Raising the Roof | The Forest Kitchen | Off Grid Log Cabin Build, Ep.3 S1

The Forest kitchen at the off grid log cabin takes shape this week as I build the roof structure and clad it with one inch pine boards. The log cabin and homestead look so much better now that the trees have leafed out, transforming the scene from drab brown and greys to green seemingly overnight. Early one morning, a bull moose visits the cabin and poses for the camera while my dog, Cali the Golden Retriever, looks on. For dinner, we have fresh trout with onions and spinach one night and morels, spinach and fiddleheads the next night.
As expected, blackflies and mosquitoes were bad this week, but only early in the morning and just before dark. The log cabin site is just clear enough to provide sun and heat to keep the bugs at bay during the middle of the day, so most of my outside construction of the log pavilion was during this period when I could film without my camera lens covered in bugs.
This week, I discovered the timelapse feature on my Canon cameras (slow learner!) so I have a few scenes of the clouds moving across the sky, including the aftermath of a thunderstorm. Before I finished the video editing, another storm moved in as the weather system with high temperatures and humidity moved out.
Tune in next week to see the next phase of the off grid forest kitchen at the log cabin - finishing the pavilion and starting the grill and smoker.
Please subscribe:
bit.ly/2G7ncW9
Playlist Links
Building the Forest Kitchen: bit.ly/2GSjkJa
Log Cabin Build Step by Step Playlist: bit.ly/2LttALh
Building the Forest Kitchen: bit.ly/2GSjkJa
Food, Wild Edibles, Recipes: bit.ly/2sc1riW
Bushcraft: • Bushcraft & Survival
Outdoor Gear: bit.ly/2KSSbYI
Log Cabins: bit.ly/2sdl0HF
Links to gear used at the cabin:
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants - amzn.to/2rhEiMn
Tilley Endurables Airflo Hat - amzn.to/2Ia4xy1
Apeman Trail Camera - amzn.to/2HRZSNT
Cabelas Trail Camera - www.cabelas.ca...
Mora Knife - amzn.to/2BOiv35
Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 Saw - amzn.to/2BPV6OF
Axe - www.torontoblac...
Eagle Claw® Multi-Purpose Jet Sled - www.cabelas.ca...
Wall Lantern (candle lit) - amzn.to/2Dpa0MK
Moka Pot - amzn.to/2DEomvO Canada amzn.to/2ndmtw6 USA
Virtus Knife- www.virtusknive...
Canon 6D - amzn.to/2EdaZjs
DJI Mavic Pro - amzn.to/2DHuJib
Solar LED light bulb 15W - amzn.to/2BQvSQ2
Copper Fairy lights - amzn.to/2BCmF0X
Solar String Lights - amzn.to/2DvgU2n
Banneton 12” round - amzn.to/2ByxwsF
Lodge Dutch Oven - amzn.to/2kHuxDQ
Flamen heat resistant gloves up to 500 degrees - amzn.to/2l1mRMm
Rocksheat baking stone - amzn.to/2kF6eql
Lamp OiI - amzn.to/2qz0nZ1
Bragg’s Sprinkle - amzn.to/2EdouzK
Cabelas Ice Hut - www.cabelas.ca...
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

[@TheFishingExperience916]

Watching you build is therapeutic thank you

[@stevemack7270]

Here it is September 2023 and I'm still watching your older videos. Actually I'm watching all 388 in this playlist....LOLOLOL Awesome

[@curtisgrindahl446]

Honestly, the best channel of its kind on KZbin. What a delightful way to spend 50 minutes in nature. No sales pitches here folks, just hard work and occasional reflections... all of which are worth considering. You deserve every subscriber you get Shawn. Thanks!

[@MySelfReliance]

thanks man

[@patkeeler6645]

+My Self Reliance put a little water in pan as fish cooks..like steaming

[@the-eye-is-watching]

Hey Shawn, Every Friday night I get a treat here in the Philippines, watching your incredible videos, I am in awe of all the effort made in creating each episode. It would be a treat, although you might not want to give away your secrets, to make an episode on the making of a feature. The thought of you setting up each shot while building is mind blowing. Give Cali a hug, as thanks for all the smiles she gives us.

[@godislove201]

Shawn, you've been such an encouraging soul for me at this time of my life. I built my last house with the help of my brother in 2001 at the age of 43. I lost that house to the banks when the bottom fell out in 2008, even though l was able to hold out until 2012 when as an ironworker many lost all they'd worked for. Now at the age of 61 I'm going to build a small 20x20 two story cottage, but this time alone due to my brother being killed last Dec in a motorcycle accident... You've been a blessing to me. Thank you and God bless you and your family. P.S. the 54 people who gave you a thumbs down should be ashamed of themselves... peace ❤

[@jesusismykinghallelujah5303]

Edward, so sorry for your loss. DO whatever Shawn's video's inspire you to do! We are all here on his channel for a reason and you sir, will feel free and elated when you're done building your cottage. Oh, the 58 (as I'm watching) that gave a thumbs down are probably the LAZY ones that could never measure up to a man like Shawn. It's called jealousy and probably a bit of "why hunt for animals when you can buy them in the grocery store"? LOL. God bless you and I pray your project is a complete success!

[@oliver8928]

Good luck with the cottage, if your brother is up there somewhere watching I'm sure he'll be proud.

[@thelyingscotsman7993]

edward petrovich Yes all the best in your ventures going forward.

[@gailc.goodwin2053]

Good luck Edward 🌲

[@catrionahenderson7759]

I wish you much joy in your making a splendid cabin for yourself. As Shawn says, its the journey, and not really the outcome.

[@cindirice5295]

Madly, passionately and forever in love with Cali. She’s such a dear, sweet-natured girl with her beautiful smile and soulful eyes. What a special companion and family member you’ve been blessed with.

[@peterkrasnoff6728]

this guy has incredible patience

[@seeingisbelieving3304]

Cali agrees! Two best friends at work and play!

[@denaredford6701]

Cali the super dog thinks you need a helping hand ! 😍🐕❤️

[@johnf7017]

If Cali ever has pups I want one! She is such a sweetheart! She is your #1 fan.

[@TheCHUCKY1992]

I'm a simple man, I see one of your videos. I click 'like' before I even watch it.

[@howardfortyfive9676]

I've done that here and elsewhere a time or 2.

[@johnm.evangelis693]

God bless you SJ you're the man! We can't forget your companion Cali...

[@miltonpirsos11]

I was about to leave a comment saying thankyou good sir but I stopped myself saying that’s a dumb thing to say, who says good sir anymore, but I read the comments and see the feeling is shared, you are a wonderful man, I love your dog just as I love mine, your cooking makes me hungry every time, which is bad because i watch these videos every night before i go to bed, and your ever so skillful in your work. So without further or do, I say... Thankyou good sir

[@MySelfReliance]

Thank you :)

[@Shamustodd1]

Hearing the Loons is amazing! I go camping for ten days in late may every year and for those ten days I get to sit around the camp fire in the evening and listen to the Loons out on the lake. I can't imagine a better way to spend your life than having a snug cabin in the north woods listening to the Loons while catching your supper. Thanks for sharing your videos.

[@runeldcameron6092]

Cali is watching you work, an thinking ,humans would be much happier if they just learned to play with smaller sticks.

[@nigelmorgan5562]

Rüneld Cameron I

[@luweifang5394]

Rüneld Cameron ，

[@seeingisbelieving3304]

haha I agree!

[@jamiecrabtree3712]

OMG, so true. I had to pause the video to respond to your comment. If only humans knew the fun to be had playing with a dog chasing after the sticks. I love my dog (s), as I have had many in 35 years of my 65 years of life. I love(d) them all. My current one, Paddy came to me from the humane society. She is a wonderful companion. Only fault is she is a cover hog. LOL.....& will wake me up early to get me out of bed so she can get in. Bet Cali is a little devil once Shawn has gone to bed. She loves the chairs.

[@jasonswartzbaugh3925]

RLTW

[@newfienutz01]

The lush colors of summer......the early sunrise.....cooking over an open fire.......the sound of nature and mans best friend is what its all about. Each new video tops the last. Keep them coming ;)

[@michelleellsworth3886]

I'm in such awe of you and your wife's talent of creativity. I absolutely love your vlogs. Thank you both for sharing it with us. It's so peaceful watching, learning and listening. Sometimes I feel we don't listen enough. Thanks again. Michelle and pup Harley.

[@lynsmith2698]

Watching this video on this snowy March morning, makes me forget how much i miss hearing the spring/summer birds singing. So beautiful. I look forward to warmer days listening to the birds sing while working outside. Great video Shawn

[@chrisk3488]

Oh, come on! What is not to like? Watching this on my Friday evening wind-down from another week on the treadmill. Cool.

[@chrisk3488]

Funny, I just realised (I'm quick like that) - you aren't using plans..... you obviously have it all mapped out in your head....?

[@MySelfReliance]

lol, it's true

[@lisasommer7982]

One of the best YT Channels I got stuck with so far

[@generalrepair8731]

Shawn deserves people to hit that like button. He's a very hard worker and a great Carpenter. We all love Callie. This is a great video series. The heart would be much appreciated. Mike

[@danruprecht2631]

Every time. Automatic Like.

[@More_Row]

Oh that’s how you get heart, you just ask for it. Mkay Jokes aside, great progress on the kitchen . Love the way the roof turned out.

[@AubreyfromOregon]

General Repair s.i.c. Correct spelling is carpenter.

[@viktorskalbe7288]

General Repair ii

[@howellschan]

agree

[@AntiJovial]

I just had to put my 13 year old dog down yesterday. She was the first dog I ever had. I miss her so much. Cali is so sweet. She reminds me of Layla.

[@dmwgreywolf1123]

Wow man, just wow. The odd kinda oriental shape of your roof spells creativity and craftsmanship all day, dude you are the King. Great job as always!

[@joegrumpy1268]

Great series. I don't miss one episode. This is why I still have faith in KZbin

[@danielprinsloo2917]

thank you Shaun - you are really and truly blessed and by doing these videos you are an inspiration to thousands of people, including me. be well

[@MsSallieK]

Shawn, you are so serene when you work. Do you ever lose your patience? Struggle with something not going just right and mutter under your breath? Smash your thumb and scream, ‘sunny beaches’? Where does all your focus and serenity come from? Thanks for the wonderful content!

[@JohnnyTwoFingers]

390k subscribers!! Congrats Shawn, you've earned it.

[@ryanmazurski2736]

Morels and fiddleheads. That looks like an incredible dinner, this guy doesn't mess around!

[@sparky42]

one thing I like about the work you do is that no matter where you nail your always bound to hit solid wood :-)

[@reggierico]

I find myself wondering how you are going to accomplish these builds by yourself and every time your solutions have entertained me! Thanks, I really enjoy the peace and tranquility that your posts provide. I work in a very loud, crowded, noisy environment and watching your great posts provide me the therapy I need.

[@schmatever]

hey Shawn, just wanted to thank you for being there for me each Friday. I make pizza for my family and the final pizza is mine... as they are watching TV, I get some lone time and really relax watching your channel. It takes my mind of the burden of debt on my shoulders which I am pleased to say has a good chance of being reduced with a fantastic new business that I am about to launch. Nevertheless, I know you have been through this, I watch you stride through the sunny forest with such focus and clarity. It inspires me and makes me believe that if you conquered it, so can I. I want to thank you, from the bottom of my heart. From London, UK.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thank you for sharing that.

[@hdbilowus]

Honestly Shawn, I don't know how you do it! You're the strongest man I've ever known.

[@rickharris2711]

It's progressing nicely..... Thanks for bringing back the cooking. Love your combinations.

[@sandyadams3824]

how sweet and loyal is Cali....

[@terryducote]

Holy crap i just figured out the roof design. You created a natural drip edge without fascia or moldings. Very nice

[@MySelfReliance]

ha, but now I'm thinking some wooden troughs to collect rainwater would be a nice touch

[@terryducote]

My Self Reliance made out of dugout logs?

[@Bassalicious]

Ooh, wow, got it. I thought it might've been to create draft for an open indoors fireplace or something like that. Great idea, looking forward to how it turns out in the end.

[@dave082360]

The hollowed sounds of striked tember echoing throughout...very pleasing to the ears.

[@larspeh]

Funny how Cali seems to do more debarking than barking. Raising the roof rather than the woof ... :-)

[@garybeaudetsr8642]

Lol

[@marthaneuhauser1019]

Thanks for also showing your cooking talents again!!!

[@tygerladyconoff3834]

Look forward to your videos every week....Callie is adorable!!

[@wafflepack]

Shawn, you're the best. Another great episode. You teach patience. Soething the world needs desperatly. Thank you and be well.

[@juliecoulson1177]

Shawn, it makes my muscles hurt seeing you climbing up and down that ladder...lol shows you are in excellent shape. The build is going along great. Can't wait to see it when you're finished. Thanks for the video!

[@stevevarcoe2555]

A very resourceful guy. Very much enjoying the journey he is sharing with the rest of the world who would never get to experience the rugged nature of this fellows passion. Thanks Shawn.

[@ebony5766]

The time and effort you put into your camera views is remarkable. Thanks for being an inspiration to so many people.

[@sodthelotayou3712]

I watch this week week out.Its utterly fascinating to see this mans level of concentration,determination and dedication.For me its probably one of the most relaxing things around. What way to wind down and get rid of your stress.

[@KDad514]

I applaud your ability to go about your business with such a sense of calm. What most don't realize are the hours and hours of work that goes into the projects you complete so relentlessly and with such great attention to detail. All we see are the few hours put to video. You have a profound connection to the land beneath your feet and I commend you on your craftsmanship and life choices. You're more inspirational than you might realize so thank you for letting me share in your adventure as I create my own bond with the earth I live on.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thank you :)

[@susanwong9592]

One is never lonely with a loving pet. She Cali wants cuddle and she deserves every.

[@betty8173]

Thank you, as always, a wonderful look at your beautiful country, and the fruits of your hard work. Amazing to see the outdoor kitchen in progress, I miss watching my Dad build. Thanks, Shawn, for another good day : )

[@rodpasichnyk9140]

Ahh, fresh morels, nice, boiled in heavy cream, with onions, awesome, like grandma used to make!

[@JaneDoe-oi5gp]

Re: complaints about the ads... I'd be willing to wade through a whole slew of them just to receive all the visual inspiration, relaxing ambiance, so much practical knowledge, culinary experiences, thoughtful reflections & Cali antics... (And not necessarily in that order! 😂😂) Thanks so much for all of your masterful presentations & editing.

[@johnpeck2316]

These are the most peaceful videos I have ever seen. Makes my soul feel right...I wish it were me out there.

[@margaretstewart3255]

You have returned me to a deeper and deeper place of wonder. I am almost gasping for breath as I witness your unfolding dream.

[@donaldemery7827]

Shawn - I can watch these videos all day. You are a master builder. I love the rustic nature of the outdoor kitchen. You're very inspiring to me.

[@rsimmo3]

thanks for editing the sound on the chainsaw! video polish is another superb work you do.

[@krijnkrijn]

What a great example you are of what you can achieve with determination, patience and dicipline. It's truly amazing to watch. Thank you for this life-lesson!

[@drouleau]

First video I've ever seen on KZbin where the sound level was lowered in post for the loud (chainsaw) bits - awesome :)

[@westend3019]

Yeah, I caught that, too. His camera skills are evolving, the cutaways to the nature shots seemed totally professional.

[@merldj]

I came here to say this. A little attention to detail goes a long way.

[@gregbaksh3373]

I picked up on that and instantly thought what a damn classy fella this guy is haha...

[@trishpurden7131]

Cali is a hoot, she wanted to climb that ladder and kept an eye out on you. Nose twitching with all the smells. Is great to see your connection to each other.

[@stratagize]

It's all coming together perfectly. I'm so thankful we get to witness such greatness. Thanks for all you do, Shawn.

[@azlady13]

I love watching your vlogs. I'm getting inspired by them. I'm going through everything, getting rid of lots of stuff, either selling or donating, and downsizing a LOT. And Cali is a dream!

[@skygerspacher6891]

That is one skeewompy roof. I love it! These always remind me not to waste my moments. Create something, inspire someone, eat something tasty.

[@faithlikeelijah7488]

Thank you so much for always keeping your shows decent and family oriented ( calia too lol) what a blessing🕊

[@2nomind]

This Man will put a beaver to shame.

[@kaycox5555]

Geez, sorry if it offends....but it's relaxing to watch you work so hard and create such beauty - from this side!! Blessings & be careful, always...

[@AndrewDonald-submergency]

I love the cinematographic creativity you bring to this work. I think this distinguishes you from all the others. Thank you for your art.

[@Gagan563]

I like how his dog trying to help him 😍😍😍

[@RedWolf17]

Shawn and Cali💗Teamwork makes the dream work!🌆Beautiful time-lapse! I'm hoping there's a book in your future.🌠🐾

[@lloydnielsen8035]

Callie is such a beautiful dog! I think I will get one soon. She is so well behaved and has such a nice behaviour

[@kellwng]

Its fun to watch Cali girl having fun, and I always enjoy watching you build its very relaxing

[@Myn6211]

Another phenomenal video.Thought for sure Cali was going to find a way to get up that ladder to help you nail down those timbers. It's a real privilege to be able to share this journey with you Shawn You are a truly inspiring individual.

[@foxglove8836]

Looking good as always :-) Cali is a beautiful dog.

[@bmaccrypto]

All your videos are such an inspiration. I'm starting to binge them now. It really is an escape of sorts. Almost like I'm right there with you and Callie.

[@40intrek]

So I had to painfully watch you on this build as my back went out yesterday with just a few shovel fulls of dirt. I so want to build something right now. That meal at the end looked incredible. Thanks Again Shawn..

[@crism6204]

Admittedly, I saw Callie and remembered my own beautiful Golden, so I started watching. I only subscribe to two channels on KZbin, and have never commented before. I thought I might do it now because you should know how much your videos appreciated. You'd be surprised how similar your Canadian forest and lakes look like those here in the Central Alps of Japan. Can't wait to see the fourth installment of the outdoor kitchen. ありがとう。

[@stephengriffin4612]

Dear Shawn and Cali, Thanks once again for all these wonderful videos. You give so many of us such great pleasure. It takes me back over 60 years to my summer camp when life for all was so different and so clean and innocent. Your work should be required watching in primary and secondary schools here and in Canada. All the bestSteve

[@HawOfSteel]

I'm living my dream life through these videos. all it needs is a snowmobile

[@howbigisyourlove]

the forest kitchen is looking amazing.. Cali steals the show.. the morels and fiddle head with baby leaf spinach and grilled salmon? fabulous camp cuisine.. look forward to the progress every week.. great video

[@wanderinmoose5534]

What a great design ! I've said it before, you are a true craftsman ! And of course Cali makes the perfect helper !!

[@TheyROutThere]

How gratifying it must be to envision it, build it, and then enjoy it. So much in this world is let me just buy it or let me hire someone to do it. Being self reliant is certainly it's own reward but I have to also believe it's feeds something inside that just can't be measured.

[@blissbliss3531]

words aren't enough to tell you how comforting and how I love coming to your channel Shawn....beautiful forest kitchen, Cali wants up there so badly, LoL.....

[@alyshamcneil93]

I bet you have developed a small realtionship with some of these logs. When your old and grey, your grand children will come to visit and you will have stories about where each log came from on the property. It will be so fun for them. Maybe even so not polite names for the ones that gave you on to many splinters, lol.

[@FazzaFazza]

You normally have a chat at the end and explain the work and how thing are going, to me that is the best and an integral part of the video. I don't want to offend you as I say I really love the work on the cabin and the videos. It is most welcome and valued.

[@MySelfReliance]

I know, I have some filmed. Just not edited yet

[@iainfarrell3926]

I am sorry if you think I was Harsh or rude I thought you would see the feedback as honest. Keep up the good work!!

[@HaroldReece]

Another great video, thanks. Friday morning is the highlight of my week.

[@058467]

Another great video Shawn! Cali seems to really like it there! She's always so happy! The forest kitchen is coming along beautifully!

[@kimcushman1360]

Wow !! Look at the foliage! How beautiful the trees are filling up around the cabin. The grounds look so different , less cumbersome of rock, wood storage. Really like the time laps! Hope your not sweltering too badly as Ottawa Valley is, the reminents Alberto system from the States has really hit some areas hard! Wonky weather ! The roof is pretty ingenious! Of course! You need to collect water, how else would Shawn James do it !? Lol Shawn !! Oh Shawn!! No , No - No!! Your making too much noise with that wagon !get'er greased!!!! Lol lighthearted ribbing! Like the chain saw is quiet. Will you still be working with Joe Robinet and out buildings ? Did you see Doug outside video this week!??? Very awsome as well! Like minded people , good hearted ,creaters and shakers! This is the leadership we are seeking and lack!!!! Thank you

[@Vokieeeee]

It is a Bloody Joy to watch You work , at what You do , how You achieve it , Shawn ! You do Great Work , and all on your own ! !

[@rayleder3705]

What an awesome project that you'll be able to enjoy for years to come! It feels like we're there with you, enjoying the shade and sounds of nature!

[@liziwemabona1245]

What a nice view for those trees around your off grid cabin.

[@chrispowell3664]

Another great video Shawn. The outdoor kitchen is looking fantastic. Looking forward to next Friday's video. Take care and have a good weekend and week.

[@nickelodeonsmith9829]

I would have had the front of the kitchen start where the back is to keep the front of the cabin open. But thats either here no there. Everyone views things differently. None the less the work you do Shawn is beautiful!! This channel has light a fire under me this year to do all the projects around my house that I've been pondering but yet to put into reality. So thank you Shawn!

[@b-man1232]

We're heading to Canada next week for our annual fishing trip. My two sons, my brother, my father, and my cousin. Can't wait!!!

[@magna1178]

B-Man 123 Canada welcomes you sir. Enjoy your stay 😀

[@b-man1232]

diane macdonald - thank you! Absolutely beautiful country!

[@Freedum_Fries]

I randomly came across this channel a month ago. I have no clue how. Wasn't even looking up anything like this. Super happy it did show up. So relaxing to watch after a hard days work in corporate America. thank so much for making these videos and for sharing them with us here on KZbin. can't wait for next Friday

[@defel1]

Again, not only is your building skill impressive, your videography is awesome, too! When I think about the time and effort involved, from planning through editing-wow!

[@robhenderson9320]

Love these kind of your videos when it’s the main building structure going up, can’t wait for the next one

[@Rolab68]

Great job...again 👍

[@lindanwfirefighter4973]

I love the first month the leaves are out! Such a deep rich green.

[@4wheelsonmywagon733]

Shawn - epic effort, great result. I’ve huge admiration for your single minded determination. 🙏👍🤓

[@george8873]

Really like how you're making the kitchen look more organic, where you're not worried too much about everything look perfect. It'll be amazing when you're done.

[@MySelfReliance]

thanks

[@george8873]

You're welcome.

[@brucemcconnell1467]

Cali is such a good helper, friend and companion. Very interesting roof line. Can't wait for next weeks chapter. Gorgeous scenery! Great video!

[@Dagoth_Ur_1]

Looks a whole different world without the snow!

[@myrtlesyd9451]

Shawn The One Man Army when it comes to building his log cabins. Cheering him on, his dear and loyal friend Cali. So so Incredible.

[@marthaneuhauser1019]

,As always a fantastic video! Thanks Shawn for sharing true workman ship and your commitment to follow thru, I can't imagine you sitting in a board room!!! So much talent! Say hello to your wife and give Calli a huge hug and kisses!!!