These logs are heavy, but they do have character

Moving and working 12 inch x 24 foot logs on my own is challenging as I start the walls of my off grid log cabin in the Canadian wilderness.
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[@downtonviewer]

When this video popped up, I felt like it was a visit from a neighbor I always have time for.

[@shannonbailey8201]

I feel the same the second cabin is more appealing. Your work is impeccable.

[@brianspencer4220]

Hi Shawn: As I watch you assault each challenge; I'm struck by just how much courage it takes to attempt & start out with each job. From my own experience back in the early 60" I know that almost every log will have it's own story. Looking back , my best advice is quality above speed will never be regretted. Stay safe & thanks Brian 81

[@lacarlotta6290]

Thank you for those words. I think we all are praying for that thought to always be with Shawn…….

[@tnwhitley]

@@lacarlotta6290 indeed, just said a prayer for Sean, his wife & kids & Cali.

[@rebeccalay119]

One thing I appreciate about watching your videos is getting a sense of how much planning and thinking time that goes into each of your projects.

[@billierenshaw3302]

Shawn…you HAVE TO LOVE what you do ! Such hard work …..I love to watch ….love Cali 🥰❤️

[@nightsong28540]

You're doing fantastic...the logs are looking wonderful and the way you figure out how to move, lift to get them where you want is interesting. Stay safe, be careful, take it easy and keep warm and dry.

[@nancyl3843]

Holy cow. It's hard to believe you do this alone. I'm just struck by the great weights you are dealing with. God bless you, and stay safe.

[@danieloliver20]

I'm loving the character of your logs, you'll remember every one of those 40 beasts you're hoisting into place!! 💪🐕

[@guppy2129]

Wow, you're doing a magnificent job with this cabin! No wonder you're tired! Thanks for sharing.

[@glendajune9140]

Logs are large,& stable. As you said, a lot of character. Looking forward to seeing the erecting of the cabin begin. Stay safe, healthy,& productive.💯❤️👍🏾💜🙋🏽‍♀️✝️🙏🏾🇺🇸

[@sallyannesmith3607]

Have you considered asking for help? Winter is right around the corner. I love watching your methods as well as your progress.

[@marcinspace]

Such a great learning experience for you Shawn. It truly is a gift even when you move on from a spot already created by yourself. You learned so many skills along the way and know now what not to do. Always a cheat sheet of experience in your head. This cabin looks 10X more well rounded and built already. Much respect friend

[@bigfatbaataed]

Yup, the first cabin was his apprenticeship, this one is where he earns his master craftsman papers...

[@travisfarrell2271]

I can’t wait to see this cabin walls starting to go up. I love the work you do.

[@dragonslayer7587]

I also like to see the character in the wood. This home will be around for generations of your family to enjoy. I just love watching it all come together! Thanks so much for taking us all along... I remember the old cabin going up, THIS is so much larger and in such a beautiful part of Canada. I love the drone videos as well... God's Creation is so perfect in every way. It's almost your own Eden!

[@feoguis1432]

Good morning 🌄 have a great day And God bless you and your family 🙏 watching from Philippines

[@antond2154]

Wow you caught me off guard Shawn, I was just thinking and looking forward to your vedeo for tomorrow wich is Friday and what a surprise this is !!! Thank you for sharing earlier , love your channels and Cali !! 🐕❤️

[@kansasprairieforge2918]

She said , Heck ya I'm ready for lunch! I helped find it! Yeah, Grouse!!!

[@oliverliddell613]

Not surprised that you get tired but the joy that you clearly derive from your love of what you do is infectious (in the best possible sense of that word)!

[@jeanettec6212]

Hello Shawn. Those logs are beautiful. I love the way you calculate everything in order. I just said a prayer for you, for safety, and blessings. That log cabin is gonna be amazing! I love your channels.

[@trisho.8331]

Well said Jeanette. I love that you also send prayers to Shawn and family. 👏🙏🏻❤️

[@jasonantigua6825]

Is Shawn a religious man?

[@trisho.8331]

@@jasonantigua6825 probably not in the traditional sense, more spiritual I suspect, so prayers for safety and protection never hurt IMHO. 😉

[@jasonantigua6825]

@@trisho.8331 Absolutely! Just curious that’s all.

[@JDK45ACP]

Really appreciate the education, Brother. I look forward to your new episodes every week. Blessings. - JD

[@petersuydam2911]

“Nothing to it, 40 more times”. What a great disposition

[@johntatum8088]

Nice that Cali was able to retrieve a real bird instead of her toy today....such a wonderful dog.

[@judithslawter372]

I like the frequent updates and posts. Thank you

[@judithslawter372]

Just a ps, though I don’t often comment I never miss a post. I started at the beginning of your first cabin. I am one of those that doesn’t fit the viewer profile for your channels. I am 71 and I hate camping, but I love beauty! Your videos are the most artistic on KZbin. I am fascinated by how buildings develop and are finished. I love to cook and enjoy gardening. I am also a dog lover. You cover it all! Thanks!

[@jmar5787]

Great start to the weekend, heading north to my cabin In the morning! Looking forward to your progress on the New My Self Reliance homestead! Have a good weekend Shawn!

[@jamiemueller1881]

Love watching you with a camera in hand, out on the water, taking much needed time off in the mountains, but, man, I love seeing you with an ax in your hand. I just can't wait to see the walls go up and the house take shape, in part because I still can't quite visualize it. Thanks for posting and stay safe, Shawn!

[@joelviloria4940]

Hey man Shawn, blessings to you. I really enjoy your awesome work.🙏🏼

[@garyperkins6354]

She's half the reason I watch this channel I love the work you do but that girl is awesome she's a very good dog

[@trisho.8331]

Only a man of great character and integrity would build a cabin using logs with great character.

[@twoguns41]

You are a very good exemplary person with your healthy mindset. I follow you from the Samanlı Mountains of Turkey. CONGRATULATIONS

[@jim9310]

Can't wait to see the work on the logs in this cabin. I enjoyed watching the sauna you built at the last location.

[@sandratweedale2579]

Phew..... what a huge undertaking. I’m exhausted just watching you! Be safe and stay well. Your patience is amazing. Thank goodness Cali brings you your lunch 😀

[@stevebondurant6374]

The difference between a daunting task and a labor of love is vision and attitude... vishzitude! Now have at it professor, Enjoy...

[@zildjian4life433]

That was so great at about 1:08 into the video to see you take the piece of split wood and smell it! I do that all the time! My wife and daughters all laugh. They think its weird. It's always great to watch you work. Can't wait to see it all progress!

[@robertlemoine3500]

Be safe Shawn, Thankyou for sharing.

[@ssfoste]

wow, I wasn't expecting the big logs, awesome and good luck.

[@judy8117]

SHAWN,I still say trade of the land of the young generation will come forth,for to rebuild all the countries,HANDS ON JOBS, I KNOW the lodge ,BEAUTIFUL! YOUR WORK is perfection! cali your the GOLDEN HEART!🐾❤🐾❤🐾☘☘☘☘☘☘

[@sheiladickerson5198]

Shawn, I just started watching your videos. I can not believe you are doing all by yourself! I tip my hat to you! Everything is so beautiful! And I love Callie!🥰

[@bigmamma6946]

They really are beautiful logs. Love the grain an colour. Lovely episode cheers .

[@devonseamoor]

Gosh, I wish I lived in the wild as well, in these strangest of times. But I do enjoy to watch the progress of all the work, yours and Cali's. She's such a good dog, looking content, and slightly coming of age as well, with wisdom and a sense of humour in tow. Good luck with the logs, Shawn, they look heavy for sure. Nature, except crystals, almost never shows up with 90 degree angles, especially not in wood, it's why the logs have character 🍀👍

[@pemghustlewomanlife6425]

Always thumbs up when I watch. Your enthusiasm isn't the same that you had with the last cabin. Broken spirit it seems because I comprehend the love you had for that last cabin. I remember you sitting there on the chair with you wife in that cabin and saying I am so happy. Is the feeling mutual for this build? Winter seems late this year.

[@fondoftheduh]

I'm so glad you built steps to walk up easier and that you are using pulleys and hoist. I can see how tired you are and honestly, it hurts my heart to see that. I've been watching you and your family for a long time now and I'm asking you to take this comment seriously, please. I've lost several men in my life, my dad, my first love, won't be long until my husband passes now.. There is something different about you. I don't know if you need vitamin D? You might if you had Covid or have it. Mine depleted after Covid. A year after. But I'm mostly concerned about all the strain on your heart . I'd like to see your dreams come true and your family have you there to share them, because losing dad's and husband can never be replaced. Have you been bit by a tick? I visited Canada once and just stood near a field while a truck was being unloaded. I found 8 ticks on myself in the shower in such hidden places. So my first boyfriend was a volunteer firefighter. He caught a falling heavy log as it fell over to save someone. He had heart strain that came back years later to kill him in front of his children while just swimming with them My dad worked like you. He was alone in the forest and had a flat. His jack slipped. He was trapped long enough to get heart strain, heart attack. He survived but later he died when his heart wasn't strong enough to go through what could have been routine medical care You look strained. You look tired. I can see the difference in you the same way I saw it in them and now in my husband too. Please get a really good physical. Check out your blood for any deficiency or lime desease. If everything looks good then nobody will shame you for working smart as you can. Is there any such thing as a wheel tandem you can put under the logs to move them? Can you take them time to create one or two? Even simple like some tall wheels, a wooden plank with steel U bolts to run a rod through to roll it Or add a motor to your lift and to walk your logs home. I rehabbed quite a bit alone, and female. I can't count the times I sat back and thought about how to move heavy material to where I needed it and devised a way to get it done without asking for help I know, you are used to muscling through things but you are also smart af. Figure out how to do what you need to do and to stick around for your family to Thank you for reading all that

[@kerra3699]

Good girl Cali. Between you Shawn and the throw toy, your wonderful clever girl has a great skill. Cali is always wanting you to throw for her, and you do, that’s teamwork😂

[@dawnahuggett377]

It's so exciting to see it going up!! I agree with you on the look. No doubt, it will be stunning. Keep on keeping on Sir

[@maddieadams75]

The colors are fall are my favorite memories. 🍁 🌲

[@zeldarobinson3382]

Cali is a great hunting partner and knows where the food comes from , awesome and your right the natural look of the logs looks a lot better .

[@retiredyeti5555]

Those logs sure make the ones on the original homesite cabin pale by comparison! I mentally lifted and strained along with you - now I might have to take a nap after watching you work! Autumn color is just starting here in SE Wisconsin - my favorite time of the year! Good work, Cali! She knows her business! As always, stay safe.

[@scotteccleston822]

Love your comments on the look of the logs. My brother-in-law gave me some pine beetle rough sawed planks can’t wait to see what nature has done to the wood. Will be making end tables with it. The other thing that I like is how you give the wood a smell after chopping it. Take care cabin will be spectacular

[@OldGoatintheWoods]

Yee haw moving them things around. Glad you are utilizing all the lessons learned from your previous cabin. Looking forward to the finished result!

[@andrewbarker9773]

yeah you have some work ahead of you Shawn, glad you are taking us along again for the journey, no wonder you are tired.

[@lindacsmith13]

I love when you post your videos so that I know you are still alive despite working with humungus logs.

[@ArielleViking]

Those logs sure do have character. A lot of work but your cabin sure will be beautiful. 💯❤👍

[@irisviolet2439]

...we are all behind you suporting you whit all our love and strong energi by admiracion....HAD UP and keep going...

[@saratuneKS]

Watching the debarking process is always incredibly soothing and satisfying to me for some reason. I love the character of these logs! This cabin is going to be gorgeous, Shawn. As always, thank you for sharing.

[@catherinejohnson1671]

Autumn is my favourite season.. everything is so so colourful and beautiful.. sleepy.. not hot.. not to cold.. i can cope with an extra jumper.. i hate being to hot!! Loving the build and the journeys you go on to endeavour to be the best and do the best you can do to provide for your family and yourself... i know it sounds silly but i love hugging trees to see if (how far i can get my arms around) they are old..they are like a great grandpa quietly smoking a pipe and loving you (the human race) with a quiet love, knowing one day we'll come of age and hoping that we'll be wise. Lol... trees give us beauty, heat, shelter and breathable air.. how can we not think they're amazing?? ❤👍🙏

[@joebacarella2829]

Massive to say the least, one log per day. This is one extreme project for one man to achieve. You sir seem up to the task, my hats off to ya. I will be following all the way from Michigan. This is gonna be awesome, we thank you for taking us along for the ride.

[@bobbynash282]

Shawn James on a Thursday nite ? Dont know how l got this but thank you very much.

[@adbc8737]

Cali has very good survival instincts ! 🌀❤️🌀

[@trisho.8331]

And so does Shawn!! 😉

[@alanpurdy703]

You've got me really excited about this build, watching a craftsman who loves his work with a passion. Stay safe, I've followed you for so long your like a bestfriend.

[@debbielicis6257]

I am so super excited you are finally working on a building.

[@stevenstucko7039]

Hey Shawn, let me tell you something personal. Sometimes when I'm faced with a task that seems overwhelming I think, "How would Shawn James do it?" Then I usually plow ahead with a new focus and energy and comfortably complete the project. I appreciate your ability to work your hardest but also make sure you spend some time relaxing and visiting with loved ones. Thank you for being a role model for the many adults out there that need to be reminded how to live life to the fullest. Steve from Cape Cod, Massachusetts

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

Same here. I find I do much better work now and I actually enjoy it.

[@kathyb2071]

I agree 1000%! I actually look at tasks differently. I also think to myself... If Shawn can live out there, build a fantastic homestead and actually Thrive! Then I can do this small project and I can make it happen by myself too! I wish I could find a like minded guy like you. You’re great keep up the great work Shawn! Wishing you & your family the very best on this journey!

[@albertmast4627]

I think your attitude to the logs is a perfect description of the entire channel. Not the smoothest or polished, but full of character and love of nature. Thank you so much for the inspiration

[@CollegevilleJohnnie]

Man has got some “pipes” from handling all that wood! 😎

[@KathyDonohue]

Sounds like you need to invite the boys from the round house build over for a weekend. All of y’all can debark logs part of the day and hunt or fish the other part. It’s a win win!

[@randallcaldwell4611]

Shawn I love the sound of your voice and you explaining your steps in this cabin build. Keep doing what your doing!😀

[@dannyburrell4014]

What you are doing takes a lot of skills but watching you debark one of those huge logs takes a lot of patience too. Retiring from a car manufacturer in logistics for almost 20 years never had that luxury because my department was charged for each minute the line stopped because of the lack of parts. Been retired for three years and still struggle with patience but camping and fishing sure helps. God speed in your build my Canadian friend.

[@peace1963]

Way to go cali!!!!

[@jeanielipskey1272]

That looks like a hefty job! You must have a lot of patience to take on such a task, but will be beautiful in the end.

[@catherinekahle3897]

You've got yourself a great huntress there she's a precious dog.

[@marianfrances4959]

Good girl, Cali! 👍😎🐾🪶

[@stephenriley9084]

Shawn, The considered approach is best. This part of the project being scoped, you know where you are heading. 👍👍👍. Regards Stephen.

[@Scrollermania1963]

Shawn, I agree, on putting a overhead crane system over the whole thing.... I've seen old black and white photos, of the Pioneer's using a lot of cross bracing to lift their beams up in place. Think it is a good idea, and will put less stress on your body... Thoughts and Prayers sent your way... Slow, and steady gets it done...🙏😎👍💪🇺🇸

[@ufoman4468]

Incredible to watch you go about your Craftmanship. Such hard graft done without a moan or a groan. Even if i had the skills to do what you are doing i am thinking which would i prefer?. To do what you are doing, Or suffer the worst toothache . The toothache is looking less painful to me. Hope you get what i mean . Total respect Shawn. Best Wishes and Love to all.

[@carolmathis6084]

I like the character of logs in old cabins, too. I'm impatient to see your cabin come into being. If you were a book, I'd skip to the end. Meanwhile, it's an exercise in waiting and enjoying the moment. Thank you for continuing to share! Regards, c

[@kathyb2071]

Very well said 💕🙏

[@tamaragonzalez2227]

After watching you work I am completely tuckered out....LOL

[@rightfromwrong]

You new cabin will have so much character and will last for a long long time, thanks for sharing your journey with us, I love to watch you working and the build progress. Be blessed🕊

[@lynn1512]

So glad you and your wife got to stay in Banff on your holiday out west,,I live 2 hours from there and like to visit every couple of years..I watch your videos every week and enjoy them very much..Can't wait to see your cabin complete. Take Care and Be Safe !!

[@genefoust5569]

That Log house It's gonna be incredible Something that you and your family can be proud of🌟🌲

[@THardy.]

Good girl, Cali! You have been well trained.

[@rizalinomaureal8396]

Good job Cali. Stay safe. Good morning from the Philippines.

[@TheKnacklersWorkshop]

Hello Shawn, A good video... liked the forward of you chatting away about the logs... very relaxing. Cheers. Paul,,

[@stephanpace8678]

Cali was like I catch the bird and that’s all I get. Come on dad !

[@donaldjaggers3255]

Just the way she looked at him I thought the same thing.

[@jotsntittles5783]

On the other channel It appeared that dad gave her the majority of it...

[@stephanpace8678]

@@jotsntittles5783 That’s true I saw that. She is such a great companion

[@angiedaoust]

I agree with you on the look. Some other logs look too "processed " to me. You will end up with a more natural look. I love it!

[@jeffp3926]

Calli is an awesome dog! Love watching your videos

[@glendahubert2576]

So looking forward always to see what you post. Have a blessed day

[@noname-nx8hr]

man.. this dedication, drive and discipline is really inspiring. I hope and work for be out of my office cubicle forever and be out in the nature where we came from and belong… till then we sit here and watch shawn, thanks for bringing us along.

[@maggiesue4825]

About an hour's drive from us is Douthat, a Virginia State Park that was built in the mountains during the Depression by CCC workers. The cabins are like the one you described as your favorite - so cozy and rough at the same time, built using trees and rocks harvested right there. Can't wait to see what you do with this cabin!!

[@tinapetrovicz9741]

Grouse for lunch grilled over a wood fire. I am sure it was really good! Cali is a really good dog!

[@user-it8oo1jo3i]

You're the real life crocodile Dundee Shawn 🤣 love your worm and videos.

[@oldschoolboyscout]

Inch by inch, step by step. Thanks for sharing.

[@genefoust5569]

Another great video from the wilderness Great outdoor living NC👏🐕

[@irisviolet2439]

SHAWN JAMES is the only man on the Univers which how i live the planet eart whithout looking back and change my chouses....i say deadly serious....YOU ARE A FANTASTIC GREAT MAN JAMES...i think the last one(last Mohican)...BRAVO JAMES...and thank you for that you exist...GOD give you power,energi and determinacion next to a hot long fall...for you can finish this MAJESTUOUSE PROJECT.

[@AsiaKoeanDoll]

Shawn. I love having you as my neighbour

[@sharimoore55]

Asia, that is a creepy comment

[@AsiaKoeanDoll]

@@sharimoore55 ok. You guys are the worst neighbours 😡. Is that better ?

[@AsiaKoeanDoll]

@@sharimoore55 I wish I was special … but I’m a Creep…

[@Eagle-zl4gz]

This is going to be a big cabin can’t wait to see the finish!

[@Hvitserk67]

A great video. I am Norwegian and we do not use the technique of chinking in Norway or Scandinavia in general. I do not know why, but it's probably about traditions. I especially like how Nik Rijavec from Slovenia (also a KZbinr) has done this by making each log fit with the underlying one. This takes considerably more time, but the result is in my opinion much nicer and especially if you use such large logs as Nik does. His technique is the same as we normally use in Norway and it highlights the character of each log in a great way (you see more of each log without mortar). Either way, you're making good progress and every video is interesting and gives a good feeling. Thank you so much and good luck going forward.

[@jamesaustgen7532]

My family and I have stayed at a few cabins in the West Virginia State Park system, which were CCC cabins back in the 30s. Built when the chestnuts were dying off; really great looking.

[@quantumleap8888]

Sean, I use a 6 inch floor/ice scrapper to debark my trees most times. I find if I scrape the top center tip to butt, then work each side down is easiest for me. It's back breaking work as it is. I too prefer the look of bug marks and tooling marks as well. Glad you were able to enjoy some time over here in the Rockies before times get even tougher here in Kanuckistan.

[@leerobins749]

Your work is amazing...what Huge logs ...they certainly command respect..beautiful..

[@lbarney56]

Atta girl Callie💖

[@davidkemp1585]

So enjoy your process and surroundings

[@janiceguillemette5753]

We stayed at Storm Mountain Lodge during our two week vacation! I agree, it had wonderful character! Unfortunately, the water in the shower did not work but we loved the atmosphere!

[@rebeccamercer4160]

That is a big log! Your log cabin is go to be amazing after it’s all said and done! . Not only will it be a house but a HOME! I wish I could send you help! Take care and Gods bless you and your family!