Off Grid Living in a Log Cabin | Lumber Milling, Making a Wood Bench, Cutting and Packaging Venison

[@charliperkins1965]

My Grandma has been having heart trouble for awhile now and problems with her vision for even longer. Needless to say she doesn't get out much. She has been watching your videos and thanks very highly of you. Today we watched this video, she said "He doesn't know me, but we are friends". Thank you and your family for making these videos! 😊

[@seshenofthenile2363]

That's so sweet

[@jeanettec6212]

Were friends too!

[@Amy-of7gw]

I know just how she feels🙂❤️

[@IRIR-oy3jo]

I agree!!❤

[@katesisco]

As am I, living the story that was chosen for me, not one I chose myself, 76 next week, artist in me so enjoys the setting, efforts to share the beauty. Thanks.

[@lknanml]

10 years from now you will have built an entire town at this pace. EPIC WORK!

[@wojciechregucki8439]

Exactly...and with no time consuming filming that could've been a really big town 😁

[@sovndvibes]

He doesn't want a city and people around there. He wants to have peace and nature around only. That's why he left his last project because people in the neighborhood disturbed him and intruded.

[@lknanml]

@@sovndvibes LOL Yes I know. I've been here from the start. It was compliment regarding his ingenuity and dedication to his projects.

[@Pyromanemac]

@@sovndvibes woosh

[@gigliolapapa2727]

@@wojciechregucki8439 ':

[@Pedro-fr8tz]

After a few years following your channels I am still amazed with how consistently honest you have been about the content you consider valuable to us. No sponsor messages, no hundreds of interruptions with adverts… just honest work. 👏👏👏

[@santiagobenites]

The torching of those planks is not only a brilliant way to preserve the wood, but it gives a beautiful, rustic look and character, and accentuates the grain quite nicely as well. You must be very satisfied with what you've accomplished with your hard work, mad skills, and creativity, Shawn. Everything there is looking great!

[@tonyz6421]

Shou Sugi Ban, been done thousands of yrs to keep bugs away and help waterproof

[@tonyz6421]

@@TubeMeisterJC nope, just monitored it in a hot fire

[@tonyz6421]

@@TubeMeisterJC yep

[@MySelfReliance]

@@TubeMeisterJC I fired three boards like that on camera in 2017 when I was doing the roof of the old cabin. It was interesting but it would take some practice to get good at it.

[@TheKrazyRico]

Shawn you are my Dick Proenneke of today. I loved Alone In The Wilderness when I was young and get the same satisfaction from watching your videos today. You are doing something very special that many will cherish 20, 50, 100 years from now. Be safe and may God bless you, cali, and your whole family!

[@veeveeleo9713]

I too think the same , I came across Dick ps documentary I fell in love with his character… but guess what it seems Shawn also admires Dick , I saw him visit that guy & I see lots of dicks style in his day to day life ‘ with only one exception Dick did not hunt

[@kingrafa3938]

He visited Dick Proenneke's cabin in Alaska 4 years ago I think and sleep outside around the cabin near the lake.

[@veeveeleo9713]

@@kingrafa3938 Shawn has a nice stream outside his place if he makes a small dam out there it will be great one 😅😅

[@kingrafa3938]

@@veeveeleo9713 I know

[@richardburguillos3118]

You know it’s the right life when you don’t know what day it is, Tuesday Wednesday…, and it really doesn’t matter. The weather matters… what you need to accomplish matters… family matters… Self Reliance matters…. Thanks for sharing.

[@alwayssearching1882]

Cali seeking a hug while planing the fire pit bench was priceless.

[@haroldfoust]

Thanks for giving us a long video A man and his dog🐕👏

[@catherinemushaw1956]

I Love your Cali 💜 please hug her from me ... ( as I almost lost my little Fur Baby from Cluster seizures on Monday. Cooper is better now but it was one of the hardest things to watch. God Bless All Fur babies and their families). Love your videos Shawn. Learning everyday you post something new. Thanks for sharing. Love and Light to All 💜 ✨️

[@nancyfaught3833]

May God bless Cooper❣️

[@bbayerit]

The interaction between you and Cali never gets boring, Shawn. I'm sure she's a bright flame in your heart.

[@bluetech2861]

Cali has so much personality!

[@rebeccadavis3522]

By recording your build, you are giving your family a precious gift. Centuries later your decendants will see in living color what a loving and dedicated man you were and how much blood, sweat, and tears you put into your legacy and how it will live on through your masterful carpentry skills.

[@deborrastrom8559]

Much respect for all you do. I had a grandfather who built a home when he was 75ys old from the lumber on his land & alot of the building was alone. He had a dog.. before this build & a dairy farm 60 head. He later, grew trees for the government. He always had the same breed 🐕 dogs ( same bread as Callie) Called them "Bouncer" & when each dog died, got another dog just like it, called it the same name. Those were the happiest 💕 best 👌 & smartest dogs. Protected us kids in the woods 100% from bears & snakes & other stuff in the Wisconsin wilderness. Love all you do as it always comes around to bringing up new-old memories everytime I watch you.

[@patriciatennery3021]

My G’Pa did and then reroofed at 97 yo. Fantastic. I thought I had the right genes but fell and have some neuropathy. Lookingvforcaxsolution Soviet can go back to physical work. Love what these G’Oas could do.

[@ositagordita8550]

That made me chuckle when I saw Cali found her toy. I usually don't say much about my feelings but Cali is special to me because my sister used to have a golden retriever named Misty. Misty slept with me, followed me everywhere & stayed with me in the office as i processed the billing. We had spent a long day in Lexington, KY working on real estate title searches & when we got back to my sister's home, Misty had passed away on the garage floor. It was the cancer. So, when I watch Cali, it brings back the happy memories I have of Misty. Be blessed. ✌️🐾🐾

[@MrDbowschnider]

I'm 59 years old. Union pipefitter/welder. Worked hard my whole life and will continue to do so. When I'm home and have things that need to be done, weather tries to control my get up and go. I'm thankful that your channel came across my KZbin. I don't have the words to exspress what watching you does to my soul. You are godsend to many folks, including myself. An inspiration to me and many more. God bless you. And your family. And of course Cali. Much respect 🙏

[@darlenekozlovskis6907]

Beautiful interactions with Callie, so sweat!!

[@kingrafa3938]

*Cali

[@kfckillie1]

I don't think I have ever seen one man, put in so much work. Absolute respect....♥️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@numbersvibrations]

Shawn James and Nick Rajevonich are the two hardest working men on KZbin.

[@kfckillie1]

@@numbersvibrations agree...👍

[@fabrice9252]

Thank you so much, Shawn. You are an inspiring artist and a poet and the one living the dream of the return to the authentic and essential that we gradually and eventually lost from sight. 👍👏💕

[@janievanhoozer8604]

I notice Cali is slowing down and it breaks my heart, she has been a part of our lives for years. Love watching she and Shawn🙏🇺🇸😘

[@johnwasula5907]

Watching you chop wood, play fetch with Cali, with the cabin being winterized...it's a beautiful sight!

[@nancyfaught3833]

Callie is getting tired❣️

[@kingrafa3938]

@@nancyfaught3833 *Cali

[@nancyfaught3833]

@@kingrafa3938 Do you know what it is short for?

[@nancyfaught3833]

@@jmp1036A Ha!

[@kingrafa3938]

@@nancyfaught3833 Cali is the correct spelling since Shawn introduced her 5 years ago.

[@brendamartin3557]

I love Cali! Has such personality.

[@kingrafa3938]

*Cali

[@raymondmiller427]

Always a pleasure seeing your progress Shawn. It’s gonna be so interesting to see how you finish the inside rooms and then to see the build for the transition for the kitchen from the back door there. This is always a hour well spent on a Friday !!

[@rayjames2269]

Good morning Shawn , just wanted to wish you , your wife and Cali many happy years living in your new cabin . Love watching your videos and wishing I too could live as you are . Take care and happy trails.

[@rebeccamercer4160]

I love the other channel as well! The front porch is overwhelming! Just looks relaxing! I looked at your chair’s again on porch and I bet you made them! I had been asking but knowing you make and build , I think. you made them. They look comfortable and perfect! Amazing! God bless you , better half and your Family! Thank you for sharing your gifts God has given you!

[@marymcmanus]

I used Sho sugi ban on my front porch 2 years ago and it has held up well. The grain is still beautiful. It’s subjected to the winters and full sun in summer. ❤🐾

[@davidminutella]

I have never seen a more determined man in my life.

[@timkeagy4094]

I just finished remodeling my bathroom using all hand tools. It took me a little longer, but it was quite satisfying. I have to build a wall to a room that was torn down before I bought this place 30 years ago. Going to tackle that room completely using hand tools. My dad did it this way also. Inspired by him and My Self Reliance.

[@johnbrown2030]

As a resident of northern Alberta I appreciate how you said it was warm out at just below freezing! Temperature is all but relative to how you are acclimated to your surroundings. Just finished my morning 10k run at -36°C (-33F) so I agree 0 is warm !

[@CATherine001]

As long as you keep moving

[@heilamessy]

isn't dangerous for the lungs to fast breathing at such low temerature? I read somewhere it causes the bleeding of lung.

[@johnbrown2030]

@@heilamessy yes it could be fatal. I wear a synthetic gator followed by at cotton/poly gator, followed by a full face balaclava, then a wool mask over that if it's colder than -40C

[@heilamessy]

@@johnbrown2030 thanks for the reply. good information.

[@bonniemullen4990]

Lots of ❄️❄️❄️ snow now , Cali is enjoying it ‼️ Your hard at work always no matter what season , your doing such great job 💞👍☺️🌲🌲🌲🧚🕊️

[@melodybarker9336]

Love Cali playing in snow ❄️ she enjoying cooler weather love the progress of the cabin and all your small jobs in cabin Shawn james 🌲🌲⛰️⛰️❄️❄️🌬🌬❤️❤️

[@Casey9269]

It is great to see you and Cali interact. She so reminds me of our dog Bailey. Bailey loves playing in the snow and every time we look down there she is with a ball in her mouth ready to have someone throw it for her to retrieve. Your cabin is so inviting and well built. You are creating a beautiful home for you and your family.

[@rebeccadavis3522]

Loving wife and family, beautiful piece of property, devoted dog, well built home, a steady income, and doing exactly what you want, WHAT MORE COULD A MAN ASK FOR! Congratulations on living the dream!

[@dirtroadsailing6418]

I've been watching your videos for many years, and they have brought me a lot of solace and tranquility. Thank you!

[@markallen1084]

I can’t believe how beautiful an overcast day in winter can be. Great video!

[@nancybrown2700]

There is almost nothing more satisfying than milling your own trees. It is zen-like and a bit of a surprise too as to what woodgrain will come out from inside each log.

[@Tomhohenadel]

Shawn, thank you for the hour long visit to your Muskoka creation. The cabin is simply gorgeous. Well done sir.

[@adamwilliams7937]

You have inspired many people! Thank you!

[@TheAngiedh]

After four years of watching your channel I just noticed that I'm still captivated... good point about meat preservatives - doubt I've ever eaten meat without them but hardly eat it these days. Sure do miss it, especially this weather!

[@lindapetersen1800]

SHAWN & OUR CALI how happy I am to see OUR CALI rolling in the snow !!! Hearing these things is a delight to mine ears !!! Burning of the wood is what we did in our basement for our quilt frames and stands !!! You have a lot of work there but it is DELIGHTFUL WORK TO BE HAD !!! I thought different and bought a spoon and other things made out of wood today they are awesome !!!

[@Cyberdemon1985]

My father is 88 and has enjoyed watching your videos. Brings him back to living during WWII in Greece. He said times were simpler and hard but people lived frugal and survived self reliantly.

[@judpascal9266]

C'est vraiment magnifique, bonne continuation, chapeau l'artiste et tes vidéos aussi tu explique très bien. 🇨🇭🇨🇭🇨🇭👍👀🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@BobL417]

I had an old hand crank drill like Shawn used to build his bench. I still have it somewhere, but haven't seen it for years. Belonged to my Dad and I may have given it to my oldest son. That old drill has done a lot of work. Good job Shawn

[@BjornBear21]

I’ve been watching for 4 hours. It’s so calming I keep falling asleep lol. Love it Shawn, keep it up.

[@ВасилийЧураков]

Что ещё для счастья надо человеку.Уединение,лес и свежий воздух.Главному герою моё уважение,молодец!👍

[@habibkateb7005]

من اگر کانادا بودم حتما میرفتم از نزدیک ایشان را میدیدم

[@pamelas1561]

Oh My! That melted my heart when at the 12:45 mark Callie comes up to share some love with you.

[@marygordon3032]

Lol I just love watching you and Cali interact because she knows what you’re saying. Please be careful Shawn and God bless! 🙌🙌🙌🤩🤩🤩💯💯💯

[@glendajune9140]

Keep up the hard work Shawn. Your efforts are a reflection, of the building’s you’ve already erected. So looking forward to seeing your vision come to fruition. Stay safe, healthy, warm,happy, productive,& blessed.💯❤️👏🏾😀👍🏾🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🙏🏾🇺🇸

[@charlotteanddavestorey6553]

You have a great life , hard one but rewarding, as it’s quiet, no rat race to contend with , no people , living in and with nature, peace and quiet and solitude. Perfect .

[@TaigaTurf]

The colour of these charred boards is phenomenal.. It's an art to do it right

[@williamleopold507]

My husband and I lovewatching you build your cabin and work around your lot . Cali is so sweet !

[@Todiefor]

I was so looking forward to this, Thank you so much for the amazing videos.

[@JD-qi1cy]

The relationship between man and his best friend should never be understated. If they could speak we could learn so much. In their silence they show us trust, devotion, loyalty and unconditional love. All they want in return is that same love and affection we all seek ourselves.

[@JD-qi1cy]

@Selfreliancce If this is legit, I’m supposed to send a text to the number you provided. What do I type into the text box?

[@larrymaxwell5535]

Methodically working while filming, a doubly harder job, but we all who are subscribed love your videos and chanel. I especially appreciate your opinions on life in general! Thank you, you're known to me as what is called a visionary!

[@patd9290]

A great video - full of peace. Cali is such a loving dog. It is so sweet when she lays love on you. You are so lucky to have that. have a wonderful holiday. Love ya

[@RARORA10]

Ah......My, the beautiful and gentle Cali I am amazed. You are not only being loved by Shawn by us all. 💕

[@deborl7278]

70 now This being memories when me and my papa Would go hunting.. We didn't come home without 2 of them. We would hang them in the shop. Pop would always cut me some backstrap and I'd cook it up. My favorite game meat . I would butcher and wrap . He showed me once. I can almost taste it. Nothing like a venison steak that was fed on grass pastures . Oh how I miss it those precious memories. Thankyou for bringing them back They are happy tears Shawn

[@Dr.Gunsmith]

One mam and his dog, beautiful 🙏

[@HighMo]

I am incredibly impressed with your progress, and the beauty of your cabin. I measure my own daily exploits against yours, and there aren't many people I can look up to, when it comes to physical activity, motivation and productivity. I'm much older than you, but even at your age, I can't imagine doing what you have done, building that cabin from the basement up. Amazing achievement, and I'm very happy for you.

[@gordondeans2549]

I love the way you shoot your videos in the dark. I reminds me of my childhood in the 50s when all we had was radio and had to imagine what the background sound effects were..

[@311bomb]

When I come home from a long week of 12 hour shifts, I see your videos are available and I get to sit down and start my weekend with a calm outdoors video and a glass of scotch. Cheers!

[@jacquessasseville3792]

Preping food, silence and cooking some of the food you preped, warmth from a wood burning stove, time to reflect on the day and things to come next. Keep on posting these videos 😀

[@tomikamedley7484]

Cali is an awesome idol. So loyal and affectionate. Just a couple pets and she’s happy

[@RatdogDRB]

There's that sweet girl !!! Cali just brings such richness to your life there each day. What a GOOD girl she is. It's sweet, being able to go inside on nasty weather days and work warm/dry. What a huge blessing that is for you. The place is looking great.

[@johntatum1951]

Glad you are prepared for the winter months ahead. Hope your family will come out for Christmas. Cali is an amazing animal, so smart. She is such a super star! The fetching game is it's name. Shawn throws my toy. Then, oh boy, I run after it and grab it. I bring it back and I am ready to go, through the snow, or into the valley. Cali's Valley and Cali's Creek in Canada.

[@kingrafa3938]

*Cali

[@straubdavid9]

@@kingrafa3938 Kowley🦮🤣🙃😛

[@johntatum1951]

@@kingrafa3938 Sorry, typo...:)

[@albarr4760]

Your a great worker thinker and finisher, o what. A place you have built. It's way way above a cabin i ts outstanding, and I believe theirs more to come , you and your family will be thrilled I'm sure , Al barr glasgow

[@blacksprucecountry1315]

Been watching for the past three years and love your work. The first cabin was great but this new one is amazing. Highlight was the bigger logs and amazed at how well you handled them alone, and without heavy equipment. I know very well how challenging it is, from building a couple myself. Looking forward to seeing your new projects as they unfold. I am presently working on my small log cabin and have lots of ideas to try too. Happy building!

[@131dyana]

Love watching you and Cali. Thanks. God bless.

[@DesertDog8989]

Cali says, "Oh my lucky day". The sweet interactions with her are so special to watch.

[@xtremelyentertained2596]

Such a beautiful cabin. I can't wait to see how you set up the inside of this one. You'll be sitting comfortably by the stove enjoying your coffee with the pup at your feet in no time.

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

So awesome that is coming together. I love how you prioritize things based on the weather. People forget about that. I wish I could chop wood like you. Never have been able to. Looking into splitting machines. Arthritis isn't as forgiving anymore.

[@lynnestamey7272]

Good morning from Texas! Lovely post, as usual. I think that this channel has the best photography, editing and content on KZbin. The cherry on top is Cali.

[@daviswallace6351]

That sawmill has just about paid for itself! I have always been impressed with the care that you give your tools. That venison looked mighty tasty! Oh, and one can never have too many tarps....

[@joannabennett2335]

I am so glad that you brought us along on this wonderful journey! It means so much when we look back on what was accomplished, I really think that is what's wrong with people lately. When my dad was with me he was so proud of what myself and my family accomplished, we earned it through hard work and goals. I look around and even though I am not as able to do what I used to I am proud of it all. So thank You and keep it up 11

[@adriannee.1030]

I love to watch you work and your astounding progress ... but to be honest, I admire Callie who is always at your side, keeping things real. You both warm my heart.

[@OlleyThorpe]

Yo this is an amazing project. Would love to do something like this. Love these longer videos.

[@RenatusRa]

One of the most loving moments between you and Cali (for us at least) at 12,55. Thank you for sharing. Please send our love back to her.

[@bellamylittlegirl1029]

All I can say is your amazing in anything you attempt and accomplish. Love you channel~

[@Who.is.Clinton]

Hi Shawn run a strong steel cable from tree to tree about 5meters high above your mill and trow a very heavey duyt trap over it, make a temporary A frame Barn above your mill and wood. Tie the corners of the tarp to other tree bases using heavy duty steel cables too. Make sure te tarp has a +/-45 degree angle, allows the snow to be easily knocked of from teh inside. Leave the sides open to about 1.5meters, to allow fumes to escape and the wind to blow through underneith.

[@piotrpiotr6979]

Hello i from Poland , I watching your channal in 3 years , your Familiy is amazing , sorry my English. You ` are White Wolf good Familiy :)

[@billdiehl-jones7568]

Love watching your channel. I live in a log cabin in Manitoba and feel some kinship. It is a life with challenges, more than rewarded by the satisfaction of a simple life

[@kingrafa3938]

It's always good when Shawn uploaded a new video 👍

[@littlehillsidehomestead6362]

A friend of mine puts a mirror behind his lantern to enhance lighting…. Appreciate you sharing.

[@zachzeilinger4019]

Can't wait to see the finished table and outdoor kitchen And hopefully build a shelter for the wood mill

[@167curly]

I glad to see you using gloves when handling lumber and firewood etc and also a protective face mask and hard hat for milling, but please think of your back when lifting heavy items like those wooden blocks, Shawn. I like that simple wooden bench you built. Perhaps it's time to build yourself a work bench soon too? It nice to see you taking time to "play" with Cali too.

[@jamesmathews6711]

Great moment when you spend quality time with your dog.

[@earlsandyevens]

Enjoyed seeing the early morning in the cabin.

[@cheryleddy5677]

I've been a fan since I stumbled on your videos when you were building the first cabin. I shivered thru the winter and sweated thru the summer with you. I worried when you moved Hugh trusses by yourself with just ladders and rope. I marveled at all the great ideas you had for sauna, outdoor kitchen, and of course the outhouse. I was thrilled to see you using tools my Grand Dad used to build furniture, and the same manner of building with out nails. Now here we are again coming into another winter and I simply can't tell you how impressed I am with all your updates and ideas round 2....lol...but I also notce that you have many new tools and equipment to help this time and I'm so happy. Can't wait to see the finished cabin...although I know you will never be finished

[@ginamonty2727]

I love how you were able to get footage of the beaver building his home alongside you Shawn! Another awesome video, and such a treat that it’s over an hour! Thank you. Have a great week.

[@joygraves6038]

Cali is so beautiful. I made her my screen saver. I love all you do at your homestead Hard work, but a beautiful way to live. Enjoy while you can, life is short and time flies.God's blessings my friend.

[@dennisbeaver5958]

Liked that bench, even if it was the second time seeing it! That was some beautiful lumber you milled. All set for the next project! Always relaxing to tag along for your daily chores, even if it is raining!

[@carolinaalbuquerque6909]

Good afternoon, please turn on the caption. I really like your channel . I'm from Brazil.

[@grahamball364]

Hi Shawn, Each time I look in on you I find and see some new way of doing, you live a very for filling life style,I don't know how you keep going,but it looks rewarding to see you on the next one.stay Safe . Graham 🇬🇧👍

[@dorothyholloway3489]

Once again thanks for taking us along on your awesome journey.

[@russellwatters5891]

The bench turned out awesome, I kept thinking book shelf, but you sat down...lol You and Emily have differing methods, but the end result is always great! Love what you're doing ❤️

[@Chr.U.Cas1622]

👍👌👏 2) Cali at 17.35 min: Are you serious? The complete leg bones are for me?" Maaaan, I simply 💚 love this great dog. Best regards luck and health to all of you.

[@rohlarenrohlaren685]

Of all the things I missed when I moved away from my farm, chopping firewood was not one of them. We used about 5-7 cords of wood per season, and anyone who uses wood heat knows, it's a lot of work. Shawn, you are an amazing person and I have really enjoyed watching you and your great dog. Thanks.

[@stevstro4498]

Another enjoyable video Shawn. I could almost smell that bacon frying! Made my mouth water. On a different note & in viewing you moving that log onto your milling machine, I think it would make your effort to roll the log once it's on the frame easier if rollers were added along the frame's cross members. I guess that's something for the manufacturer to consider. In any event & again, thank you for sharing your (& Cali's!) experiences with us.

[@Duality306]

Had a Beautiful 8 point buck under my persimmon tree the other morning...just 30 yards from my back door....I love living in the country

[@brigandboy1425]

Hands down the most adorable lab on the internet. Maybe not on the planet, but she comes close I bet. Love watching you two work :)

[@laruedouglas1064]

Kelli is such a sweetheart and always by your side. Nice that you are stocking up meat and you sure got a lot done.

[@donevans1884]

brilliant video , the amount you get done is amazing , so very well done you .