Traditional Woodworking in the Forest with My Dog, Cali the Golden Retriever

In what may be my most relaxing, calm video in the forest yet, Cali the golden retriever and I watch a dramatic spring breakup as the ice melts and the rivers rage and then we spend a couple of days making tools for traditional woodworking around the log cabin.
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My golden retriever, Cali, follows my every move, always at my side and helping out when she can - pulling bark off the logs, carrying branches to the fire pit area, fetching whatever she can find that she thinks I will like - her retriever toy, bones, feathers, and she chases the squirrels and blue jays that live around the cabin. She's a great dog.
The drone captures amazing video of the ice on the lake breaking into smaller pieces while snow melt fills the river to capacity, raging through narrow rock canyons. Waterfowl - ducks, geese and swans - return to the local creeks and marshes and the forest is filled with the sounds of spring peepers, toads, songbirds, ravens and barred owls. Owls call out all night and at random times throughout the day as they search for mates in the surrounding forest.
In preparation for building the covered outdoor kitchen using traditional woodworking methods, I remove the logs and rocks from the firepit area and set up a new pit and cooking area further away from the log cabin. Just a few patches of snow remain and the puddles that my dog plays and bathes in is just about dry so the new fire pit is high and dry. I move the log bench, the log table and the chopping blocks for splitting firewood into place and begin cleaning up the surrounding forest as I collect branches and logs for the fire.
Once again, the lighting from the setting sun is spectacular, illuminating the temporary outdoor cooking area. I cook baked potato and sweet potato on the outdoor grill, smothering them with cheese and onions, pancetta and jalapeno peppers in the cast iron skillet. We retire to the log cabin at 10 pm as the sun sets and the owls and frogs get louder, and at 2:00 am, I am awakened by wolves howling in the valley behind the cabin. Hoping that I captured the wolves on my trail camera, I check the following morning but find not wolves on camera but a huge fisher that checks out the camera.
Using a chainsaw, I cut down a 10" diameter sugar maple tree to clear a building site for the next log cabin. I cut that tree into a five foot log and then use a chainsaw mill to cut the log in half to be used as a bench for a traditional shave horse, a tool I really need for shaping dowels and cedar shingles for the outdoor pavilion over the kitchen and for the new workshop. With hand tools - axes, draw knife, knives, saws, chisels, augers, brace and drill bits and wooden mallets - I build the shavehorse using green woodworking methods out of hard maple and ironwood. The end result is a shave horse that is 60" long, 19" high and 6" wide. Stay tuned for the end of the video when I explain how the woodworking bench is made and what I would do differently when building the next one.
Thanks for watching everyone, I really appreciate it. If you enjoyed this video and want to see more videos of me building the log cabin and all of the accessory buildings, please subscribe and watch the playlists so you don't miss a video.
Log Cabin Build - Step by Step: • Playlist
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L4M 6E9
Canada

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks for watching. So I'm finally getting the weather I've been waiting for to work on the outdoor kitchen. I've been collecting wood and rocks so I can start in the next couple of days. Besides a side burner (rocket stove), a grill, a sink and a bread oven, what should I build into it?

[@paulaneel1]

maybe a place to store wood, utensils, and pots and pans?

[@kitsune1940]

Hey Shawn! After the kitchen, I hope you start soon building the shop!

[@user-de5hd9ym8s]

Good

[@hanorabrennan8846]

Shelves that are built in rather than built out for space saving. I'm an avid reader and despite the digital revolution for downloading, I'd rather hold a book and reference as and when, but there's a paucity of shelf spacing in this category. I know you know where I'm coming from. High 5 to Cali.

[@charleschidester6767]

Whatever you want. Thats the nice part.. thanks for keeping the videos coming. I really look forward to seeing them.

[@denaredford6701]

It’s pretty sweet how Cali sits quietly and watches over you while you work .

[@glenwestjr8301]

I like when he cooks

[@centurianmk6]

Cali always makes me smile. She is gorgeous.

[@trueleyes]

Jimmy without a doubt you are the Number ONE Textbook Outdoors man bar none. You are the HIGH Mark for all to follow and reach for.

[@husoxxx6260]

some people are an enrichment in this world, you are definitely one of them.

[@cherrydowns7745]

Mr. Hoot Owl came by to say Hello! For awhile I had an owl hanging around my home. I learned to mimic his hoot. We had conversations. I have no idea what we talked about.

[@madschristensen4204]

As a 21-year-old man from Denmark, a country with momentum and a good portion of development, I often find myself caught in the loop of stress, everything runs ahead and there is no time for appreciation of the little things. Smaller things tends to disappear in the endlessness of society and people around me find it harder and harder to find foothold in their own lives. I'm writting this, taking the time out of my day - because I appreciate you, your videos and all of the simple yet brilliant things you do every day. I sincerely mean this, you have turned my mindset around, thought me to create, understand and learn from my interests! I am honered to take part in your journey, as it gives me so much. Thank you for quality content, a down-to-earth vibe and you honesty.

[@user-lj7oy3es2t]

Посмотрела. Отдохнула душой. Ты умница, сынок!

[@lutemule]

I would rather watch this channel than any other on cable or air. Love Cali!

[@harveymushman2219]

TCM is cool...no commercials.....classic movies...

[@Tsiri09]

I could get lost just watching that- how peaceful. Who needs stress meds when watching something like this works far better?

[@maryanderson5369]

Cali makes it all possible! A golden retriever is a special dog...

[@themanonthestreet]

You can tell that Cali is well cared for and well loved.

[@jamesbockenstette4332]

You are correct, Cali is "the Golden Retriever." She has charmed her way into my heart. You are blest to have such an amazing companion. Your videos are top notch. Thank you for posting them.

[@nick.caffrey]

Cali is so joyful; it's lovely to see. It's as if she's trying to understand what you are doing, and help. I don't know if she thinks you are on the right track.....

[@davebrady8430]

Cali has it all under control, as usual. The snow gone brings a new dimension to what nature has to offer. Even just watching a butterfly beats anything a concrete jungle has to offer. Exciting projects ahead. Good luck !

[@hairaticrick6227]

Cali is a great friend, she attempts to be there, with you, in helpful way even de-barking a tree, and she has great table manned at meal times... You are so lucky!

[@myrtlesyd9451]

The opening piece of the video was breathtaking. It brought back memories of me and my mom singing in church the hym. " How Great Thou Art." You are surrounded by God's grace, his peace and his beauty.

[@gaylebrady2838]

I couldn't help laughing out loud when Cali was following you around as you were pushing that big tree stump around, as though she wanted to help. She finally decided to play fetch by herself and picked up a branch then ran with it toward the camera then made a quick u- turn with the branch still in her mouth and ran back again. I know you hear it a lot but Cali is such a sweet dog. I love animals and tell myself often, I am so glad she is yours in your care. You two are great together! I'm so very happy Cali has recovered from her heat stroke!!!

[@sandyjeffries5937]

Aww, Cali wants a little attention. She is so sweet!

[@lindaleduke5016]

Your opening of the video is breath-taking. It calms the soul.. I could watch a version of it every morning! Thank you for sharing the beauty of Spring in the north.

[@Visigoth_]

Seeing this really made me happy. A shave-horse is the perfect companion for a draw knife, it strongly increases your work efficacy. You'll find that now you can work faster, feel more confident/safer while using your draw knife, and really be able to put increased force into your draw cuts (just remember to strap/hone your blade edge, and sharpen it when needed. A sharp tool makes work effortless) a tool like that is such a personal thing (because it is so strongly tied to working with your body's proportions), you'll find it will probably take you 'making a few' each time getting closer to being tailored specifically to you, before it's perfect. Having more than one isn't a bad idea either, sometimes what works best for smaller stock doesn't work as well for large stock. That's the great thing about working the way that you are, each success builds off of previous ones, and each tool means that the next thing you make well be just that much better. All-in-all, I really enjoyed this one!

[@crillicit5213]

Give me an hour of that adorable dog sleeping and i'll be good!

[@geraldinemuyano3239]

What life lies ahead of us is to know everything that can give is importance by nature ... how we survive in the middle of wiĺderness. What you shown is how we learn by giving your folĺowers an idea to sùrvìve....sheĺter, foods....you creat something difference by all means. Suluted you Sir....💖

[@1950boots]

Got To Love Cali xxx

[@RunAMuckGirl2]

You and Cali are kindred spirits in that you both like to carry wood around, and shred it sometimes too. :D

[@MySelfReliance]

lol

[@tereseharris4938]

That too funny and spot on!

[@lion23071969]

Unthinkable in Bavaria! Your conviction is instand!!!

[@catalincorduneanu1106]

you have to admit it Sir! Cali is a great help, you could not do so much work without her!!! She deserve more treats! :)

[@SirKingCAT]

I absolutely loved the bit at the start of the video with all that awesome scenery.

[@susanwinslow9361]

that is one muddy happy dog.

[@dirtyscalper5584]

Right in the feels..

[@barbaramcdonald5557]

You are in a dream ,that a lot of people have I no you work very hard to be there God bless and wish you many more years of peace

[@chamilton9182]

Beautiful footage!!! Really cool project. Cali is precious. She sure loves her Papa. Thanks for sharing. God Bless!

[@joycefortin7877]

That opening was the best 2 minutes of my day. Thanks.

[@moelassus]

Haha, love the muddy paws at 42:40. Also the sound of the peepers is so peaceful at night.

[@darling5103]

Love you Cali girl ! 😍🐶

[@margieemack7211]

I swear that Cali is trying to help! She just needs a dog pulled cart and someone to load her up ! What a wonderful dog .

[@MySelfReliance]

She definitely needs to start pulling her weight..:)

[@patkeeler6645]

+My Self Reliance. i got a big cat yu can use.

[@patkeeler6645]

+My Self Reliance. a butter churn

[@RJ1J]

Cali says "I checks hooman's work. Yes, good work, carry on"

[@markstanden202]

36'10" - the face of a contented happy pupper....

[@ronmccarty7537]

A boy and his dad in the forest having the best time

[@lawrencephea916]

Thank you... For such beautiful place where i can let myself rest for awhile from this stress world... Even just watch it from my phone with earphone on my ears, i feel very relax and away for awhile. Truly Thank you, again~

[@Myn6211]

What a wonderful video. My gosh Cali gets better and better every week in her supervisory role and now, she has even taken on the job of debarking assistant. It is really awesome to watch the interaction between the two of you. Thanks so much Shawn for another informative and absolutely delightful video. 🌲

[@susanwong9592]

Yes Cali is such a very very observing girl and can see she love watching you doing things all the time. She is so sweet.

[@poulsonarrow]

Within a world that we see today and the troublesome times .... Shawn thank you for the share the calmness and peace of the natural balance, Caili ( she don't miss a trick ) hey, and the way she is so into anything you do , at times you could almost hear her asking " What ja doing there, What's that for dad ?? Tho young ? she def got an old soul feel about her ? I love the colour coded coat of hers matches the cabin too ..

[@gregmcevoy1237]

Also! I cant wait to see the forest in full bloom like when you started the build, its going to be amazing. And who on Gods green earth would thumbs down your content? It boggles the mind really???

[@lilgem6124]

Perhaps they are greenie's save the planet etc, and are taking offence to this mans fine craftsmen ship using wood from trees on his property.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

lil gem Or PITA members that want pet ownership outlawed... those idiots believe our beloved dogs are ‘suffering’ by living with humankind.

[@lilgem6124]

Really, that is a new one on me. I haven't heard of PITA before. Mind you nothing would surprise me these days.

[@gregmcevoy1237]

Candy Man, begrudgers who just hate people getting on with life, how they want to live it.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

lil gem PETA People for Ethical Treatment of Animals. Sounds nice, but their stated agenda is to eliminate the eating of meat and all associated ranching, ban hunting of all sorts, even the killing of insects, and elimination of pet ownership and breeding. They have actually started up pet shelters across the USA, where they commit the highest rate of euthanasia of any agency, 98 percent by some reports. They believe pets are suffering just being alive, and to kill them is to relieve them of that suffering.

[@steveking4966]

nothing wrong with that shaun, i am a greenwoodworker yurtmaker/timber framer . where you are i'd pick a tree fell it at 4 feet possibly 5 flat both sides of it set another post 4 foot away solidly in the ground put in a horizontal between the posts then on the back put in another rail 8 inchs higher on the flatted stump angling down to th same end position as the horizontal on the post, . you end up with a triangle between the posts 8" to nothing this is really handy for splitting and drawknifing long pieces more than 3 ft to full lengths for splitting and can be used as an anvil etc how i split 12' poles to make yurt roof poles and trellis but has many applications from fence posts and hurdles, just a thought!

[@siddokis2945]

Dogs are a special gift!

[@beatrizgonzalez6221]

Cali is beautiful beautiful I love

[@matthewharris3672]

That intro gave me goosebumps...took my breath away Shawn. Just absolutely beautiful! We always look forward to your videos.

[@fjbutter1813]

365K subscribers. You have that many for a reason. Beautifully done and so much fun to watch each time. Exceptionally nice intro this week.

[@fernandoalbuquerque3992]

The dog is the your biguest friend.and the dog love you..the dog live near with you

[@1minigrem]

I love the way Cali tried to help you strip the bark off the tree trunk, she is interested in everything you do. 😀

[@badarock177]

Today I'm in a bad day but seeing your notification brightened it a lot. Thank you so much for sharing beauty and happiness.

[@ryantoemmes9685]

Magnificent ~ All the words I can muster ~ Very nicely done Shawn... 1 Hour Worth it 👍

[@gypsygirltarot2451]

I feel blessed to witness the love between this man and his dog

[@jargon3780]

really appreciate how considerate you are about the chainsaw volume

[@tonybologna123]

paused at 2:00 .... Amazing intro! you sir put out a phenomenal channel and videos. you're not just an outdoorsman or self-reliant bush crafter you're a cinematographer in my opinion. And your view on life and the encouragement and information you give on how to be the best person you can be is so spot on! glad i found your channel over a year ago and am always excited when you put up a new video! God bless , much love from minnesota

[@liwwa.e]

oi oioiiui um

[@liwwa.e]

tu mtht mim t

[@liwwa.e]

ytu tutu

[@soratorus9649]

Bet Cali the dog was a great help with log peeling , considering she is the Bark Specialist . . lol

[@doschwarz1]

Phantastisch deine Ideen und wie du sie umsetzt! Cali weicht nicht von deiner Seite und es scheint sogar, als ob er mithelfen möchte. Wunderbar!

[@gaelic229]

DANG ! those potatoes with onions look tasty.

[@Robbie_S]

The opening of the video was so serene and very picturesque. You always bring out the best each week. Cali is being more playful and great that she is enjoying this change of weather. Thanks for making it better.

[@JustinY.]

This is the best ASMR I've found in a long long time.

[@nick.caffrey]

What's an ASMR?

[@n2daair23]

???!

[@Bill-rk8vb]

they like to hear the sound of people eating. A bunch of sicko's

[@patriciabarnes7034]

@@Bill-rk8vb Talking about yourself again, eh!

[@DJ_Tasha_Nicole]

Oh my god an hour with Shawn!

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

What ever howled in the night at 20:40 minutes sure got the ears up interest of my 3 Collies!

[@RockBrigadeCommunityForum]

Another great video, didn't seem like an hour long. Thanks for sharing your story with the world.

[@spark-gy5pf]

Beautiful videography at the beginning of this episode .Enjoyed watching

[@germansahidbeltranardila2985]

Buenas noches desde Colombia soy gran admiración por su KZbin esa es la calidad de vida q yo quiero

[@didiirisbergouignan9665]

Excellent work, Shawn and Cali !!!!

[@lostinsperry1988]

Hey Shawn! Still here still love everything you do!! Your an inspiration to all of us!! Thank you for sharing your life with the world, for it has changed it!

[@bendigr]

Dogs are awesome !! your best friend !!

[@davemis40]

Its almost like Cali knows where the camera is and goes to perform in front of it .. such a sweet dog.

[@intheworldbutnotofit8002]

Your doggie is such a good boy. Omg I absolutely adore him.

[@anthonywells8941]

I also look forward to Friday night's, I always start my weekends watching, My self reliance video of the week! This is great

[@HoRiGa94]

A whole hour? - I'm not complaining, thanks a lot.

[@leolights1]

Handsome man 😆

[@user-sf6me7or7y]

Отличное видео , особенно бушующие весенние речки . Полезное приспособление и весьма удобное , освобождающее руки для работы .

[@atbglenn]

Shawn, besides loving your video content, your video production is as good as it gets, seriously.

[@SurvivalLilly]

I remember these working benches from my childhood. A lot of farmers had them, and once I used one for holding a bow I was carving. Super video as always :)

[@MySelfReliance]

That's cool. That's all I've used them for in the past - bow making

[@kathybanchero9629]

Survival Lilly ))6 9

[@marvino.dellcid.4094]

Seguro hay un Home Depot cerca de tu cabaña, o al menos un Walmart.

[@joannlarson6011]

you have a GOD given gift to be able to do what you do. and also you have a most beautiful piece of land. God bless.

[@gkett001]

Man, I don't know how you'd get things done without Cali's help.

[@naturl2012]

Beautiful Intro! Cali is so loving! 😀

[@yvonneaguero7067]

Your dog Cali is adorable, it seems she wants to be helpful, so cute. I know this is not a cooking channel but boy those potatoes looked delicious I am definitely making them at home for the hubby. My dad use to be a carpenter he passed away already but watching you working with the wood etc reminds me of him so much. I wish I would have learned more about carpentry. :)

[@drewdestroysalll]

Shawn, I just got home from a week in the Smokies. A mother black bear and her cub stumbled into my camp last night and I was wishing for a Cali to let me know! Now I think it's due time for a shower, some coffee and relaxation with your latest video.

[@darinmbicknell]

Almost May two-four again... thanks for sharing the spring.

[@christaunnasch932]

What stunning scenery at the opening. Worth for the National Geographic. Cali has always food on her mind. Lol. Thanks, magic man Shawn!

[@RJ63227]

No no no...the title should be Traditional Woodworking in the Forest with My Human, Shawn.😁

[@Graybastian]

You have Spring Peepers! I really miss that sound from my childhood. Enjoy!

[@trueleyes]

I remember coffee was 10 cents a cup and there was no limit to refills. They were the good old days. Not like now. In the 5'0s the movies were 75 cents, candy a Dime or Nickle and you could stay all day at the Theater and watch over and over, the news real, two cartoons, one short firm and the major motion picture move, which is what my mom did to me, and I loved it. My sweetheart was Hayle Mills in Parent Trap.

[@michaelagius6814]

While watching I was trying to guess what you were building. I was bouncing around between a foot driven sawing device, to the more unlikely fabric weaving machine. I had fun guessing as the video progressed, and scratching out my original guesses such as Totem pole. Whenever I comment I always make sure to mention that you are one of my favorite channels and I love what you're doing with it. For example, throwing in a short and simple cooking segment (which you have done perfectly, no more no less). You are doing a great job!

[@donmotz5528]

Most enjoyable shawn.....you might think an hr is too much but its not.....it was serene and awesome just to sit back and watch you work with your hands and watch your day pass by creating a life and making tools....keep it up my friend.

[@withfootnotes]

I am so looking forward to the outdoor kitchen videos!

[@pierreabrie9445]

Great a new video. Always looking forward.

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Awesome shave horse. That ought to make some of your future projects much easier to complete. Watching the process brought back fond memories of my grandfather working in his traditional woodshop. I can remember his shave horse had what he called a corduroy face of the top clamping surface, it was to insure a non-slip grasp, I used to love spending time with him in there, the smells of wood and oils, I could stay in there all day with him, very peaceful.

[@patriciamachado973]

I've been watching your videos. they are very interesting and with a lot of quality. I am from Brazil, we have different climate and culture, but my love of nature and responsibility for the environment is equivalent. I hope to meet Canada in person soon.

[@ZiLu41]

Your arms look jacked. That shows how much effort you really put in to your work. I admire all your hardwork.

[@Johnwilliammoss]

Beautiful intro shots

[@eddiewatson3759]

your talent is great like to watch you make things

[@kannseinmussnicht]

What a good Dog, what a good dog-life! My dogfriend passed away one week ago, after 15 years (Goldie). I like your Videos so much! Greatings from Austria!

[@cliffordbass3608]

you know cali is the real star of the show but really great videos learing a lot from them

[@SuperKingslaw]

What a sweet and happy pup!