Expanding the Wilderness Homestead | Capturing the Sun

[@anthonyhopkins3100]

Well Shawn the world has changed in almost like a clap of thunder, over the pasted days we have had clear clear skies. It seemed like yesterday the skies where full of vapour rails from aircraft but not anymore all has gone and our city are quiet, our landscape are now free from people. I am sorry about the dreaded virus but so happy for a more quieter planet. And back to you, so nice to see you planning your projects and your positioning in the use of the Sun.

[@mariansmith7694]

WOW, whatever you did, you and your wife have succeeded if daughters are getting involved. Congratulations Dad, good job.

[@zzydny]

The best way to reinforce what we know is to teach someone else. Will look forward to those videos. Nice to see the old stove in use.

[@jyarf]

I thought that was a smart use of the old stove.

[@louisecassidy5991]

zzydny ..It is said that we teach what we most need to learn. For me, this means beware of dressage instructors, pistol coaches, and music teachers, all skills I learned and excelled at purely by experience. Splitting wood requires eye, a full swing, and chi.

[@bamaman39]

Good for you brother there's nothing more satisfying than seeing your children begin to take interest and then get involved.👏🏾👌🏾

[@krisferguson2475]

Well I'm happy for you. Adding your daughter would be great I think. Girls can do almost thing their dad teaches them. A fan from Texas

[@TheBelrick]

im sure that youtube helps

[@adventuresofabnerandwillow1236]

@@TheBelrick Duh, right? They are quickly learning how hard it is to make it in the real world. Jump on those "coat tails" while they can. Let's not be naive.

[@louisecassidy5991]

Brian Thornton ...His children getting into bug-out mode?

[@DerykRobosson]

What I heard as a core message that you expressed was that it is important to observe and understand the land on which one lives such that the knowledge enables the ability to work with the land, not against it.

[@kenmattice7795]

I would love to see a video of you teaching your daughter/s outdoor skills!

[@jeanetteswalberg6166]

Shawn, as we continue to rock and roll with minor aftershocks following an earthquake here in Utah last week along with the ongoing 'social distancing', your vids are a breath of normalcy! I can't quantify the positive effects of your efforts! Keep up the great work.

[@ernabueing4250]

Maybe a prep kitchen would be great to put close to that area, You can prep for veggies for canning, if you have a deer, you can prep it for freezer and also for garden plant starters.

[@JohnyAngelo]

As a father, theres never a more proud moment than when you kid comes along and wants to learn something youre passionate about. I get all sentimental... you know passing onto generations and such.

[@rebeccahall4961]

I love the way your using the old wood stove for boiling the maple syrup

[@Scorpiomary]

I agreed it is a good use of it For now. 👍😎

[@TammieFulmer]

A very proud father and husband we can hear it in your voice , as a father and a husband I always feel blessed when my wife and children ask for my help.

[@RylerKC]

I'm an eagle scout and watching you use your skills brings back so many memories I had in boy scouts! Love watching you build your homestead!

[@Rick1dat]

Had couple of young boy's lived down the road and over time showed them how make shelter, fire, without hunting some safety rules . I enjoyed it so much and we three laughed at each other in a good heart-ed way when one of made a mistakes.

[@ruthiewrangler9864]

I'm so glad your daughters are there with you. The skills they will learn will make them so self sufficient. It gives ageing parents piece of mind seeing their children in action. Looking forward to this summer. Thanks Shawn

[@Deathwing2001]

I like how you use your knowledge of where the sun will be at any time of year to know where to build and plant things. It’s a great thing to know that our ancient ancestors would use in their farming and building as well. In this crazy world we’ve got right now you’re lucky to be as self sufficient as you possibly can.

[@Ackamemnon]

shawn, stay safe my friend. Watching you're show gives me great peace. Since with all this chaos out in the world out there today.

[@sacredstonecards9051]

So nice to see the blue stove and I look forward to your tutorials. I too want to learn everything you do. One day at a Time. Thank you Shawn.

[@KODArunner]

I'm happy for you that your daughter wants to learn everything you can teach her. She is a very lucky young lady!

[@einfachweggehen2785]

Oh man, in these times you're so precious like gold and silver. Thank you for your vids.

[@comedianmattrossey]

Shawn, Emily's idea is an awesome idea. It totally would make a lot of sense and is something that right now a lot of people would be greatly interested in. I have been interested in that kind of thing for a while, but haven't been able to get the time to spend time away camping to get more of those kinds of knowledge. This series is a perfect way to do that!!! Excited to see the series!!!!! And please tell Emily, THANK YOU FOR SUCH AN INCREDIBLE IDEA!!!!!!!

[@Avendora]

@Shawn James If the soil is deeper like you say, you could put a cold storage under the shop area with access from inside the shop. Give you a place to put your vegetables.

[@ShawnJames1]

You got it. I’ll start digging first to see how deep the soil/bedrock is

[@Avendora]

@@ShawnJames1 I'd offer to help, but I'm probably 3000 miles away...

[@vickiconley3638]

Love the rain at the end especially. The sound of spring along with the birds. You seem much happier with the sun, and having projects that are coming up with the nicer weather and season. I’m glad that your daughter is interested in gaining your knowledge that you have acquired through the years. Have fun and you and your family stay healthy.

[@CatHugs]

I am SO looking forward to everything you will show us especially the workshop build & the garden ❤️🙌🏻. I also love Your daughters idea & GO EMILY ❤️ you are going to learn so much good stuff.

[@frederickmoller]

I am looking forward to it for as long that my health allows me to...Thanks Shawn!

[@judy8117]

SHAWN ,I'm so happy garden,carrets,potatos,water melon,squish,cucumber,,pumkin,all tomatoes, CHICKEN COOPS,should be on wheels and your so good with crafts ,make like LITTLE doll houses with a ramp they walk up ,at night safe. I CAN'T WAIT. To SEE, STAY WELL , soon someone's BIRTHDAY😊🐾♥️🐾♥️🐾♥️🐾♥️☘☘☘☘hi to all Cali start digging

[@davidcarlton2472]

It's good to hear the excitement in your voice as you talk about your planned projects and the participation of your family. Be safe, be productive and continue sharing your life.

[@deborahplyler6528]

Hi, I love the way fresh split wood looks so new and clean also stacks nice. I enjoy seeing and hearing all projects you are starting. Take care

[@davidoliver2826]

I have come to enjoy this channel. I love the peace on the other channel but I like to hear your thought process. It has been great to learn about how you think. It is awesome to see you passing down your skills to your girls and to us. As usual, thank you for taking us along on this journey!

[@lindag4878]

I love to watch your videos and the wonderful way you have been creating your little homestead! You are truly a man to be in awe of. You’re smart, nice to look at and listen to. I wish the best of luck to you and your wife and of course Cali!!! Your wife is so lucky to have a man like you. There’s nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it. God bless you😇 and so much love❤️!!

[@bonniewatson178]

Hi Shawn I bet when you look at what’s going now you in the world you thank God for what you’ve already achieved a safe home plenty access to food for you and your family. Blessings to everyone

[@HamsterLife_EnglishLearning]

I just bet the extra smiley face in this video is due to your family be home and together and also wanting to learn from dad. Fantastic video's as always!!

[@TheChase008]

What a great idea of your daughters. And the fact that she is the one who had the idea is even better. It should be encouraging to all parents out there to see , especially as you said , in this time of crisis. You have a very special daughter to come up with that suggestion and i hope you will convey that message to her. Very much looking forward to those tutorials with your daughter or daughters. And thank you so much Shawn for being here for us during this time. You are very uplifting and inspiring.

[@lottaholmstrom-kurki9291]

What a legacy, teaching survival skills to your daughters 👌❤️

[@majcorbin]

great to see you looking healthy & happy my friend

[@majcorbin]

glad to hear your will be mentoring (Teaching) your daughter. All TEACHERS have learned the best way to learn a subject is to have to TEACH that subject. a personal MANTRA of mine that that I tried to indoctrinate into my kids minds was LEARN& TEACH each day

[@SirWilly77]

The old stove! I'll always have a nostalgic soft spot for it.

[@heiditobin4341]

Your expertise in orienting your garden and the workshop in the right place is wonderful! Also, selecting the dying trees to take down and then using them for building is fantastic. Loving watching your videos! Thank you!

[@franceshenry2239]

Love to hear him say Take Care at the end.

[@susanne7955]

Teach your daughter all your skills. My father could build everything from a house to a car or boat. Now he's gone and I so wish I had learned some of his skills.

[@tommcdonald1873]

It's so cool to see your daughter's take an interest in what you do, like when my girls are interested in what I do. Be a proud dad.

[@staceykennedy8774]

I would like to see the step by step process too. great Idea Emily!

[@yanikg-force]

I second that. Let the learning begin.

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

Me three!♥️🤣

[@lisakell1937]

Me four 😁

[@DamoLawrie]

Life goals winner. Having your kids want to learn life lessons from their parents shows not only that they admire you, but that they also see that you have your head screwed on and that they do too

[@marieleopold1625]

BIN WONDRIN'...what did he do with the ol' fireplace, as I knew when it went out it was still in good shape? And THAR SHE IS! Perfect spot doin' the perfect outdoor chore! How lovely to have your family about and Emily interested in honing your homesteading skills = POIFFE/PERFECT! Jus know those chickens are gonna have one heck of a chicken coop with 'ALL THINGS CONSIDERED' by Shawn-the-craftsman! Thanks for sharing your blessed life. God Bless/Protect you n' yours!

[@Scotty-gg4gc]

Emily sounds neat. I'm sure the two of you will have fun and make good memories.

[@PavlovsBob]

Sur-thrive-ing on the forest homestead! Awesome! Looking forward to the skills series with your daughter. This will be an epic year on My Self Reliance!

[@gwenmoody8323]

So happy to hear that your daughters are wanting to learn. Love and Hugs from Sapulpa, Oklahoma

[@karenm4090]

That's awesome your daughter wants to learn! Bonus is having extra help! Thanks for the video!

[@maddieadams75]

I loved hanging out with my dad, he was skilled in so many areas, I learned a lot from him. Exciting your daughter wants to learn life skills from her dad. ❤️

[@douglasjaquays4820]

As always it is good to hear that ya'll are doing fine. It will be very interesting to see how the girls do with all that they want to learn. I remember when I took my city girl wife to the Pickeral River for the first time and said if you plan to stay warm you need to learn how to split wood and she did. Then she had to wash clothes in the river on the rocks. She handled it well and are fond memories now. Take care and be safe.

[@berylsly2613]

Shawn we are no spring chickens and still we learn from you. After a vlog my husband explains lots more to me and I love it. I might say he is 90

[@lindabaker568]

Great that your daughter is going to learn a lot from you. I have wonderful memories of learning many things from my dad. You know so many things. You have a wealth of knowledge. Thanks for the video, I enjoyed it as usual.

[@jewels7832]

That's so awesome your daughter wants to learn from you! Can't wait to see those videos! I hope you learn also! Thanks for sharing

[@jeanblythe1595]

I am looking forward to watching you teach your daughter Emily the survival/reliance skills you use!!! Very glad one of your kids wants to learn, because this whole situation the world is in right now has changed the perspective and mind-set of many people. Your situation is the silver lining, so to speak. Bless you and stay safe and healthy!!!

[@ericeverson5956]

The teacher always learns more than the student. Good idea........Win/Win.

[@Mulberrysmile]

You can tie together some of your saplings, and tie some to larger trees to make a living fence. The bark will rub, then the same species trees will actually grow together, each healing the wound and joining, like with grafting. Could save you a lot of work digging fence posts, lol. And if you can’t go tall, do a double fence...deer are confused by the second layer and won’t want to try jumping it or so I’ve read, anyway...haven’t yet tested it myself.

[@robhakeman5873]

Good to see the family wanting to take interest in off the grid survival. I was in scouts from when I was 11 or 12 till 17 and was working on Eagle Scout badge, and my first outdoor camping trip it got down close to 0 degrees and we spread out 2 bales of straw in our 4 man army tent and we woke up to snow on the ground 6 -8 inches and had to get a fire started and kept it going for 3 days and had to go out and cut firewood down. I can't remember if you have touched on building a food cellar or not like digging down so far and cover the outside with dirt and so to keep your vegetables cool and to be able to hang meat in it also like deer and maybe a bear and whatever else you may shoot. I enjoy your videos keep them coming

[@hildamorrison2003]

We had a short period of flurries today & then sunshine & warmth all day ... good luck with all you do!

[@joyfullrecipesjoyfullrecip6009]

The green house is a very good idea! I've one in my place (Liguria region- Italy) and it helps me for at least 3 months before the good season. Try that! It's a "nursery" for new plants!

[@DrNuwanPSYDFonseka]

Shawn, I always love to see your video, productive talk, meaningful conversations, smooth kinds of music and beauty of mother nature.. that is all I like about it.

[@robertfay1150]

Lovely to see you enjoying what you are doing pleased for you that your daughter wants to learn from your skills. So refreshing to see your effort on the cabin and all you have worked on bringing you pleasure. Thanks again. Carol and Bob

[@pizzamondo]

Hi Mr. James. I'm always glad to hear when you speak about building and doing things according to the Sun or the winds. You trying to be one with Nature is certainly the right thing to do. In the woods or the cities. Cheers from Patagonia. Argentina.

[@gagaullalla1256]

Patagonia La Terra Del Fuoco🔥..... Ciaoooo Osvaldo Pinco.... Saluti dalla lontana Italia 🇮🇹🙋🏻‍♀️

[@angieventimiglio395]

Shawn I am so happy to watch your videos . Always interesting and so enjoyable. Especially during this hard time in Michigan with the virus getting worse everyday. It calms me to watch. Please keep them coming. I don’t think you realize what it does for the rest of us living in the Cities and not feeling safe for ourselves and our families. God Bless you and your family.

[@mjb47pappy]

Patagonia! Did you see "Itchy Boots" when she rode her motorcycle through Patagonia last month?

[@pizzamondo]

@@mjb47pappy Sorry Michael. Wasn't there last month. Besides Patagonia is a big territory. I'm in Bariloche .

[@pizzamondo]

@@gagaullalla1256 saluti a te. Take care my friend and stay healthy.

[@lauramarti7548]

That will be fun to watch you teach your daughters your skills!

[@maryannanaya905]

Homestead coming along beautiful with each vlog. You and Mrs James stay safe. Hugs to Cali.

[@MrJerryKramer]

I really like your ideas. What’s better than teaching your daughter’s their own self reliance 👍. Keep these videos coming.

[@Meister1551]

What an excellent way to make sure that your knowledge is passed to the next generation.

[@KraftyKathi]

What a great way to repurpose the old stove! YAAY for Emily!

[@aidan830]

Greetings from Sydney, Australia. I have been watching for about a year now. Congratulations on sticking at it. The global chaos makes your decision to 'opt out' more and more the right one everyday. Thank you for giving us another 'possible perspective'. Aidan

[@chrisanderson9856]

I think it is great your daughter wants to learn the skills of living in the wilderness. She will have a great teacher and I look forward to seeing thos videos!!

[@sallyfrenette9643]

I'm excited to see all of you and your family's progress this year. I know I've said it before but I'm so fond of you guys and what you're doing. You're good people living an awesome life.☺️ My husband and I were looking at some lots for sale to get a feel of where we want to be when we get to move off grid. We met a man who has been doing it for 2 years now. He said he loves his life and feels like a millionaire even though it's hard work. He was just so happy. He kind of reminded me of you guys and it furthered our want to do this.

[@ArielleViking]

Great video. Your girls learning about how to be self reliant would make for a great series. So nice to see old blue in use to boil the maple syrup. ❤

[@murrayandru7527]

Great new plans , You'll be busy , ALL in Good Time . All The Best take care , stay well and ENJOY ALL!

[@pwilson2479]

Can't wait fo the new series!!!! And I'm thrilled that your daughter has taken such an interest in learning the skills that you're so willing to share!

[@izildamacielmosqueira9135]

You 're really a visionary man, Shawn James! Stay safe, well and happy! Blessings to you and your family, a kiss to Cali 🤗🤗🤗, huggies from Brazil!

[@doihavetohaveachannel8289]

I also live in a forested area but in BC and have over the last 10 years built up a sizeable garden. We have plenty of deer and bear visitors. I use a solar powered electric three strand fence and surprisingly it works. Also, I start new sections of the garden 8 month ahead by clearing the area , putting down cardboard and then a good layer of compost ( I use horse manure) and by spring the cardboard is composted , and the whole thing is ready to dig under and you have a garden patch that has thicker , fertile soil. Without that, our soil would not be very fertile. I am now using my massive leaves for compost but they take longer to rot. Good luck. I look forward to seeing your techniques and challenges. Ev

[@auntym4729]

Good to see the old stove and you too. GB😁

[@waltereldridge9447]

Well I see your getting use out of the old wood stove, Shawn. I'll enjoy watching your daughter learning the outdoor skills and hopefully I'll learn something as well. 😊👍

[@1minigrem]

So looking forward to this years projects, your channels are never boring.

[@deehooper1025]

Love the idea of having your old wood stove from the cabin repurposed as a fireplace outside for cooking, boiling down sap, warmth, etc. I have an old one at my cabin which I’m going to consider using the same way. Just can’t leave it out all winter (possibility of theft - I’m not as far into the wilderness as you are). Will love to see your teaching vids once they are created. 🇨🇦‼️

[@jackiereeves9280]

You have alot going on and it looks as if you have a beautiful day for it. Looking foward to a drone shot to visualize the placement of site. Stay safe and thankyou for keeping in touch.

[@hailugobeze4408]

I think the way you want to do it by having garden, chicken coop and fruit trees is a smart idea. In this day and age having food, water and energy security for any person who has access to land is the way to go.

[@lollybelledesigns9340]

Stay safe and thank you for sharing your adventures and advice. It’s needed now more than ever! Leila, RN

[@mossmonaco9061]

Nice to see the woodland bird.

[@kenschubert7001]

I really like how you tap into the interconnected nature of all things around us. Great life lessons.

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

Oh my goodness!!! What an exciting series to have with your daughter!! Excellent idea. This old lady will be eagerly waiting for that. All the new projects and builds sound interesting and fun!! Love your two channels. ♥️🙏

[@ronquesnelle7294]

Thanks Shawn!!! Great little vid. How nice to have all your girls together, safe and sound. What a cool thing to hear from your kids. There are silver linings in times like these. Best regards Ron from Mississauga

[@tracythorn2918]

Exciting for us as well as we'll have much to watch. That older stove looks perfect for boiling, far more efficient than an open fire with a pot hanging over it. That was a beautiful little rain sequence at the end.

[@dorthyhunt378]

So nice to see you getting back in the groove, with so many plans for the future, it is so uplifting for us, love watching your adventures, and all that you do around the cabin.

[@craigcottrell3949]

I’m super excited about your roadmap for the homestead. Can’t wait to watch this all unfold

[@lindacole1653]

I admire how you think all of your locations through to best use the prevailing winds and sunshine. 🤗

[@jeffe.9904]

Thanks Shawn, I truly appreciate the effort & Sincerity you put into your videos! Thank You Again! 👍🏻

[@chrisquamm4618]

Awesome to see that you are happy and healthy. Our whole family learns from you with each new video. Thanks for the great content!

[@marianfrances4959]

Good vid...brings much hope...glad you decided on chickens! Love the new garden and workshop location. Onward and upward!!! 🇨🇦🐾🌳

[@nancyrichter3016]

I'm so excited about your upcoming projects!

[@mishmash9116]

Can’t wait to see you working together and teaching your daughter. Xxx

[@kirkw1740]

Can't wait to see what you come up with in the space you've chosen. If you're going with a hoop house I'd recommend using cattle panels. It's one of the easier hoop house designs, plus it will keep large animals out. Compost heating for your green house is something you might want to consider when building it, as it's more efficient to have the compost pile in the green house. Also large industrial bubble wrap is a fairly cheap way to insulate hoop frames. Hope this helps! Keep up the great work.

[@beckypincalifornia1985]

Yay! Chickens!!! Simple Alaska Living put in an electric fence, powered by solar around coop and runs. Will be great to have eggs, meat and broth most of the year. - Also, check out their gardening and food storage set up. Double Yay! Teaching your daughter (and us) your home and living techniques. My father had me helping in his workshop at a young age. Great life lessons. Going to be a great year for you and family ... once we get out of shelter-at-home and covid-19 under control for me.

[@sheilam4964]

It is always heartwarming when today's children realise the values of 'tried and true' ways. Looking forward to more of them around the world discovering that and hoping that they, too, will develop those skills. Really looking forward to the new series with your daughter, Emily, and more insight from you about gardening, chickens and the best locations to take advantage of the best of the sun & wind. For some reason the Homeless people just came to mind. I bet they know a thing or two about living off the land and in isolation.

[@assocrec]

Considering what’s going on in the world today Shawn, you my man look like a genius! So happy for you and the family and thank you for letting us witness the homestead grow and flourish! May God always bless you and the family

[@katsaras1]

It's a blessing seeing our children taking interest in the outdoors lifestyle we live (or want to live). I salute you from Italy friends, stay safe!

[@rebeccaulloa7774]

I think that's awesome Emily want to learn all those skills you've acquired. My teenage grandchildren are stuck in house on internet board and complaining.

[@lyndadentry1833]

Thank you for showing the trees and it's a little chickadee my favorite bird. And I'm looking forward to all the new things are going to build and everything else sounds exciting!