

I am happy for you and your wife and feel some jealousy :) . I also enjoy watching your dog, she is a happy, sweet and energetic lady.

[@bigjay4600]

Since my auto accident I've been crippled. I love watching you and praying that one day, I too will be able to Bushcraft again. But, it's been two years. Stuck, in a bedroom, I try to move. But, that's neither anyone's time I enjoy your extreme mentally and effort in this project of your self reliance. God bless you and your family, brother. Godspeed.

[@WillAnderson3rd]

Thanks for bringing calm into my life at a time when I can really use it. I find your videos very comforting. I appreciate you sharing with us all.

[@jpsbrooker1]

What a remarkable achievement. I have been watching you for months now and while I don't know you and will likely never meet you, I am so proud of you. You are extremely inspirational, thank you for taking the time and care to walk us through your lovely adventure.

[@sassywilliams7309]

YOU HAVE AN AWESOME WIFE!! SUCH A BLESSING! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL, ROMANTIC SCENERY TO ENJOY WITH THE ONES YOU LOVE!! CALI IS AMAZING RATHER WATCH Y'ALL THAN TV CAUSE IT IS POSITIVE AND KNOWLEDGE! THANK YOU AND YOUR WIFE!

[@intheworldbutnotofit8002]

You’re videos are so therapeutic watching build everything. Just incredible

[@CC-xk6cp]

A dream realized and how blessed everyone who has watched is for sharing it!! To have seen it come together a log a board at a time has been really amazing now knowing that's what you saw in your head!! Always fun to hear your comments but these especially thoughtful and heartfelt. Enjoy every moment of your dreamed reality! Thanks again for sharing...

[@ejedwards-burrell6010]

You are teaching so many people by example. Thank You!!

[@coolissimo69]

Glad you are back . made my day.

[@anniealdrich469]

Thank you for all that you share with us, the building of the cabin, your reflections, your life! I wish all the best for you and your family, and this dream you are living, you are an inspiration. Cali you are adorable

[@Jacob11590]

Awesome! Another video to keep me busy!

[@LesSummer]

You kept your head down and worked for it. You deserve your dream! Thank you for sharing your life with us!

[@MattSaysSmile]

I like these type of channels, mainstream television just robs me of my soul, so I don’t really bother with it, but with KZbin if you’re lucky you can find yourself gravitating towards inspiring videos, the get out and go for it attitude has certainly helped me, not on a grand scale such as yours but no less important to me. Thank you for all aspects of you videos and good health to you and your family. Cheers from the U.K.

[@missjudacia7230]

Cali is a 🌟- patient, laid back ,cute ,inquisitive and does neat tricks

[@JonPaulDiefenbach]

Hi Shawn. Just wanted to thank you for making these videos. They bring me a lot of joy and peace. My dad was an amateur carpenter and avid outdoorsman, and I like to think that he'd be doing this kind of thing too if he was still around. Have a wonderful weekend!

[@asamm5733]

A brave man who he can live his life? always brave men has tech the world whow you can live yours live life like them, it's amazing sir God bless you

[@miffoivan]

Pure Happiness! :) You did a great job Shawn!

[@jerlenerobertson1904]

SHAWN IT is so beautiful how much godly love you have for your family I love to see that the way things is going on now.

[@weaver7249]

I love this dream and watching you make it come true. It is amazing!

[@rattrap8810]

Thank You soo much for sharing this with us all. Encouragement when none was offered before. Dreams aren't meant to just be chased.... but to be realized and brought to fruition. Good on You and Yours.

[@ColetteMalette1]

🥂Cheers to you and your beautiful wife, family and homestead! Have loved every moment you've shared ❣Thank you

[@TippyTeapots]

I love seeing her creative touch on the dining room with all her crocheted mats and decorations. ♥ Really makes it feel like a home. You're doing amazing work! I wish I could build my own cabin.

[@Banjo-lm2wl]

A dream come true Im so happy for your wife and you. God bless you both love from Australia. xxx

[@dammiholbourne4093]

some personal stories you share being with your wife and so on are very beautiful. For some they maybe forever a dream that we may never be realised. But it's such a blessing to see that there are some nice people like you do things you love mutually and lovingly not reluctantly!

[@MsBAustralia]

I love watching your videos and the progress you have made with the cabin, such an inspiration! Your fur baby, Cali, is such a beauty too, as I commented under another of your videos, she has a lovely temperament and looks like great company. I love how bonded you are with each other, the bond between man and his dog is truly a wonderful thing :) In one of your other videos, Shaun, you talk about how focused and deep in thought you are when working on the cabin. It is amazing how cathartic it can be and how there is something almost meditative about the process, the way our brains shift into auto pilot and produce such amazing work while at the same time going to our happy place and feeling so relaxed and at peace while going through the process.

[@robstirling3173]

You two can be rightly proud of what you have achieved there with your own two hands!

[@suciarman7922]

Really inspiring me....I cant imagine if I'm doing as like you do. Glad to meet you here Sir.

[@arielallen3077]

Oh my gosh!! Cali is so cute!!!!!!!!!!

[@Mark_]

I do Love the way you backing bread, cooking food & dishes, working with wood, you do so lovely pictures, recording films & everything you do to making cabin naturally so beautifil, both inside & out side, you do So good my friend, you have lovely family. say hello from me to all & Thank you very mych

[@tseals5248]

Enjoy the dream, enjoy the life, and never take for granted the ones you love most. We really enjoy watching you, and your wife, when we see her. ha ha. Me and my wife was planning the same. Hoping and praying that it will become a reality soon. To let you in on a little secret, I teared up just watching and listening to how appreciative you are of your loved ones and getting to fulfill part of your dream. God bless and hold your wife tight, I do mine. She is my rock. nothing wrong with honesty.

[@badapple65]

This has become my favorite T.V. Show. When I realized that there is a new episode, I turned off the Olympics to watch it. I give you the GOLD for your efforts. I love the cozy feeling that this video gave me on this cold Winter night by the river in our cottage of glass.

[@bgerystt3801]

Greg Appelgren what a kind of a thing the olympics are?

[@jimn6376]

So inspirational in those final comments, diligence and hard work has earned you that dream. Thank you for sharing it.

[@archdes10]

I really enjoy watching these, little by little for some improvements in this cabin. I feel like I'm the owner, how if its for real.....must be very happy. I love log cabin.

[@jamiecrabtree3712]

I loved that. I loved that. I just wanted to give Cali a BIG hug when she was watching 'every' move you made stacking those poles next to her. It was just to dang cute. Cali is a star on her own.

[@jeanetteswalberg6166]

Shawn, the word that comes to mind as I watch you work is deliberate. You know what the desired outcome is, and everything you do is toward that end. Something else I thought of today is your unselfishness. Filming and editing all of your labors at the cabin means extra time you could have used on the construction. You could have gone off-grid completely without sharing your experience. Thank you for choosing to share your journey. I'm certain I wasn't the only one rejoicing with you and your wife at this realization of your dream. Glad you were able to spend Valentine's day together.

[@skizzysmith]

Jeanette Swalberg I think you have said what many others feel, and put it in better words than I can

[@hammer9390]

Amen! Best Wishes; awesome video.

[@bobbyjackson2061]

Right On thank you.

[@Antoninorosetta]

@Jeanette Swalberg: I wish I had your gift of putting words into feelings!!!

[@dhession64]

You da man, Shawn. Appreciation for accomplishment, even if it's just you, is motivation enough for most people, but having someone special with which to share that is icing on the achievement cake. You're fortunate to have a spouse with which to share it. Continued success is my wish for you and your lovely wife, and your children as well. God bless you all.

[@hammahtime63]

I have never commented on one of your videos but I have been following you for a while now. I want you to know that you are inspirational. Thank you

[@beverlydishman879]

I could not agree more. I spend many parts of my days in your audience.

[@damijan1675]

I have never commented on a Video of you, but follow you for a long Time and look at everything exactly. I am passionate about you, your skills and your Love for your sweet Dog. I hope you never Stop. You Inspire.

[@leoobooboo2296]

I love how u like what u do i enjoy watching how u build. Very hard worker the Cabin looks so nice

[@crazgirl80]

I am amazed at the love you have for this cabin, the attention to detail is simply amazing.

[@danknapp4787]

It sure makes me feel good to know I am not the only emotional man in the woods. Great video. You and your wife are a rare breed of good people that the world needs more of.

[@user_abcxyzz]

Dan Knapp emotional man? Thats an oxymoron. GROW A PAIR

[@jena9176]

@@user_abcxyzz KINDLY BRIDLE YOUR SHARP TONGUE. JOHN 11 : 35 KJV JESUS WEPT.

[@sonyagraske376]

@@jena9176 nicely said. 💞

[@sonyagraske376]

@@user_abcxyzz You are the OXYMORON 😝

[@patriciabarnes7034]

@@user_abcxyzz Jealousy is so unbecoming! It really is a terminal illness like cancer!

[@pluppenkuppen6958]

I don't know why i enjoy watching this but i do know im jealous! the motivation, the dog the cabin!

[@TheSmoke563]

I just wanted to say that I am glad that I found your channel. You sir are an inspiration. My children and I have been watching this cabin build and really enjoy all of your videos. It has inspired me to get back outside and away from the rat race of life, and help my children get out there and discover nature as well. Thanks again for all that you do.

[@patriciabarnes6664]

Contagious watching, addictive, makes one want to take off and find a peaceful wood someplace. Your passion is quite palpable. Happy days to you, your family and sweetest dog, ever.

[@donscotuslives]

It's time for a spin off: Cali's Wilderness Adventures. That pooch has star power.

[@FellsApprentice]

donscotuslives Now that Allie from the @nutfancy channel is dead, I think Cali and Scout are our new dogs' role models.

[@user_abcxyzz]

donscotuslives what adventures? That lazy dog just lounges all day

[@mariatinelis4389]

You. IS THE BEST dear. ... 👍👍👍🙋🙋

[@Vejur9000]

Cali definitely needs her own show. We can hook up a go pro to her collar, and broadcast in smell-o-vision for dinner time.

[@sirfishslayer5100]

Shawn...one of the most "real" people I watch on my laptop. Thanks for all you share!

[@BumbleBeeTF]

You've done something amazing. So inspiring!

[@tallulah34]

Nature and a dog. What more could one desire?🌳🌳🌳🐕🐶🐕🐶🐕