Root Cellar Build Start to Finish & Tour | Storing Food for 25 Years Off Grid, A Year's Food for 2

Walk through my recently completed off grid root cellar with me.
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The complete build from start to finish, followed by a walk through tour where I explain exactly how and why I build the cold cellar and how I am storing at least a full year's worth of food for two, much of it packaged to last 25 years.
Log Cabin Building, Bushcraft, Survival Skills, Cooking, Canadian Wilderness, Off Grid Living, Homesteading
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Hi, I'm Shawn James. I am a passionate outdoorsman living the life of my dreams in a log cabin that I built by myself in the Canadian wilderness. Join me and my golden retriever, Cali and listen to the sounds of the forest in this relaxing wilderness setting. I prefer to keep my talking to a minimum and let the natural sounds of nature make you feel as though you are there with me.
MY SHAWN JAMES KZbin CHANNEL - / @shawnjames1
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200 Manitoba St., Unit 3, Suite 415
Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E2
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2022 OFF GRID CABIN LIFE: • 2022 Off Grid Cabin Life
OFF GRID LIVING: • Log Cabin & Off Grid L...
COOKING: • Cooking at the Cabin
BUILDING LOG CABIN WITH HAND TOOLS: • Building a Log Cabin A...
BUILDING OFF GRID SAUNA: • Building an Off Grid S...
BUSHCRAFT & SURVIVAL: • Bushcraft & Survival
Facebook - / myselfreliance
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My Self Reliance/Shawn James
200 Manitoba St., Unit 3, Suite 415
Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E2

[@dennisbeaver5958]

Never get tired of watching Shawn build stuff! This cabin is just amazing!

[@dimples7334]

Which cabin? He has 2 houses

[@coupezjacqueline4110]

Un petit Palais dans une merveilleuse nature

[@makemoroccogreatagain8628]

@@coupezjacqueline4110 exact !

[@Dabann]

Yap, me too!! Mery Christmas for all your family Shawn. Be happy!!

[@froglureprototype4967]

You’re living the life we all want, Shawn.

[@Gef1804]

Yes ! But... it s not easy!!!

[@arcadiagreen150]

​@@Gef1804470 million views makes it easier

[@jadedavis822]

He makes it look easy but I guarantee you it’s very hard …but then anything worth having usually is 😂

[@matthewroberts6334]

That’s why we all keep watching, to live vicariously through Shawn.

[@Martin_HD28]

Speak for yourself! I wouldn't last a week living out there alone!! That's a hard, beautiful life Shawn is living but certainly not for everyone.

[@theresalero7039]

Of course I enjoyed it! I'm sitting here, eating Ibuprofen and Muscle relaxants and wishing I were 25 not 65+. I've watched every minute of your builds, this cabin and and the previous one. Your efforts help me get up, go start, just do it! Slower and stupider, but still loving the breathless moment when I can say, OK, that's done. Thank you Shawn, for helping us be a little more than we would have on our own.

[@sojourneroftheland]

This guy is my absolute hero! I hope youre family realizes what a rare person it is that would go to such great lengths to lookout not only for their family's well being, but comfort as well. Enjoy the fruit of your labour. Super proud of you buddy💐

[@trisho.8331]

I still marvel at your ingenuity, foresight, vision and engineering skills, esp. how you planned the root cellar at the onset of this mammoth project! Thanks for the detailed tour and flashbacks. Boggles my mind how one man aka YOU built this 2nd homestead to last several generations and your wife’s earnest support behind the scenes. Congrats Shawn, can’t say it enough. Merry Christmas to you and all. 🎄🙏🏻🥰❤️🍁

[@user-kp7iq7wj8q]

Dear Sean, I'm sorry, I use self-translation. I admire you and what you are doing, what difficulties you have overcome! With great pleasure, sometimes with excitement, I watched all your videos, this is great content! Everything from building, arranging everyday life, getting food to filming nature and music is stunning!!! Sometimes it seems to me that you clearly have more than 24 hours in a day, how much you manage to do in total😄.Thank you for sharing this with us, your life, the opportunity to plunge into a dream🫶. Good health, long life and prosperity to you and your family! May all your plans come true! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I'm looking forward to your new videos). Olga Russia, Siberia, Baikal. 1:00

[@rajinevin7273]

Shawn ~ you are an amazing. exceptional man... I wonder if you know that. What you have created goes far above and beyond what most do! No doubt about that. You have a mind that thinks outside of the box and a level of integrity that goes into everything you do. I have such admiration for what you have created ~ the cabin, the root cellar, the gardening area ~ all of it! EXCEPTIONAL MAN! Your wife and children are very Blessed to have you !!!

[@user-nc2cn8dc6c]

Очень понравилось отводящая система грунтовых вод под подвал и гидроизоляция всех помещений подвала. Утепление стен и гидроизоляция всех деревянных брусов. Отличное помещение для сохранения всего выращенного и сохраненого, вплодь до воды 💧💦🚰питьевой. Огромная работа. Большое счастье, что Вы Шонн и Ваши девочки все здоровы, собаке здоровье .

[@ambassador3713]

Эликтричество и пьтевой воду откуда берет он?

[@user-mq6xn2vr8p]

Солнечные панели, а вода из ручья.@@ambassador3713

[@damogranheart5521]

​@@ambassador3713He has a solar array for electricity. If I recall correctly, he has a generator to charge the batteries when the sun hides its face. He has a spring where he gets his water. Next year, a water collection project for the outdoor kitchen. He is a smart man who wants backup plans in place. Admirable and Most Excellent!😊

[@roncurtis8331]

I am a retired carpenter of 40 plus years. I now wish I could turn back the hands of time to when I was young enough to do what you have done in this build. I have the skills to do a build similar to what you have done with your cabin but I’m too old now to do it. I am so sad that I didn’t get the urge to build my own cabin when I was younger. You are so talented and have built a truly beautiful home. Your Christmas video was so awesome I sat down with my wife to watch it again. We wish you and your beautiful family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hopefully you will continue to make new content for us all to watch and learn from. Even as a seasoned carpenter you have taught me soooo much about building but you have taught me so much about life and the pursuit of happiness as well. May God watch after you and your family for all the years to come. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Ron C.

[@arthenry498]

Replays and reruns are great!! Remembering "when" feels good. AND it is all so amazing when we see it like this. Fantastic Shawn. Totally unbelievable task and accomplishment. I super admire you for undertaking this. Moreso for accomplishing so much is such a time frame. Thanks again for letting all us dreamers dream along wishing we could be there too. I need some liniment from tonights installment now!!

[@rafagar5691]

Hello and good day! I have been subscribed to your channels for years. Sincerely, thank you very much for your great videos. With so much news of wars and human pain that we receive daily, your magnificent and selfless work is like an oasis to take refuge and enjoy the immense peace that you transmit, without ignoring the pain of all those who suffer. What you have been able to build with your own hands is, without a doubt, worthy of admiration. What you say about the melting of the snow in the middle of Christmas is really worrying... an unequivocal sign that the climate is changing... I hope you manage to finish everything you propose for Christmas and especially, that you have a great time together, as a family. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A CORDIAL AND SINCERE GREETINGS FROM SPAIN.

[@Parker-ch9pl]

I've been watching since the first cabin, 2019. You are definitely "Self Reliant" and the most dedicated person i know besides my Dad. Thanks for letting me continue to view your Journey Shawn! 🙌 Calli too🐕

[@Doeff8]

Definitely one of my favorite moments in the week.... News from Canada ;-) Regards from The Netherlands

[@young-soonkim6730]

Good Friday Shawn & Cali🐕! Your log cabin is beautiful Shawn. 👍🌅🌄🏞️🏡

[@straubdavid9]

I love the detail that you share. Showing what changes you need to make as you progress with your new cabin and gardening situation can be beneficial to those trying to pursue a similar life style. I was sorta headed down that road over 20 years ago, but then life happened and threw a wrench into my plans that I could not recover from. Now I'm too old to even think about any of it, but I enjoy the heck out of your channel, as well as other channels that are like-minded. I wish you and your family all the best🦮🐺🦌🐿🦫🐻🦃🦦👍🏻✌🏻

[@joebacarella2829]

I didn`t realize how much thought went into that cellar, you will have all the storage you will ever need for annual food supplies. It looks cozy down there, putting in a bathroom, the girls are gonna love that, no more cold seat, love the builds, all the best to you and your family during the Holidays, from Michigan.

[@abundantuniverse1987]

There is a method of seed starting called winter sowing. It works even in the snow. You can use gallon jugs with 4" of soil in them and plant your seeds and leave them outdoors, even in the snow. The plastic bottle works as a mini greenhouse. No seeds starting lights required.

[@j-rocgeo7499]

The original man who knew what was coming. Thank you for leading us all by example.

[@Nando-na-23]

Ciao Shawn, in old Italian farms, potatoes are stored in dark and ventilated rooms, placing them on wooden shelves, inside a layer of dry straw, the straw allows them to breathe and keeps them fresh and dry

[@damogranheart5521]

Most Excellent Idea!

[@medtech1a]

Shawn you’ve done such a great organized job on your property and very well detailed down to the stud. Thanks for the tour.

[@sandralnwebster3204]

Shawn,I knew that you were a conservationalist and liked to grow and preserve your own food,but why all the freeze-dried foodstuffs? Isn't that what alarmists do when they think there will be a major catastrophe?! I certainly agree with you wanting to be out in the wilderness comuning with nature and all that the outdoors has to offer,but don't take it so far that you would want to survive on your own without the rest of us! While there is hope there is a future!

[@helenehendrikse9625]

Great job ! I grew up with a cellar like that and didn’t appreciate it as a kid. Now , omg it’s a dream !!!

[@MySelfReliance]

lol, that’s true

[@tommycapps9903]

You have done an amazing job Shawn!

[@peppernc429]

Dear goodness, I remember when you were below 20K subs! Great job

[@user-rb6ic6bp1y]

Yes he's living the life we all want but to actually live that life is very very hard work and takes a lot of patience and all sounds good when you're watching a video from your living room

[@Life_With_Lady]

I never get tired of watching you build, you are absolutely amazing. Im too old and in much to poor health, (even though I never smoked I have COPD, thanks Mom and Dad) to live the lifestyle you do, but I envy you my friend. You are absolute amazing!

[@damogranheart5521]

You don't have to do everything that Shawn does. Pick a tiny project and do what you can. Trying to do good things is important to the soul. To paraphrase the Bible, they serve the Lord when they can only sit and pray. The nuns who bake bread, contemplate the words of God, and pray are serving their community. I txt people who need a lift and send pictures or sayings to cheer them up. A small thing but a smile might help them get through one more day.

[@Life_With_Lady]

@@damogranheart5521 I keep a yearly garden, grow alot of tomatoes, I dont care for tomatoes but my neighbors love them. So I grow them to share.

[@DavidWvu]

Amazing home, beautiful customized woodwork and very well planned out. The cellar is fantastic. Thank you for the tour. Merry Christmas from West Virginia to you Shawn and of course your family too.

[@donnad634]

Merry Christmas from Aberdeen, South Dakota USA! 😊

[@actontreadway1168]

I moved into a house two years ago and there is an unfinished area in the basement that was left as raw dirt since the house was built in the '90s. They added a vapor barrier before moving out, either to impress me or because of some building code they had previously ignored. Of course, mold started building up under the barrier and so I had to remove it all and run a fan for a few weeks to stabilize things again. It's back to normal now, but sometimes a vapor barrier isn't what's needed.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Shawn . 🐺 Loupis Canis .

[@bonnetbruno8866]

Bonjour un travail de titan et des super vidéos vue de France 🇨🇵

[@KnightDriveTV]

Van/CustomRV builders have done a triple filtered, recirculating shower. This allows a fairly endless shower on only 5-10 gallons by recirculating and filtering the gray water and immediately reheating and dispensing it. If you can do some quick searches, there are diagrams out there for a simple build. Been watching you for many years...great to see this new cabin really getting in the groove.

[@damogranheart5521]

Wow! I did not know that!

[@gballmaier]

That live edge walnut, and whatever other hardwood species you have is worth a fortune, here in the states. If you have a mill, you can make a great amount of extra/emergency money selling those beautiful live edge slabs. That walnut side of your bookcase is a gorgeous piece!

[@krzysztofk.4812]

Widzę że są tu Rodacy . POZDRO.

[@modistin3158]

...również pozdrawiam i miłego weekendu Rodaku oraz właścicielowi kanału 🙂🙋‍♀

[@VannaWhiteboard]

Roast a couple of those squash whole until they are almost caramelized, cut open, clean season and roast seeds for snacking, spoon out roast squash mash and freeze it to saute later with onion and garlic, add broth, mash, instant squash soup.

[@StevenEverett7]

Happy birthday to Calli! Great video Shawn. I enjoyed the walk thru and look forward to seeing more.

[@theun4giv3n]

Absolute legend.

[@dalezegarelli5553]

Great videos. This guy has a fortune invested in his self reliance quest.

[@marygordon3032]

You’re putting a lot of hard work into something absolutely amazing Shawn, what a blessing and thanks for sharing! 👍👍👍🤩🤩🤩💯💯💯

[@anniecoucke5199]

bonjour je suis de la France, je suis abonnée a la chaine depuis plusieurs années maintenant , j'aime beaucoup ce que vous aviez fait, et continue a faire, un grand bravo pour votre courage, merci pour vos vidéos, qui me font passées mes Week end bonne fête de fin d'année

[@anthonynavarro5762]

Although I saw this on previous videos i still cant believe you dug that whole foundation by hand you are amazing as always 👍👍👍👍👍

[@barbarataylor1135]

YOU HAVE A VERY EFFICIENT AND NICE SETUP FOR YOUR CELLAR. LOVE THE NEW HOME IT'S BEAUTIFUL .😊❤❤❤

[@DeborahJ.Hipple-fh2cs]

So nostalgic , reminding us of the dear ‘builder generation’, that left us, so many know how skills♥️

[@laurascholz7334]

Have you tried canning butter. You can find the recipe on KZbin. I have 12 pints of canned butter. So you don't have to worry about the electricity going off.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

Ive canned butter, cheese, lard, tallow, and 3 types of milk.

[@elizabethjohnson475]

Milk in half gallons.

[@evalynchuran8684]

It may be no snow, but stacking wood is still reallycold here. Ten minutes at a time for me.

[@MarkJohnson-pt5cu]

Shawn, you are a beast! I have watched every one of your videos, and you are an inspiration to not only myself, but most probably thousands of others as well! Thank you for your vigor and your passion, and most importantly, thank you for recording and sharing your life with your viewers!!

[@debbielicis6257]

Hi Shawn, I didn’t mind the seeing the build again, it seems so long ago. Also, don’t you have a little shed built near the garden? You could always put your grow room out there. That way the propane fumes won’t be in your house & the seedlings are close to where being planted. I love the root cellar.

[@maturefox1]

... as always: This is all really impressing me a lot - what a wonderful environment and what a lovely home! Have a nice Christmas time with your family and be sure that I am full of respect towards your cabin job and all what's around there! Please, crawl Cally behind her ears from me, take care and be well, til the next video! Greetings from Germany from the silver fox, David 😉🦊

[@jf-hs1ib]

24:49 I would recommend no pump, let gravity do it and put in a good quality mechanical ball float. When they fail it only starts as a drip and you can monitor all that.

[@stephenhaslam680]

Inspiring. Same comment I made to Dave Whipple over at Bushradical. Water, nutrition, shelter, and elimination of debt seem to be a common thread. It took me until 68 but the satisfaction is tremendous and a complete paradigm shift. Keep pressing on educating others.

[@kaboom-zf2bl]

a way to preserve taters for long term ... use a slicer to slice them super thin (flakes) dehydrate them ... now you have some instant potatoe flakes to work with ... and yes they taste perfect ... also make great mashed and even work to soak up excess fats ...

[@kevincain2697]

You are living the dream. Good luck 👍🙏😇 and God be with you.

[@jerryfischer3988]

So enjoy your videos. Gives us hope

[@lorraineeagle4009]

Hello Shawn from the great state of West Virginia USA

[@joanntucker2742]

My goodness at the food, you and your wife have been busy 👍🤔😃

[@azmrl]

absolute best dehydrated zucchini: cut into thin discs. pour a bit of balsamic vinegar into circle. dehydrate. awesome as a snack. without the need to apologize for its texture/taste. love them

[@davidpaul329]

🎉 IDEAL Shawn Great job congratulations

[@juliekeys1880]

Hi everyone Merry Christmas to you all .🌠🎄🇬🇧

[@bonniemullen4990]

Your doing such a lovely job Shawn I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Much love to and your family , we learn much from you ❤️ Hhave a Happy Holiday 🎉🎉🎉😊

[@kensearle4892]

Great work on the cellar, getting all those calories, and having a variety of food that you work into your daily diet! I plant and germinate seeds upstairs on baker's racks without any extra grow lights, heating pads, or heat. Easy to do at room temperature and a fun project during winter. As soon as they sprout, before they get leggy, they go downstairs under the lights where it is cooler. Works well for me. Might work for you. Merry Christmas!

[@damogranheart5521]

An excellent solution to a problem many of us have. Thank you! And Merry Christmas!

[@user-eb4ee4gv2k]

From Kazakhstan ❤

[@patedwards2907]

Thanks for the cellar info! Looks pretty darned good (and efficient). 👍👌🤓

[@johnharris2337]

The old farmers in Victorian Australia used cool rooms too, they would dip their veg in water with vinegar every month, killed mould, they would do it on ships of sail and in Medaevil times for most things. Have you thought of making your own Vinegar?

[@cindyblair1283]

I truly enjoy all his builds and / videos! I would definitely let him build my home for sure. The love and perfection that he puts into everything is awesome. Oh can’t forget his cooking skills yummy❤ And precious Galie! Beautiful family ! God Bless and lots of love from Ohio❤

[@marcelomosca82]

conngrats man, you are a really survivalist man, i beliave in thath

[@ps2v831]

Shawn, thank you ever so much for all this most valuable information., and making US aware the different temperatures in storing harvested fresh vegetables and everything else. Most appreciated and grateful. A MOST Blessed Christmas and prosperous 2024. Love You ALL, give Cali a big hug from me.❤❤❤

[@michaelbrabant5326]

Could watch you every day, your amazing

[@christopherroser1849]

Hi,mate I hope you and your wonderful family have a great Christmas and may peace and plenty be with you for years to come.

[@celissepierre]

Such good fun! This is so beautiful to watch, loving it all.. I never thought I could love someone I never knew, ha Send loving kindness vibes in all that you do 💕

[@LuckyLambikins]

I haven’t watch one of these in awhile. That guitar riff starts, and it’s an instant endorphin hit. Really enjoy your vids, and I’m using a lot of your ideas. Thank you

[@larrykelly2838]

Wow, man you did good. Nice root cellar.

[@gjef9971]

Have a Merry Christmas Shawn, from George in Scotland.

[@tommychew6544]

Great video! I've been looking forward to the cellar tour for a while now and it didn't disappoint. Really looking forward to the video of your wife and two girls up at the property, it's great to see hard work come to fruition. Also looking onto the future bedroom add on if that is still part of the plan.

[@downtonviewer]

I'm looking forward to the add on, too! Even now, I wonder where the girls will sleep when they visit. He did say the bedroom will be added-on where the bathroom is now. It's going to be great seeing that come to fruition.

[@damogranheart5521]

​@downtonviewer There is the loft upstairs for company, and should they be blessed with more visitors, there is the workshop out in the woods. That has a woodburning stove, an insulated loft area where Shawn used to sleep before he had a roof on and windows on the new cabin. In a pinch, someone could even sleep on the workbench. That's where their sugar bush is and where they cook down their maple sap for syrup. You can find all these things in his Playlist. Have fun researching! Oh! And Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

[@baerbelhagenstein4254]

It was amazing when I saw the first time. Good to watch it again. Merry Christmas to you and your family. ❤

[@lupettozonzolante]

Buonasera carissimo, grande Shawn🐺

[@greywolfwalking6359]

Thanks for the good ideas!! I have some room now to incorporate some into my pantry now!! Happy Holidays To You n your's!! 👍🐺🎅🦊👍

[@pipperxxx]

Already seen this, like the new editing. We're here to support ya! Keep it going Sir

[@user-ry1br1zd1l]

It was nice to have a review of prior efforts which resulted in the "now". Thank you for inviting us into your home.

[@pamelagard143]

I am rewatching all your videos to make sure that I liked them. When I watch your videos it helps me relax.

[@francesstratton695]

Have a Wonderful Christmas with your family…🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻♥️♥️🎄

[@douggibson9084]

Awesome thanks Shawn. Well planned set up. Where's the dumb waiter? Yes the winter solstice is almost here. Enjoy your time with the kids.

[@davepost7675]

Certainly did not get frustrated watching the flashback videos. It is nice to see a recap from start to finish.

[@joanntucker2742]

Yep he is living the life every one wants 👏👍🙀 great job on the seller,as always 💪🥰

[@user-xr1ir1qk1t]

Du meinst, dies sei ein Geschäftsmodell? Ein wunderbares mit sehr vielen Interessenten!!

[@sandithompson5265]

This is truly amazing I thank you 🙏 for sharing your journey you inspire me to become better everyday keep on keeping on 😊❤I love watching you and Cali together on your adventures

[@lizetteroussel8831]

Excellent job as usual. Good talk. Anyone who does not learn something each vid isnt paying attention. Thank you Shawn. You are a very talented man. Love to you and each one of your family and Cali girl. I am so grateful for you. Hava merry christmas. ✌️❤️🤗 B with you always in all the ways!

[@Wolshanze]

Admiration Admiration Admiration of watching from the very start !!!!

[@dottiehildebrand3123]

The log cabin is awesome. You did a great job..God bless . Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024..❤🇺🇸

[@andygeo1000]

Merry Christmas! from Poland. Andy

[@cliffordodel]

Lowes and Home Depot carry transfer pumps for under $100. You can adjust the pressure to like 30 psi in the pipe and run the excess pressure back to the rain water supply tank. You can put a light switch on the pump when you want to use the sink and it will only run when you want it to. You can elevate the supply tank and get the same result.

[@kaboom-zf2bl]

on your freeze dried containers put a plastic paper sleeve .. and drop in a sheet of what is inside the bin ... if it has multiple items of the same thing then have a tick box for each one you take out ... tick a box as you pull and poof running total on the shelf ... also allows you to see at a glance when you need to start making more

[@TheMobilTrader]

Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄to you and your family! You've built such an amazing cabin. Love the root cellar. Definitely a dream of mine someday.

[@larrymaxwell5535]

Thanks so much for sharing I really enjoyed watching and learning!

[@andreamalik2961]

Merry Christmas to you, your wife & your daughters Shawn.

[@OutdoorGinger]

Surviving off-grid for 25 years is incredible! I share similar experiences on my channel. Cheers to off-grid living!

[@dougberry1011]

Haven’t watched the channel for a while. Nice to see the time line from start to finish in the cellar. Was wondering for the shower if you used a 10 gallon RV hot water tank propane fired or AC voltage if available and then use a 12V Shure RV water pump. Could also be plumbed into the kitchen sink as well.

[@marymcmanus]

I love watching now as I did with the first cabin. Merry Christmas to you and your family and Cali❤️🐾

[@sammyacosta5442]

Sam and I really love your Root Cellar like a Mini Grocery Store. When He got out of the Marines We wanted to Build a Cabin but got side tracked by life in the City.

[@joelhenderson5404]

I thought when you first started I thought my gosh he never will get done. I forgot how methodical you were as a worker.

[@VandelayIndustriesLLC]

Amazing! You must be very happy with the new place...I'm sure it was really upsetting having to do it all again but I'm sure you like this place even more. Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!

[@WanderingWilfords]

Really enjoying all your hard work and ingenuity. Just started watching your channel and can’t wait to go back through to watch some of your past videos.