Selecting Trees for My Off Grid Log Cabin at the New Homestead

On a snowy day, I take inventory of the trees and talk about cabin site selection and how I plan to live in harmony with nature on this land.
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[@kimsanchez7211]

Just watched one of your EXTENDED videos. I’m not certain if it was your new property or some place you visited. It seemed deep in the wilderness. I hope you find your peace there. Anyway, I’ve been watching you off and on for a few years and I am continually thunderstruck by the stunning beauty and artistry you display in these videos. You see, I own a restaurant. I have for 14 years now. With Covid issues the incredible challenges and stresses I feel on a daily basis have very nearly changed who I am and the way I see the world. I walk in a blur day-to-day everything feeling surreal. I ache to have the courage to let this all go and find my soul. To be honest when I watched this magnificent video it was in the wee hours of the morning. I was sitting in my apartment floor which is above my business. I put my head down in a bench and wept with shaking shoulders with longing to be in the sun. To hear the song of those owls, and the wind running through the top of those lines. I sat for hours through the night watching, weeping, crying, praying. I dropped off to sleep and then again I woke to see your videos. The drone silently drifting over snow-covered trees, creeks. Rocks covered with every color of green I know. Ambers, golds, grays. I began to feel better. Grounded. Lighter. Lifted. Please keep doing this for me...for us. I’m getting my butt kicked out here. We all are. Thank you for offering this incredible thoughtful gift to your audience. I don’t think you know how soul-deep they go. Peace Friend.

[@valeriehancotte-galan4790]

Amen!!

[@devonseamoor]

@Kim Sanchez. Wonderful comment, thank you! I do understand your "I'm getting my butt kicked out here. We all are". Also the way you see the world, feeling everything as surreal. This must be a gut- and heartwrenching experience for you and all business-owners in the present conditions. Here in the Netherlands, cafe's, restaurants, and hotels grow furious and intolerant toward regulations of lockdown, twice, in just over a year now. I'm truly feeling that the price we pay for a condition declared by an organisation that may not be trustworthy, is too high. To me, thhere's too much loss of lives, and damage to the economy all over the world, apart from the loss of freedom to move, speak, and socialize. I wish you the strength of heart to make a new choice, Kim, when you need to, and the wisdom to choose for the best possible quality of a new journey on a path that is waiting for you "around the corner". You're not alone, don't forget

[@fgb3126]

And it was all so unnecessary! These lockdowns and closing businesses was way over the top. And it was like world-wide. There are only a few countries that did not lockdown, put people out of work, and destroy small businesses. They came out of the pandemic with their societies intact, financial system intact, and businesses still existing - AND they also came out of this with no worse a record of cases and deaths than those countries that imposed draconian lockdowns. The way this was handled by most countries was almost criminal.

[@valeriehancotte-galan4790]

@@devonseamoor Maybe make a group on Parler, etc , for restaurant workers/owners to get help, ideas, ....!!!!

[@genefoust5569]

We all hope that she does very well We all miss her

[@peterhennig4678]

Yes we do

[@gdismine01]

Sorry to piggy back on your reply but there is no place for me to be able to comment. Shawn while you are surveying your property viability, you never mentioned FOOD. Your garden is almost as important as the cabin site. You already have your water now the essentials come next, Shelter, food, waste removal and protection. While you are viewing the property please take time to map out where you want all these to end up. If you do not figure out where everything is best suited you will end up like you were before, changing sites constantly and never finishing anything. You may be healthy and strong but everyday you spend there shortens your life term. You are not getting younger and you need to be settled in order to enjoy it when you cannot do the things you are doing now. So please take time before you start to use the land to it's best potentials. Questions you should be asking is not just that you have a flowing stream for water but will it be the same in a few years from now. People tend to encroach at the strangest moments.Visual protection of your property and homesite should be another paramount desire. Another question is can you defend it? Where do you store your vehicle when not using it? Will the water always flow or will something far from you dam it up. Sounds like a ton of questions but if you answer them now you will not be bouncing around from site to site later. Thank you and have a great holiday season. If there is an email address I can reach you at I would love to know it, to converse further.

[@genefoust5569]

@@gdismine01 Thank you for that you have a great holiday and a safe holiday

[@susanmeeks4918]

@@gdismine01 look right above where the comments begin on the main page for his mailing address.

[@gdismine01]

@@susanmeeks4918 Thanks that will help if I get a chance to write a letter. But I was hoping just to email him. I know it must be tedious for him to read and reply to al messages. Thanks.

[@HALee-]

Hope Cali starts to feel better soon! She’s such a sweetheart!

[@uhaneokalanijames8029]

cali is such a free bird she doesn't understand why she can't be out with you. sending positive energy and positive light for a speedy recovery for cali.

[@freebird5064]

Yes she is and love that analogy 😊

[@Bodiy]

The reason I enjoy this channel is that you actually get educated and learn things that you didn’t know about as to so many other channels is just constant chatter and nonsense

[@earthangel8730]

There's lots of great bushcrafting and homesteading off grid channels. No need to compare... just enjoy.

[@FeelingPeculiar]

So true. Shawn is all business and I love it. No wasted time

[@Bodiy]

Strange reply people compare everything where we shop,eat. what we drive where we want to go people we want to know and what we watch we compare everything and enjoy what we like😤

[@gretchenhamlin4282]

@@earthangel8730 MARGIE WAS GIVING S. JAMES A NICE COMPLIMENT. YOU WITH YOUR NARCISSIST BUTINSKI DUMB COMMENTS , ALWAYS TRYING TO ONE - UP SOMEONE'S COMMENTS , IS COMING TO AN END. GOOGLE END. BYE KAREN !!!

[@gretchenhamlin4282]

@@jmp1036A 🙋‍♀️🎄🎄🕯🕯

[@Dustin-fu5pj]

Shawn awesome to see you back to your old self, exuding excitement. Let the adventure begin....

[@markweighell7894]

I personally came to terms with the fact there has to be a creator of some kind 2yrs ago which fundamentally changes ones perception of life's meaning and the fact that we share our energy with all living things around us. Your empathy and understanding of what nature has provided is inspiring Get well soon Cali

[@suehamblin9652]

Absolutely .. there is a Creator God .. we know Him by His creation. All that beauty didn’t happen by itself .. something doesn’t come from nothing.

[@dermozart80]

You should definitely make sure, that you build your new cabin as far away as possible from any future road allowance!!

[@crypton133]

Shawn it's very impressive how you took a huge negative situation and turned it into a positive one, you are a fantastic role model for a lot of people in todays world and you deserve a lot of credit for that. Hope Cali is doing better, what a fantastic companion, I'm sure you will be missing her. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to both you and your family. Peace

[@CapriceWalker]

Hear Hear !

[@barbaraboyer8909]

It's a shame when people do things to iratate other people even on your own property . What goes around comes around it will be taken care by krama

[@kerra3699]

Thankyou for the update Shawn. I have been thinking about Cali, she kept popping into my head. It’s hard to see these pups injured, it breaks your heart. Cali would miss you terribly, the two of you are joined at the hip. You must miss her just as much as she misses you.Happy Birthday Cali, give her big cuddles for me. Merry Christmas to you Shawn, and your girls, all four of them. May it be a better New Year for us all😁👍

[@mariantea9225]

Poor Cali probably could do with hearing your voice, either via Skype, phone, or playing your videos to her. She's probably more stressed out about missing you than her leg injury. Main thing is not letting bacteria get into the bone, as that's really serious. At least she has your hat. 🙂 Your planning for the long term use of the land is impressively thorough. You're ahead by knowing that the only way to survive the coming future recession is to live like the pioneers of the past. Thanks for teaching us some skills. .

[@OdeeOz]

Cali is your constant companion, Shawn. That's why she's sad, because she misses her Dad. May the next 30 years be your most productive, and prosperous ones ever! Healing prayers her way, and best wishes for a Merry Christmas to all!. 🙏🏼👏🏼

[@donnabaardsen5372]

So glad to hear about the second opinion for Cali. If something is broken she's in pain for sure. Such interesting information about the tree's & sky canopy. I learn so much here! Happy holidays everyone 😊🎉

[@linedanzer4302]

Yaaasss!!! Good Morning Shawn! Missing Cali too and wishing her speedy recovery and return. *Merry Christmas to you and yours from me and mine.*

[@sharonfillman8302]

Can’t wait to watch construction of new home, very Merry Christmas to you and family.

[@spiritqknight4584]

Omg, he is wearing the Mackinaw Jacket from The Long Dark! :-D :) Sending my love for Cali

[@risbo12]

Happy birthday to Cali and Merry Christmas to you and you family!!

[@user-fl6yh8fn9y]

גם אני מאוד מסכים לתגובה זאת איזה פרגון שאני קורא על אדם טוב 💕 אם משפחה תומכת 🧡 להפליא שלא נישכח לברך אותו ל"שנה טובה" ומבורכת עד בלי די בלי צרות שנה טובה 🌹🌹🌹

[@dave72ization]

Aww poor cali's missing her dad...get well soon cali and back to the videos...❤🇬🇧

[@janethartwig774]

Happy Birthday Callie. Sorry you’re under the weather. Everything looks so cold, I can’t imagine you being out there without a warm hat. Course this is coming from a Central Californian who thinks 45 degrees is too cold to be out in.😊 Such an educational video about your land. Blessings at Christmas.🎄

[@shanejb2121]

Thanks for updating on Cali Shawn. She's a real sweetheart, and we all want her doing well. She's literally your constant companion, and I know it's weighing on you, and she's missing you being away. Glad you're getting a second opinion. It's always wise. We're all pulling for her!

[@One_Crazy_Dog_Mum]

Happy Birthday Cali, rest up & get better soon. 🐾 Shawn please do yourself a favour and use power tools more, especially your chain saw to get your lumber stores , your joints & connective tissue will get stressed quicker using a hand saw or axe to cut down the trees, Battery powered tools you can recharge with your solar can also be your friend, no one will burn you at the stake for it, and circumstances have changed so it makes sense to make up for lost time. Thanks for sharing your journey

[@almathees3839]

Your respect for the land, yourself & ur family is commendable! God speed on ur new adventure!🙏

[@donaldmacdonald8685]

Happy birthday Cali!!!! Any man who loves his dog as much as you, has to be a good man with a big heart. Pray for a speedy recovery for Cali. Good luck with your future builds. Looks like you have a great plan for your new homestead. From a loyal fan keep up with your dream and making good decisions You are living my dream!!!

[@moonbeanification]

Awww poor Cali ... lying around with one of your hats ! Sweet girl ... we're praying for her and sending love ♥♥♥

[@evalinawarne1337]

You are doing what is BEST for your dog. WITH LOVE. I am PRAYING for YOU FAMILY and DECISION makings.

[@rebeccamercer4160]

Continuing- I hit the send by accident. On down the road my prayer is for my three sons follow your videos and learn from them ! My husband built our home on 5 acres of land. He did a wonderful job and so proud of him! So grateful! We both wished we had bought more land. We are in our 60’s and love our home. Thanks again and many blessings to you and your family ! God Bless!

[@kevinharding2099]

If you are surrounded by public lands, do you know the harvest schedule of those forests? It may be advantageous to keep a significant undisturbed border to avoid visual intrusion.

[@garryross9031]

I love the way Shawn thinks he is in complete harmony with nature & all things good & spiritual.

[@sCotto359]

God let your hands up on little Cali help heal her so we all can enjoy watching her enjoying life in your name we pray amen

[@TheChefmike66]

Hey Shawn, this was the first video where I quit feeling sorry for you, your family and your situation, and returned to being very excited to see what you do next. You inspire me with your work ethic and fortitude, but mostly by how you have dealt with a really bad situation without becoming hostile or bitter. To be clear, I still am surprisingly emotionally charged about your situation considering that I have never met you, but to watch and listen to you standing amidst all of those big trees and trying to pick out the best choices based on your criteria... I love it. Also I am thinking of Cali, she is pretty young, I have faith that she will heal with your help and good judgement. Good idea not to bring her out. Have a great holiday.

[@mandrews1245]

As a Canadian I'm absolutely upset that our society is changing. Fifty years ago, harassing or impending on your neighbours would be unthinkable. All would join together to shun such a person and make it uncomfortable for them to continue their negative behaviour. I'm glad that you were able to rectify your difficult situation situation. relatively

[@nookam]

Please as soon as you know what the 2nd opinion is on Cali let us know. It’s like we’re attached as well.I know many of us have been through this. It is certainly a worry. Take care and wishing your family a Merry Christmas and may God bless you all.

[@michaelsherwin4964]

Hope all goes well for Cali, and she can return home soon. For future thought, maybe bring in, or transplant native berries, fruits, and nut trees closer to your new home. Moving some in farther from your home may help to bring in game to the area. Many years ago, I helped a friend clear out his dying trees on his woodland. The open spaces did bring back the diversity of his land. Will stripping the bark from the trees be a problem, by cutting them down in the winter, rather when the sap starts to run in the spring? Good luck in your cold weather.

[@glendajune9140]

Poor Cali, you know she’s depressed if she’s just lying around with your hat. It’s in her best interest to stay off that leg anyway. Hope she heals quickly, miss her presence. Shawn, glad we’re getting a glimpse of the new homestead. Looking forward to seeing you do you your magic in the new surroundings.💯❤️👍🏾✝️🙏🏾🇺🇸

[@screamindemon811]

Awwwww I am sure Cali misses you as much as you miss her and yes it is strange not se her running and hanging' around in the background in the videos, we are all so used to seeing her all the videos it's just be second nature to see you both,hopefuylly she will make a full recover and be back in not time.Lots work ahead of you at the new site but your well on your way to setting a start with the workshop....once project almost down and another to go.....it ought to be interesting watching it all come together

[@wingingitsemiretiredlife2981]

Good morning. Hopefully Cali just has a sprain and the rest will help her heal quickly. If it's a sprain do look into the glucosamine supplements for her. Poor Cali she's probably pretty depressed being out of her element. Hope she heals fast please keep us posted on her leg.

[@user-fl6yh8fn9y]

כול הכבוד 👍✌ לתמיכה שלך לקאלי ולשיחות ששון מעניק לנו הודה והבוש 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ אני דובר וקורה עברית בלבד חבל שבסרטון 🤳 זה לא ניתן אפשרות לתרגומים שונים כמו בשאר הסרטונים ?

[@devonseamoor]

Thank you, Shawn, for this teaching about forestry on your property. And for your consideration with a natural balance in give and take. There's so much to learn about trees, and how a forest thrives, develops, and matures. In The Netherlands, forests are mostly left to themselves, with dead trees fallen, decaying with a show of mushrooms, and gradually returning to the soil. It's just in the last 30 years or so, that Dutch forests are left to their natural growth and decomposing, followed by rejuvenation, new open space for a sapling. I've become so much more aware of and connected to trees, in recent years. Spoiled by the British unspoilt wildernisses, much larger than the forests in the Netherlands. Britian is 6 x the size of the Netherlands. I marveled at the hills all covered by forest, in county Devon of Britain, the abundance of tree covered slopes, green in summer and colourful in autumn. Now, I'm often on my bike to forests, spending hours among the trees. It's rare though to be alone for a couple of hours, due to the relative small size of the forest. I'm at present in the Netherlands, waiting until Britain opens its doors again without all the fuss with self-isolation, and track & trace. Recently, I've found a group of trees in a field with a huge beech, in the centre. It's off the beaten track, and at the foot of this beech, there's this big toe where I can sit on, leaning against the trunk. Just being with that tree is magic, and I hear always a rare birdcall.

[@justintalbot9739]

Absolutely loving the focus on ecology and sustainability. It’s often a forgotten or under-appreciated aspect of construction planning. This is the right way.

[@MikePhumanaut]

Shawn, I hope I am still watching you live and work there in 30 years.

[@moniquebouchard3724]

Awwe. The image of Cali lying around with your hat is pretty sad. I hope you get good news from the vet soon. Take care of yourself too Shawn.

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

When cutting those older poplar watch out for those dead branches and falling on your head, hard hat is a given. Poplar works well with hand tools, just keep it out of the weather and off the ground. Maybe a skidding cone will be of aid in skidding logs.

[@nahnisjourney1406]

Good morning from Coastal Georgia, Poor Cali. I hope she cheers up soon and is able to join you again. I don’t usually say anything; I just quietly enjoy watching you build and play with Cali. She’s such a smart puppy. I’ve never had bear meat. 🥩 Thank you for sharing your wisdom and journey. Stay safe and healthy.

[@suztube9458]

♡ to you and Cali and your family and sending healing mojo her way. Thank you for the video this morning. Your shares are so relaxing to me. Merry Christmas, Shawn. 🎄

[@jodyreay733]

Thank you Shawn for the update. Sending loving thoughts to you and your family.

[@marianfrances4959]

If Cali is sad, I am sad! But I know she is in the best hands. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET GIRL. New beginnings for you, Shawn. Enjoyed listening to your selection process. Beautiful forest and snow. Onward and upward. 👍😉🇨🇦💜🐾🦌🌲🌲🌲

[@jonspinks9572]

I can’t believe we get to watch you do this a second time! Amazing! Good luck and best wishes!

[@davidmesser8619]

I hope Cali is okay. She may have broken a bone or two in her foot. I like the idea of using the Aspen trees for your new cabin. They are considerably lighter than most trees. The only downside is the smell when milled. They are a lot easier to work with. Here is something you might want to consider. Buy some land further south for grain production. You won't need to be there much at all. A couple of acres will provide you with more grain than you will use in a year. Maybe rent a couple of acres. Take care Shawn. Vaughn

[@gretchenhamlin4282]

🌾🌾🙋‍♀️ VAUGHN , ALWAYS GOOD POINTS ! 🌾🌾🍞 🎄🕯

[@davidmesser8619]

@@gretchenhamlin4282 It's all the gray hairs that I have accumulated over the years. 👨‍🌾👩‍🌾🌽🥖🍞🤠

[@Latina4Life]

Im glad Cali is with 'mom' to keep her from causing more damage to her leg in the woods. We wish her a speedy recovery.

[@silentwisdom7025]

If sharing is caring then you have a massive heart ☺️

[@KidBiff]

Looks awesome, Shawn! Keep the location cryptic to keep the loonies at bay. Best regards to Cali and thank you for the frequent updates. She has the whole Self Reliance community holding their breaths right now.

[@hejdingamleraev]

Those trees makes for a really nice backdrop!

[@isabelfaustino9357]

Poor Cali, she misses her dad and all.that free space to run around but l'm sure mom is taking very good care of her. Happy birthday Cali.

[@curtisep5885]

Sounds like lots of solar, water power & green houses in your future. Really looking 4ward to the journey. Thank you for allowing us to come along!

[@maryhall4074]

Also, hoping Cali will get diagnosed soon and feel better. We love watching her. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Stay healthy and strong. You have a huge job ahead of you.

[@daviddarlingauthor]

Happy birthday to one of the best looking dogs on KZbin. Keep us updated on her progress. Hope you and your family have a safe and happy holidays.

[@elizabethbonello5908]

Awe poor Cali!! 🐶🐾❤️ Give her a kiss and hug for me!! And her doggie cousin Lady!! 🐶🐾❤️ Happy birthday pretty doggie! 🎂🎈🎉 Merry Christmas to you and your family!!! ⛄🎄⛄🎄⛄🎄

[@CC-xk6cp]

Hi again SHAWN Beautiful old trees! You'll be able to still enjoy as they don't need to be harvested. Happy and relieved you'll be in a great private spot. Happy birthday to Calie. Hard to be separated from you I'm quite sure as that wonderful bond and friendship you have with her truly means everything to her. Good to hear you'll be getting another vet opinion. Hope they can take her soon so she doesn't heal wrong or have further complications. Hoping that vet gave her enough pain meds to get through. Enjoy all your exploring and getting to learn about your new location. Excited for you! Stay safe and healthy...

[@irisviolet8815]

HELLO JAMES...missed you yesterday.JAMES i find you so hansom and great man that i hardly can follow your words. Your mesage is irelevant as long we can see and apreciate you again and again. Today i saw one of your old videos caching a big fish was a hastag 9...i been at the floor at propre seeing your autenticity making bread on your back side of your bouth...noooo...realy how far can arive your originality JAMES...amayzing...NO COMENT

[@Kez_xXx]

Happy birthday Cali! Hope you heal quickly pupper. Merry Christmas to you all, I hope you have a relaxing time with your family Shawn!

[@carymatthews3199]

Hope Cali starts to recover soon, Your an amazing person this world needs so many more like you

[@ericthat]

On my mother's estate we cut an oak down in 2004. In 2018 an oak shoot came out. Now the oak is five foot tall. Hope you're daughter feels better soon. God Bless and God is Love

[@straubdavid9]

Cali has a 1,660,000+ fans that are pulling for her. Happy Birthday Cali .... please give her a pat on the head, and scratch behind the ears for me! Take care.

[@lindas1496]

Wishing Cali many more years of running free and playing in nature, with one eye on her master.🐕🐇🐓🦌🐶🐸🐌🐭🐰🐹🦉🐌🦋🐛🐞❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@patriciabarnes6664]

Aaa, bless darling Cali, I think all of us worried about her, and hope for her to get better soon. I am sure she is missing her best friend and daddy. I'm waiting to see the new buildings, etc. I think I'm finally looking eagerly to see you getting your new buildings up. Still sad and angry about the cabin though. Stay safe Shawn. Huge cuddles for Cali.

[@shirleygeorge6351]

Wow! Being a retired Social Science teacher ,I've never ever enjoyed any Geography/Ecology lesson this much..was actually in a trance in the midst of those Conifers & Aspens info you poured out...virtually one of the most exciting & interesting classes I've attended..praying for our precious Cali's speedy recovery.Stay blessed Shawn & Season's greetings to your lovely family.

[@jackpoirier5023]

Good morning from New England. Great perspective on land usage. I’m wishing Cali a speedy recovery. I can see you’re missing your pal. Next to the people we love, dogs truly are man’s best friend.

[@franceshenry2239]

Happy Birthday Callie.❣

[@1956vern]

Thank you Shawn! Hopefully your dog will recover!

[@LadyMorgaine100]

Happy Birthday for Cali ♥♥♥ Please give Cali a hug, I hope she feel better soon and can run again. ♥♥♥

[@kateannkipper5910]

🎂HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALI ❤ Prayers sent your way for total healing🙏 🐾🐕🐾 My Black lab injured her hind leg when she was your age too! She went on to live 15 happy & healthy years...🙏🐕🐾🐾❤

[@alexkasacous]

All my best to you and your family. Give Cali a good hug from me for her B'day (tell her she's a good girl, all goldens are good, no, they are the best). Looking forward to see you put into practice the lessons from Homestead 1.0 as you build 2.0 on the new property. Stay safe, stay healthy and let's all have a better new year.

[@karennicholls8618]

Yes we all miss her and bet she’s missing you too and her bush escapades. Re: This new venture it’s exciting and especially your views on the ecology side of homesteading. So it will be interesting taking this journey with you again. And of course all the best for Cali.

[@roygabriel.2753]

Happy Birthday to Cali our wonder Dog and may the healing process by expedited by everyone’s positive thoughts . Our thoughts are also with you Shawn and the family as you continue your planning and construction of the new location. seasons greetings to you all and may 2021 be more prosperous and positive than this year has been

[@aserta]

Poor Cali. :( But it's for the best, you never know with these things and that's the right decision. Here's for speedy recovery. Also, love the fact that you follow the right way for land management. Some people just go in and destroy everything. I remember a few years back, going through some forested area and discovering a patch of land that had been completely razed to the ground, the wood left to rot. Asked around and apparently, even tho it's 100% illegal to do that kind of stuff around here, the owner felt compelled to do it. Never amounted to anything, because he was arrested a few months after, for unrelated charges. That kind of people. The hole in the forest is still there, now even visible in the sat pics.

[@blackibex]

The acoustics at 14:36 are amazing. Sounds like a hallway.

[@johntatum1951]

I pray Cali will get a good vet soon, so she can heal and be back out in the woods with you.

[@Mooshkie50able]

I hope Cali is going to be OK so sad. I am glad you have a stream close by for water. If worse comes to worse and the ground is not good for growing? Raised garden beds work just as good as long as you get some sun. "Looking forward to see what you do with the new land. Love it. A prayer for Cali and Happy holidays to you all. Cali has never really been away from you so she will get very depressed. Even if she hears your voice on a cellphone she will cheer up. PS Have your wife play your videos for Cali so she can hear your voice. Usually dogs when they dont see someone they literally think they died somewhere and get very depressed. Let her hear your voice even if its playing your videos for her, so she can hear you..

[@Red1Wollip]

Shawn, I have the greatest respect for what you are doing. I have had the privilege of living in Alaska for five years. My appreciation of total wilderness has been revived with your videos. All I can say is thank you very much. I do hope Calie is going to be okay

[@genefoust5569]

Welcome back my friend A another great video that we all enjoy here at the holidays

[@angiekrajewski6419]

Hi Shawn bet you are surprised to read so many people are speaking about Cali .,,just to show you how much she means to us..not that we didn’t listen to your projects but for now....,,we are still wanting to see cali around you ...so hearty courageous working for you...tks for sharing.

[@kitcarson1388]

As a permaculturist with a homestead in central Mexico, I appreciate your philosophy. Wish there were more of us on the planet, but the numbers are increasing. Wishing you well, you are amazing!

[@irmibullinger1421]

So sad about Cali. Hope she is well soon and can be with you again. I think your explanation of where you will put your new homestead and which areas you will probably clear for it was very thorough. I appreciate all the time you spend to include us in all of your plans.

[@ronmadzy1393]

Your forest is a lesser place in the absence of Cali. Her presence reveals the wondrous nature that surrounds you both. Best wishes to you and your family this holliday season and high hopes for Cali`s speedy return...

[@johnkeys7279]

Hope she's back with you very soon.

[@johnmyer1261]

Shawn, I hope Cali is getting better, But you may find out that she tore a Ligament in her hind leg. This is fairly common in active large breeds. The only option for this is expensive surgery. My lab tore her ligament at two years old. I was fortunate to have a specialized Veternary Surgery Clinic one hour away. They performed a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO), a relatively new extensive bone surgery to remove the torn ligament and rearrange the the bones in the knee joint. This was very successful, you would never know that my lab had any leg injury. She get around without any problems. I hope your second Veternary exam finds something less extensive and easier to cure.

[@bronzegod6737]

Hope Cali gets better asap, she's such a happy and devoted dog! Most dogs don't have the freedom and excitement that Cali experiences daily... It's exciting to see how the new land will be transformed into a new home

[@Robbie_S]

I cannot take my mind off of Cali the Sweetheart. I really hope and pray that she does better. I guess this would make my All I want for Christmas 💕💕🙏🙏

[@guppy2129]

Happy birthday Cali💞 Daddy's working hard to build a new cabin for you & your family 💞 Merry Christmas all🎄🌲🏕

[@jmar5787]

Nice to have Cali around so u know if or of any predators around when she's there. She's got your back. Thanks for sharing the new property and possible cabin location

[@leomosco686]

Dear Mr. James, I always look forward to your videos with great enthusiasm, I pray that Calli will recover from her injury soon. His enthusiasm and energy is very "contagious" and sometimes I regret living so far away and not being able to help him in its construction, it is really exciting, an excellent example to follow within the possibilities of each one. I will only ask you a small favor ... . Do not forget to place the option of subtitles in your videos, I am not fluent in English and it is difficult for me to understand all of your stories. Thank you in advance for your kind attention. Have a very Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family and have a good start to 2021 Sincerely from Japan

[@bartoszpucilowski4051]

Can't Wait for you to start building a new cabin! I'm so excited. I'm sure Cali will be back with you on site with no time :-)

[@roar6728]

How a bout a greenhouse like “boss of the swamp”. He’s had great success with that.

[@lpgirl]

In the late 70's, my husband and I carved a homestead in the wilderness of Minnesota. We used mostly poplars to build our cabin. They were light and easy to peel. Because we didn't have many straight logs, though, we decided to build vertically, using 8 foot logs for the first floor, with 4 foot knee walls in the loft area. About 4 years ago, we revisited that homestead and found the logs holding up extremely well. Best of luck on your new adventure!

[@barbaragoodman1789]

Sending healing thoughts for your beloved companion ❤️🐶🐾Calle 💕

[@silvsiri3478]

Hi from Australia Shawn, we can’t wait to follow this new journey.. let’s hope there is now neighbours this time.,

[@TheWhiteSanatarium]

Really looking forward to the new cabin adventure. Hope Cali feels better soon.

[@ingridassoon6958]

Oh Mr Shawn pls give Cali a great big hug for me i am sorry she is not doing so good but will get better n be running around again so be safe n secure.

[@kusnezoff8705]

you can definitely do hydropower with a mini hydropower rig that will provide all the electricity you will ever need. No need for solar at all with a hydropower plant with that year round stream. awesome.

[@BL-sy7fx]

God Bless you & family. And a happy birthday wish for dear Cali !

[@Moosiemoon]

Happy birthday Cali. Miss seeing you romp around in the snow with your human and pray for your speedy recovery. You gotta get well girl, you got lots of people out here that miss you. And great video Mr James. I especially noticed the contrast of your red/black shirt against the dark surroundings of the forest as you walk towards the camera. Very striking. Merry Christmas.

[@Wooley689]

Dang, that ending scene just took me way back to childhood memory. Looks just as I remember traipsing around the forest behind my parents home. Lord how I miss that. Hope Cali get get back on her feet to keep you company.

[@4philipp]

Poor Cali, stuck at home. She’ll be better soon. I’m excited about the new homestead. My own journey starts in 2 1/2 years and watching you keeps me motivated. And of course there is tons for me to learn from you. Merry Christmas