Off Grid Log Cabin: Primitive Clay Daub and Wood Fired Cast Iron Pizza

Using primitive skills to mix clay, sand, wood ashes from the fireplace, moss and grass to make a mortar to fill in the gaps between the logs, I spend three days weatherproofing the cabin against the strong cold winds of winter in Canada. This is very primitive technology and could be used to build an entire cabin with support from wattle and daub, a lattice pattern of small sticks. I will be incorporating more primitive technology into the other buildings on the property where I will build with stone, clay and wood to make a root cellar, cheese cave, bath house (sauna and shower), wood shed, workshop, maple syrup shack and more. I have found a source of free pallet wood and scrap wood within about 40 kilometres of the land that the cabin is on, so I may start gathering that when I'm in town so that I can build a small pallet wood cabin or shed to store wood and tools near the road. I have a shallow drilled well near the road where I park my truck, so I plan on building a wood shanty around the pump to keep it protected and so that it doesn't freeze as deeply in the winter. Basically it will be a pumphouse with storage room.
It is so cold outside that the rivers are freezing even where the current is strongest, and the shallow slow moving creek behind the cabin re-freezes after a few days of unseasonably warm weather.
At night, I continue working inside the cabin by headlight, and since I'm off grid, I light the tiny house with lanterns and candles. The hot fire in the wood stove keeps the cabin at a comfortable 20 degrees Celsius, even during the coldest nights.
For dinner, I make sourdough pizza dough and cook it on a cast iron frying pan on top of the stove. My wife made the whole-wheat sourdough bread and dough and the mozzarella cheese she made from raw milk using traditional methods.
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
Personal Facebook Page (Shawn James) - / shawn.james.msr
Instagram - / myselfreliance
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20042
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6E9
Canada

[@leannkennedy6826]

Hey Shawn, I really enjoyed this video. What some may think tedious, I found relaxing and informing. You have a quiet and unassuming way about your presentation or in the way you edit your video. Your perspective towards insight with today's issues, problems or whatever other name some politically correct person has to have it called, should make people want to go deeper within the confines of one's self for evaluation of how to be a better them... myself included, which it has...so thank you.

[@CabinTrails]

Leann Kennedy well said Leann

[@apatriot2474]

Clydetheglide well said !

[@leannkennedy6826]

Clydetheglide without self evaluation there is no growth nor is there an inclination for growth. Without getting into a biblical based discussion, and speaking for myself only, I'll just say that I'm sure that my God wants more for me and my fellow believers than a stagnant existance.

[@dcpete3054]

I couldn't agree more Leann. The truth is what Shawn speaks.

[@luckyvet]

Building this log cabin is clean mental therapy for Shawn. Most of us should try it, few of us have the drive.

[@Buschman81]

Thank you Shawn, for another great video. Your videos have really saved my life, quite literally. I have been an arborist for as long as I can remember. I was hurt badly and now m on disability. I was contemplating suicide when I stumbled upon your channel and was instantly bitten by the cabin bug. It is giving me an outlet and bringing me to a place where I'm comfortable in my new purpose. Your reflections are my favorite part of your videos. The fact that you take the time is inspiring and I am starting to video journal myself. In closing, I just want to thank you for taking the time, and even though we have never met I consider you a friend. Have a great week.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thank you my friend, peace.

[@remraf72]

Hi Shawn At about the 17:45 mark you said " This is boring, I don't know why you guys are still watching" I watch ALL of your vids in their entirety. You have the same work ethic and DRIVE to accomplish ANYTHING you set your mind to as I do. I never commented on another video where at the end you spoke truthfully about passion and talent. Sometimes, there's an ingredient in one's self where those two attributes mesh together (like me); and was extremely fortunate as when I went to work, it was never, ever like work. It was fun, exciting and never a dull moment. You're A GIANT in my opinion, meaning that you are a testament to being so inspirational! KUDOS TO YOU!

[@carleantodd3138]

I'm not a big commenter but love watching your video's, I find them relaxing what ever your doing even if it is chinking the logs😁 from the good food you cook to the hard physical work you do. Say hello yo your wife and girls from FL keep up the good work we love it. Thank you for a 35 minute video 🤗🤗🤗

[@apatriot2474]

Enjoyed the bog! Yum.. Pizza! How bout a greenhouse project there ( protect from the animals and grow year round)! I would really enjoy seeing that! Love the bow.. it’s a thing of beauty! On your self reflections..I agree with you..we’re way too busy and self absorbed..quiet time to be alone and able to reflect on life and build a relationship with God is precious! Thanks for sharing!

[@jeantaylor9119]

Your reflections were spot on. My daughter and I have chosen a non materialistic way of life and have found it enjoyable. We buy because we need, not want. Thank you.

[@Scoobydooshoe]

Love the improvised rolling pin, that’s what self reliance is all about!

[@medtech1a]

Shawn your not boring at all. Ive been taking lots of mentales notes. That pizza looked pretty good. True fans follow regardless of what the going on. The cabin is looking pretty good and I’m sure your wife loves it. I’m surprised that you dont have Cali with you today. As for me this weekend i work at the hospital lab and of coarse i will be watching my favorite on KZbin while I’m not busy. Oh I’m still waiting for that sink and stove that you’ll be using eventually. I’m also looking forward to all your future projects. As for me next week I’m going to do some fly fishing next week. So take care.

[@barrylarry3782]

Hey I gotta give this man credit. I wouldn't have his patients. Glad to see we still have people with this type of determination 👍

[@fuzielectron5172]

I find myself watching more and more of your videos, your end comments about instant gratification are pretty much on the money IMHO. A long time ago in my mid twenties I gave away most of my shiney, shiney possessions to those friends who desired them and started again with a different philosophy, met a good woman who was attracted to me, not my "stuff", and we both changed our occupations to remove stress , twenty plus years later life is still good. This year one thing on my agenda is to learn to make cheese, it's a small thing but each bite should bring happiness. The night sky shot was beautiful, time to smash the subscribe button.

[@idkimnew11111]

I love scrolling through the comments and seeing Shawn thumbs up each one!

[@TheOutsiderCabin]

The cabin is looking excellent my friend! Wonderful craftsmanship. All the best to you and yours.

[@CalebGrahnert]

The Outsider can't wait to see yours finished!!!

[@MB-ru7xw]

Perfect end to the week. Thanks for sharing with us Shawn. Very inspirational ineed!!

[@behindenemylines7623]

Looks like you are closing in on 200,000 subs, CONGRATS! It is well deserved!

[@KC9QVF]

Shawn, your doing a fine job. You don't have to justify anything. No worries, enjoy life and be you. Thanks for the videos they center all of us!

[@Rews-fish-shed]

Reflection: I literally say this all the time. Today's technology has given us so much but has taken much more.

[@CowInAKeyhole]

I feel like you got it spot on in your self reflections. The main reason I love your videos is because it allows me to daydream about the kind of lifestyle that allows for boredom. It's healthy to be bored sometimes, because it leads to being productive in meaningful, enjoyable ways. I'm disabled from chronic joint pain and couldn't live comfortably like you do, but I still enjoy knitting my own socks and grinding my coffee beans by hand. Tedious work can be fulfilling with the right mindset. I look forward to seeing Cali next week!

[@Katuvan]

I very rarely comment on a video (or rather, say anything nice), but I honestly look forward to your video every week since I subscribed, and find them (although, probably not for you doing it) extremely relaxing to watch and unwind to. As someone who works with computers and practically lives in-front of one, I am quite envious, and wish I could throw it aside and live in a log cabin in the woods, as I feel more and more removed from modern society and the obsession with superficial, inconsequential and unfulfilling things.

[@Rampagedd]

You are the type of man who should lead a country. Someone that would never want it or ask for it (every aspect of you, ethics, moral, outlook towards the world n current generations going forwards, hard working attitude) - Would you come here n run the UK?

[@howardscull7824]

This has to be the very best survival cabin living channel , presented and narrated perfectly , its the best thing on You tube well done Shawn ! btw , i am sending you a trowel and a pointer lol

[@troypayne3078]

Could not wait to get home from work to watch my Friday video. Thanks for spending so much time editing and sharing with us. I know this must be a lot of work doing the video.

[@wojciechsroka3395]

You're the man. Building such a cabin with your own hands. Really impressive! Im so happy i found your channel. Cant wait for more vids. Also dont forget to include your cute dog as much as possible hah! Greets from Poland !

[@robynmacgregor9257]

I just discovered your posts. While what you do is one of the reasons I keep coming back, your ability to find life lessons in even the most pedestrian tasks is definitely another. It reminds me of the conversations I had with my son or daughter when they were young. It just worked out that my son helped me build things around our small farm and my daughter took care of feeding us and managing the house...even when they were young. No matter the chore we were doing, it seemed that somehow the conversation would segue into the parallels between what we were doing and managing life. Carpentry was an opportunity not only to talk about math (they were homeschooled) but also to talk about the care with which we did things, thinking things through, being straight and true in life, etc. It was no different when working on any other inside or outside task. I was blessed to have so much time with them when they were young. The sacrifices made to make that happen don't seem like sacrifices at all to me. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts.

[@njsarn]

Another amazing videography from MSR Shawn. I bet if you build another log cabin you'll be able to rent it out with a good income. A $100 a night would be a reasonable charge. Better yet, have outdoor fanatics (like me who enjoying wood working, home improvement) pay $30 a day to Shawn, while helping out with the construction and learning on the job as an apprentice would make my dream come true. :-)

[@guyazbell8169]

Nat S. I was thinking the same but just adding on to the cabin so the toilet can be halfway heated I know what it feels like to have to go when it's -20 in a porta potty and its not ice cream and lollipops.

[@kevingarber7057]

Cabin looks awesome. Watching this before dinner made me really hungry.

[@sharonkeller7397]

Your comment at the end really got me thinking. My whole life I have made things myself. A lot of people don't understand why I would make something myself if I could just go buy it. It may not be a cabin but it means a lot to me. Even the boring sections are part of the whole and in the end makes it all worthwhile. I have enjoyed your series of building your cabin very much. Again, many people may find it boring but I find it fascinating, knowing that one human being has done this entire project themselves with no help. I can only imagine the feeling you must have when sitting there inside thinking about what you created. Sharon :)

[@enzocar72]

Wise words as always Shaun. Appreciate lifes simpler things, nature, outdoors, etc... and it enriches ones overall wellbeing. I do believe more and more folk are following this philosophy. Thanks, from Bonnie Scotland

[@davyjones232]

I am learning many things from you that apply to normal living too. Insulating points, carpentry, cooking, and so many things I can use in my life as an aging never married who never made a pizza...but just order one via a telephone. Your ability to function on so many levels is amazing. I am a retired Over the road trucker who is a disable veteran of a foreign war. I live alone and and fixed my own semi truck by mechanics and welding. I own lots of tools and live in a 1887 small two room sticker that was built from savage materials on a post and sill foundation. I modernized in 2007 to 2 small bedrooms, large bath with drain, washer/stack on dryer, large deep tub, bidet seat toilet, and heated floor. Living area is a mall space with a back porch add on that was made into a 12'x6 ½ kitchen with dishwasher and single sink. (small space limits options, so I have cupboards and stuff framed into the are to store all needed items and months of food. Basement was a dirt floor, but is now cement and new furnace, 200 amp electric service, tankless water heater and temperance tank allow unlimited water for washing as there is an extra machines for laundry in the basement for the hired girl to use. My upstair living is 18' x 42' appox. So I enjoy your video and share with other single males who never married.

[@MarcvanExel]

Many thanks for another great therapy session, this is really good for me and I enjoy it every time. Have a great weekend!

[@margueritesigafus5975]

Just before you asked, "Are you still here?" I was thinking that you were thinking of your wife and how she would like it to look. Good man. My husband and I enjoy watching. Some of our favorite memories are of the boundary waters canoe area (MN side) and your videos bring back the beauty and stillness to our souls. Thank you.

[@margueritesigafus5975]

addendum: I hate meat sticks because they are so fatty but on one trip out of the BWCA in mid-September while canoeing against the wind, I saw the guys eating that meat stick and said, "Hand some of that over!" Work and cold just makes one hungry!

[@Tsiri09]

The cabin is looking like a real home. WELL DONE!

[@Tomlightning]

keep the videos comming they help alot of folks and your teaching the young a thing or two too

[@sanctuarywoods7748]

Oh my goodness those stars ! You need a skylight in that lovely loft Mr. James.

[@beckypincalifornia1985]

I was just thinking the same thing ... a skylight to look at that beautiful night sky before you go to sleep! Plus, a couple of small windows on the sides of the loft bedroom, for morning sun and cross breeze during the summer. I spent a week camping at Rondo Bay (sp?) in Ontario as a child from Ohio, about 1965. So glorious, I almost floated out to "sea" (Lake Erie) [looked up and found everyone frantically waving at meamile away, on the shore]. Next day, got lost in the woods, and remember the summer heat. Found my way back to a road, and flagged down a Ranger. Those were the days. Can you imagine my parents dealing with my antics, as a 9 year old girl?! Love your videos.

[@Broadluxe]

Great video Shawn. See you're about to cross 200k subs, great work. Also noticed some of your other vids have over a million views! As a long time fan I'm so happy to see things growing so fast for you.

[@fedup961]

Adam F Just reading your comment now, and he is now over 1.1 million subs! Fantastic growth...

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

One more thing. You are spot on with theory of instant gratification. I see it in my kids now more everyday and work really hard to try and get them to slow down. It can be a dangerous path . Thanks That's all

[@daviddewsbury9658]

Hi Sean I enjoy your videos on the cabin build. I/We built our own log home in the mid 1970's from trees harvested on our own land in Northern Minnesota. We live there and raised two kids 'OFF Grid' ffor 10 years. Lived there for a total of 27 years. In the last three years (starting at the age of 75 years) I built our last home by myself albeit a stick built. Thus my onecomment on what you are doing is to plan for the days when age will limit what you can do. Plan to make things easier.Keep up the good work and we will follow you as it brings us back to good times in our life.

[@missannie8012]

Hello, just wanted you to know that I love watching you're videos. Your wife is right, you do make it look easier than it really is. My mom also now watches with me. We're 51 & 66 so you've got some old lady viewers too. 😁

[@chamilton9182]

Absolutely wonderful vid Shawn. I've been waiting to see you do more chinking. Looks great. I especially enjoyed your self reflection. I am a school teacher (who really wants to escape to the woods :) and instant gratification in the generation coming up is a really big problem (scary big). I really identified with your words of wisdom. Thanks for sharing. And if that sour dough bread pizza with cheese is your idea of a "cheat" meal.... I'm in trouble :) As always, thanks for sharing and God Bless from Texas.

[@saltdawgsaltdawg7857]

Shawn, I get hungry every time I watch you cook something. Enjoy your videos and love Kelly. We have had 4 Golden Retrievers and loved everyone of them dearly.

[@sarto7bellys]

Hi Shawn, Really enjoying watching the cabin coming along, might sound a bit daft but my weekend starts when I get home from work Friday lunchtime, make a sandwich and watch your latest video, it really helps me unwind after a crappy week at work, looking forward to the next one, best wishes from England

[@0623kaboom]

lol i watch it late at night to relax and get me ready for sleep ... usually works for me ... better than a sleeping pill ... not because it is boring but because it is exactly what i would rather be doing .... so calming and definately lessens the post traumatic stress injury stress .... yes Injury ... a disorder you are born with an injury you get. I wasnt born with this i served for it

[@NaturErlebt]

Well done, Shawn! As usual, we enjoy the weekly vidoe

[@HudsonZRoamer]

"Lack of purpose which leads to anxiety and depression" This made me step back a bit and think about what you said. Its 100% accurate.

[@DM-pc4vs]

I could watch your videos all day. Love the REFLECTIONS. Greetings from Catskill Mountains, New York.

[@FruitSnacksyo]

I've never given thanks to a youtuber before but your videos have become a kind of meditative ritual. Thanks!

[@johngarran7173]

Brookes Blalock I

[@janpatty2160]

Hi from Michigan. We have 10 Acres in a place called Baldwin on the west side of the state. I’m in the Detroit Metro area. This beautiful place reminds me of the beauty of our property!

[@Johnj22]

Really connected with your self reflections here Shawn. I've noticed myself getting impatient and bored because of our modern convenience culture. I've become so used to fast technology that I can get really annoyed and anxious when something doesn't work straight away. I can become bored very easily because of the range of choice out there, as backwards as that sounds. Living more simply and having less things actually gives me more peace and more time to be present and enjoy the moment. You mentioned addiction, I became very addicted too many things that took me away from simplicity, gratitude, peace and a sense of belonging. I'm happy to say these things are no longer in my life and it's people like you and your perspective that make me smile and remind me that we can achieve a lot if we are only prepared to give it time and care. Sending you and yours Love from England

[@James-h3r8l]

Hi Shawn....your videos are the perfect end to my week!. They are never long enough but I really appreciate the time that you give up to put these videos together. For me they reset my worn out brain and restore a sense of calm in my life that I don't think anything else could. I look forward to next week but will no doubt watch this video again many times as I do the others. Stay warm and well!

[@lukeh5453]

Dude there was an article in the Swiss newspaper about you.... congrats.

[@badstiwrx]

There is something about your videos and the audio that is soothing. It was funny to me you mentioned ASMR because i watch those videos on occasion to relax. The scraping noises do have a similar effect with me. Also love the outdoors and other videos you and Joe make. Keep it up

[@IAmKingGooba]

Once again a funominall video, I love your videos Shawn I hope you do this for a while it gives me a joy in watching your videos. Never watched one of your videos and disliked it, you just can't disappoint

[@theoneandonlyowl3764]

I've always been a fan of repetitive slow work. It's nice to sit back and watch someone else enjoy it, since I can barely do anything myself these days. I'd love to be back working, but feel I've already lived the life of at least two people when I look back, so take every day as it comes. I'm given up on doctors helping, so now searching to cure myself and maybe live a third life yet. In the meantime, I'll learn as much as I can off this silly machine watching blokes like you and others that are just as inspirational.

[@duncb7937]

Hi Shawn, re the Mortar, what you need is a "hawk or mortar board" the type a plasterer uses, they are easy to make and would allow you to hold the Mortar at the level of the joint then, push into the joint, while I can image, your task is therapeutic, it may allow you to be more productive with the available daylight.

[@buffledgestone3044]

Yes use a Hawk and a Masons trowel after cutting the sides off to create a 2 inch wide backfiller.

[@jacintahiggins6948]

This morning in 30C, 90% humidity Sydney Australia, I discovered your channel. You are one very wise man. PS: I actually felt a whole lot cooler watching them lol!

[@achimkohlhage1328]

Your tremendeous succes in public interest is all based on you're talking true, working by yrself, this what majority deeply desires and only minority really achieves. Pls continue, to reach more of us. With cordial thanks fm Singapore, Achim+

[@mistygroves3503]

Another good one Shawn. Thank you. It's not a bit boring to watch you work. I like to see how it's done and how things gradually come together. That shot of the starry sky....no words to describe it! Have a good week.

[@SurvivalLilly]

OMG you put so much of the hot chili on that pizza, I would die if I ate that...literally! :)

[@MySelfReliance]

lol, i put more on the next night - I don't need as much firewood with the fire burning inside instead

[@osterhans4115]

Lilly,Shawn< hello from Russia) u make great things) sry for my eng

[@0623kaboom]

with that much chilly the morning after aint so bad after the long walk to the other lil cabin ;) keeps ya warm going in, while in and well you get the picture lol ;)

[@lawrencestack7416]

I love watching your videos every week!

[@form_52]

My youngest son and I greatly enjoy watching all your videos together. (He's home sick from school today) I couldn't agree more with what you were saying in the "self reflections" part. I've always tried to teach my boys, with varying degrees of success, the difference between want and need. Too few people understand that difference and get them confused. Another great video. Looking forward to next weeks.

[@gr8dvd]

Good thought and would add, what many "want" is something more meaningful and basic than a newer or bigger or fancier ________. Experiences so much more satisfying than "stuff".

[@retiredyeti5555]

My great-grandfather, who built a log home from logs from his property in Northern Wisconsin, and was also self - reliant, used to say "Your wants aren't necessarily your needs." So true in this age of consumerism.

[@panastasakis1]

From Greece(Crete) WELL DONE!

[@chazwikiwiki4636]

i hope you can read this I am a union carpenter local 2361 and ironworker local 433 form California i hope to do what you have done i am 29 and for a while now have had a hard time keeping a job because of a sickness that's made it hard to do what I do for a living but because of you and seeing what you have done I am going to follow in your well-guided footsteps my dream was to retire and have a cabin just like in the movie called the shooter with Mark Wahlberg for whatever reason that lifestyle of living on your own in the wilderness has always appealed to me so thank you for bringing that spark back in me to know that you can get what you want in life as long as you really try hard at what it is I had just lost a lot of Hope because of the hard life I had led by working a super demanding job and fighting professionally at the same time being in construction and doing it all from the age of 14 has worn my body down and then being told I have fibromyalgia and a bad arthritis so thank you for bringing me back sorry for the long message I hope you read this sincerely your buddy from California chad .P.S I hope I don't sound like a cry baby just trying to paint a picture to show you where my mind was at and how you help me out and just got me thinking positive about what I wanted in life again thank you so much

[@MySelfReliance]

thanks Chad, all the best

[@gregsummers7350]

Hi Chad. mate you can do it. it will be friggin hard at first. dump the crap in your life, force the necessary change in your lifestyle and live your dream. It shoukd scare the sh1t out of you. Change your diet and become chemical free. crack-on mate. GREG

[@maryannanaya905]

Love watching. Great job very inspirational.

[@charlesmcknight6792]

Not sure if it matters to you but if you didn't want to use dish soap, you could just use some sand in the water as a grit to get off the chunks of food and then put everything in boiling water to sanitize it.

[@FellsApprentice]

Charles McKnight ash water is another way to clean everything from yourself to clothing, dishes, and even slip the hair off hides if left overnight

[@hardmuscl4life]

Well done Shawn. As so many others have already said, I really enjoy the way you document your time there at the cabin. You may have mentioned it in a previous video but I find myself wondering what you do for a living when you're not at the cabin. You have an awesome set of life skills. Many thanks once again George

[@charliethomas59]

Shawn I look forward to watching your progress vidos every Friday on your cabin. Shawn I am a big fan of yours. Thank you for sharing. God bless and keep up the good work.

[@jasonkraus2831]

I think key to this instant gratification is the 'game-ification' of everything - that quick input of time in a video game that you get a badge or something that has value in the game, and therefore a sense of accomplishment. I truly believe this messes with our dopamine and serotonin levels to the point of making those delayed gratification tasks seem impossible. I don't take on projects as big as you, but I installed 1100 sq ft of pavers and retaining wall in my backyard last spring by myself. That was two hard months of every night past dark and every weekend except for church to get it done. I couldn't be more proud and happy with how it turned out. I'm also working on restoring an old truck - been working on it for a bit over a year and probably have one more year left. The progress can be frustratingly slow, as you have found with your projects, when you hit snags or when a tool you need breaks and requires attention. But you carry on and I think your viewers know that your 'carry on' is not just from this project, but your life approach in general. Keep it up!

[@roncook4502]

Love your videos. Probably too late to tell you now but you could have used a mortar bag and the back of a spoon. Next time. I also have 3 or 4 hurricane lanterns. Hate them, no light and after a few hours a horrible smell. Have you ever heard of an Aladdin kerosene mantle lamp?? Similar light output to the Coleman type lantern you are using but no hiss as it is not pressurized and just sips kero or diesel. burns completely (blue flame) and no odour. Gives off a fair bit of heat also. Bought 2 off of Kijiji recently for $30 ea. There is a dealer bout an hour north of you, and the manufacturer now is Lehman's. Just a thought. Forget the solar panels.

[@RiverbendlongbowsOutdoors]

I often am found wearing my tool pouch when I make supper 😅 I like a 1 " margin trowel for chinking. Pizza looked great Cabins looking good. Thanks again for sharing

[@MySelfReliance]

Riverbendlongbows.com lol, I laughed when I saw the footage on that too.

[@meshmellow]

Shawn great video. As an italian let me clarify that the cheese your wife makes is “technically” not mozzarella, it’s called “Scamorza”. No need to freeze it, you can cure it in salt water and will form a thin crust outside and stay soft inside.

[@MySelfReliance]

meshmellow Thank you. We didn't think it was technically mozzarella either, but that's what the farmer who taught my wife told her it was.

[@brianspencer4220]

Hi Shawn: When I first noticed your post I looked at the numbers & after i hour you had thousands of views & I was struck by how many viewers are plugged into your videos. I'm sure that you must feel a great deal of responsibility toward your offerings & your viewers. As well, I'm sure that there is a a feeling of gratitude that you have evidence that you are on the right track. Congratulations ! Brian 77

[@SUVRVing]

It's really starting to look (and feel, I assume) like a little home!

[@Ekatjam]

Can't wait to see the outhouse

[@jerrybates5791]

I find a healthy diet is.....eat what you want in moderation....till it creates a smile. Limit salt and sugar....that’s all.

[@TherikVanen]

Shawn, your cooking is always a pleasure. Being raised in an Italian house hold in New York you'd think this authentic Italian cooking would be more common! (its not). It was refreshing to see someone else cook Italian with fresh ingredients! Also great work on the chinking!

[@wferris6381]

Your making great progress Shawn! Door came out nice, and the walls are really coming along... thanks for the update!

[@dsconsult1]

By the way, I’m always hungry after watching your videos. Hahahahaha Peace and Love!

[@pureblood3127]

Hey buddy , give us an inside and outside temp . 👍

[@denisbell2842]

Хорошая работа старичок, с радостью смотрю твои видео, добрые и житейские, так держать.

[@sscott4028]

Shawn, I think you were a film maker in your past life...lol. I really enjoy watching your videos. I am a fan.

[@Just1nFR]

s scott I think he is in this life.

[@thepennsylvanian9280]

Great video shawn..reflections made a ton of sense.. thanks

[@mikelamothesr.8998]

Your soliloquy brought back (for whatever reason) a line from the original Star Trek series by the Character Mr Spock, "Sometimes having something is not nearly as great as wanting it." I paraphrase of course. this in reference of course to our imaginations, expectations etc. as they build to the ultimate culmination of actually receiving the object we so dearly coveted. A thinking person would hardly disagree the less effort put into attaining something, anything, contributes directly to what our supposed worth is regarding the same. After all, our goods and chattels are only worth what we are willing to do to hold onto, maintain and or replace the said object. It does a mans ego good having to spend time with himself and only himself. This is the way we can better understand ourselves. Mike

[@ColetteMalette1]

That's a gorgeous shot of the Cabin amongst all those brilliant shining stars! Beautiful video

[@generalrepair8731]

Shawn Another great video . I always look forward to Friday so I can watch my self-reliance. Keep up the good work. Mike General Repair

[@michellehertzberg8045]

We really enjoy and respect you.We are too old now to attempt that so we enjoy it through you. Respect to your wife too...I miss making my own food staples, gardening and canning. TY so much.

[@seansysig]

Double up a 2 gallon ziploc bag cut the corner at 1" diagonal insert a 1/2" copper nipple fill bags wirh mortar and squeeze into joints.

[@judge462]

Thev mortar still needs to be pressed into the joint with substantial force to ensure adequate sealing so your idea would not help all that much.

[@BrazucaON]

Sean Signer good idea!!!

[@gl0boy764]

Idk why but I like falling asleep to these videos. Maybe because the cabin looks so cozy.

[@ustinman8446]

I've used an electrical conduit, with two bends as a tool and a dust pan to hold the daub. 1st bend 2 " then straight for 8-9" then 2nd bend for your handle.put daub in dust pan, use conduit tool to push the daub into joint and slide side to sideto smooth and shape the cove in the finish. like a mortar joint tool for bricks but bigger.just a suggestion .

[@jigsawsg4322]

Please bring along your cute dog more often, he's just the cutest!

[@utbsks5078]

You are so right about different diets Shawn- healthy Inuit diets will vary greatly from Amazon indigenous diets. Get real people. What is available-what is ancestral or cultural and what is readily edible will vary from place to place. You are a lot more patient with some of these folks than I would be. :(

[@lindaltsteele1313]

Hi Shawn, I Love your Videos ... May you and your family enjoy your cabin .... Your talks are so to heart ❤️ .

[@123gorainy]

Hello Shawn, I really love your videos. You are an incredible source of knowledge and self-reliant skills... and a living example of what one person can accomplish of they keep their mind and body in top physical shape and keep learning the "old ways." No need for you to join an expensive gym. Your lifestyle is a total fantasy-dream for most of the people like me... big city dweller.s who dream of, and imagine, another way to live. Thank you for inspiring me. Wondering.. have you considered adding SOLAR panels, or are you trying do live in the "old ways?"

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Shawn, "Awesome" is not enough, "Amazing" doesn't cut it either... But I can't think of words with more impact... Love ur videos!

[@Cuscoll]

Hi Shawn.. i’m really enjoying following what you’re doing in your wilderness utopia.. all the very best and wrap up warm.. Pizza turned out pretty good.. do you hunt and preserve foods? If so I’d love to see how are you do it..

[@MySelfReliance]

yes, more videos this year

[@tjwa103]

Wow , Your place has come a long way...really like the oars...out front...

[@MrYukon2010]

Hi Shawn, thanks for another great video. It's almost meditative to watch you doing your thing. As for the diet; I found that taking no carbohydrats at all anymore works perfect to lose weight. As a diabetic I needed to loose (a lot) of weight and cutting back on carbs worked for me. In the last 6 years I lost 40 kg (that's close to 90 lbs? Sorry, I'm used to the metric system) of weight. No need for insuline of pills anymore. The good side of this diet is I can eat all the fat I want (bacon, whole milk, cream, fatty meat etc). Although I was (or still am) a big fan of regular Coke and pasta I found it not hard at all to quit on it (ok, maybe once a month I take a 33cl bottle of Coke but it's a real treat then). Most likely it's as you said, different people different ways to loose weight (and stay healthy). I just wanted to add my experience). Lookin' forward to your next video (as always).

[@andytaylor1588]

Rob Evers, as a T2 diabetic myself, who has gone Low Carb/High Fat and modified paleo primal, I completely hear what you are saying. Good on you and good on anyone who eats healthy!

[@itatane]

Hey Rob, I hear ya there, sir. Trying to avoid type 2 and give a little relief to my Scheuermann's arthritis, I stumbled on modified keto diet.(Low fat, high carbs got me darn near to 400lbs. It was wrong for my system.) Some trial and error (hidden salt and nasty chemicals mostly), but overall it is the best change I've ever had to my diet. But Shawn hit the nail on the head with quality ingredients being important no matter the personal diet needs. Cheers!

[@MrYukon2010]

I didn't want to go in specific & technical names but yes, it's called the keto diet. Recent research showed that most fats, used in butter, whole milk and animal fat is basically not bad provided (emphezise on provided) it's not used with carbohydrats. In my opinion defenitely worth doing this diet when, like I was, obese and a (potential) T2 diabetic. Fortunately I stumbled into a dietician who kept track of new ways to loose weight. She also told me that slowly loosing weight is way healthier than those diets where you can loose a few kg a month. The trick is to change your way of eating forever which is nearly impossible with those popular diets. Always good to hear experiences from others and especially those who are at risk of T2. I totally get Shawn when he started talking about his diet. Apart from the mental health (one of his reasons to do these projects?) physical health is is also part of a well balanced life. For me his videos are more than just building a cabin (although I am very interested in how to do it), for me it's all about back to basics and connecting with Nature and yourself. I guess most people lost that connection unfortunately.

[@---rb7ug]

really truth about your reflections many things in life should go fast nowadays you have almost not finish your thing before you have started with the next thing. keep it a bit slower in your life, sometimes you need to have a bit boring. but i meet alot of people that are not here when i talk to them in their mind they are what are we gonna do next. sorry my english is a bit bad, greetings from sweden,

[@steelcitytv]

CHEERS i always look forward to Friday to see them beautiful views keep up the great work I'm super hyped for you and Joe's trip

[@Jut3333]

Please get a travel burkey. You will have plenty of clean water. That place is beautiful thanks for sharing. Show us all you can I will watch any of your videos.

[@jimp514]

Came for the cabin, stayed for the food

[@lorenzodicocco3748]

No kidding. I think Shawn and his wife start THE MY SELF RELIANCE COOKING CHANNEL.

[@pamt8430]

Totally agree!!!

[@poetgirl7766]

I love to hear your story and watch a life different than mine. It is very interesting and informative.

[@gregsummers7350]

Hi Shawn and the MSR Team. I enjoyed this video because I can remember the cold drafts in the winter when I was a child. // Great reflection. For many You Tube is an instant gratification of our dreams: this channel in particular because of your natural calmness we feel happy and great full to see the slow realization of our dreams; a product of your hard toil. It is the attention to detail that leads to beauty. For me it was the wiping down of the logs after chinking that results in the harmony. // I now live in rural Thailand and give my money into the trusted care of my wife because I cannot speak Thai. I have less cash in my pocket, than a poor begger Buddhist monk. There are many very poor folk here, living in small shany shacks of rusted tin. I do not take photos ; I do admire the way they can eek out a living from the dirt and seem happy with their lot. Love is not a part of Buddhist culture & Thais are taught to be subservient. My three girls are learning the holistic nature of Love and I have learnt the true blessing of minimalist. There is frustration in the junk Chinese tools sold here and the wastefulness of new the Thai consumerism (they do not clean or maintain their tools). The final misson of my life is to creare a self reliant lifestyle from my young family. Iam 66 now and so have less than 10 productive years to achieve this. I am working very hard teaching them to true application of love. before I came to Thailand; I simplisticly believed that hilistic love was universal in the world - not so. Here, parents see their children as their pension plan (no welfare payments here .) Sorry a bit long, kind regards to all. Greg