Building a Square Off Grid Log Cabin| Lifting Heavy Logs | Squirrel Confit for Lunch

Lifting heavy hemlock timbers is difficult so I rig up a cable winch system to help raise them into place on the small square log cabin I'm building for a workshop.
Over the open fire, I cook grouse, pheasant and squirrel, slow cooked in a cast iron fire in duck fat.
The handsaw I used in this video: www.amazon.com...
My Self Reliance: bit.ly/2G7ncW9
Shawn James Channel: bit.ly/2xzZHpB
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2020 Cabin Life: • 2020 Off Grid Cabin Life
Log Cabin and Off Grid Living: • Log Cabin & Off Grid L...
Cooking at the Cabin: • Cooking at the Cabin
Building a Log Cabin with Hand Tools: • Building a Log Cabin w...
Building an Off Grid Sauna: • Building an Off Grid S...
Bushcraft and Survival: • Bushcraft & Survival
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My Mailing Address:
51 King William Street
P.O. Box 30017
Huntsville, ON
P1H 0B5

[@skygerspacher6891]

When I was a kid in the Finger Lakes region of New York, back in the 1960's, our family dog ran free with all the other dogs in the neighborhood. There was a gang of kids and a gang of dogs. Each kid and dog played all day; swam laid in the sun, ate food off the ground and made sure they were home for dinner each evening, only to come out again after a good breakfast each morning. and start the day all over again. Our dogs ran in the fields, brought home rabbits to eat in the front yard.They swam in the lake and creek. They chased away missionaries and salesmen. They had a charmed life, as we ourselves did. Today I am sitting on my couch watching the neighbor go by with her german shepherd on a flashy plastic bejeweled leash, and a doggie raincoat. My own dog wont go out because it is raining and she is asleep on a pillow by the fire. All well and good but it gives me GREAT joy to see the truly charmed life that Cali has. l'm sure that if my own dog could watch your channel she would be waxing eloquent about her master, how she used to run free in the woods, sleep on the ground, climb the highest trees and go home only for dinner, half frozen and a muddy mess and now look at her, fat and sassy, sitting on the couch watching other people walk their dogs.

[@robertcharles1872]

My life here in Australia as a kid too. Unfortunately gone forever.

[@marianfrances4959]

Ah yes....our free-range childhoods!

[@chrismaurer2075]

My dog love's going to our cabin with me and riding on the trail's in the back of my Yamaha Rhino and stopping at a remote lake so she can swim then riding some more and stopping once in a while too walk through the wood's and pick up stick's. I love my girl.

[@virginiacalderon1382]

Hi Shawn please go pick up your package 📦 I sent you. It should be there by now.

[@PavlovsBob]

My childhood was just as you described. It was amazing. My mom actually wrote a series of children's books based the Adventures of Dora Belle Lee, our beloved "Irish Cart Hound". She was the ringleader of the local gang if dogs. My Dad determined the breed from a picture he saw in National Geographic of an Irishman and his dog sitting on a old horsedrawn cart but, she was actually a border collie mix we got from the local pound. Those were wonderful days.

[@stephanpace8678]

You are so lucky to have Cali with you she is a treasure. And a good supervisor 😀

[@jaimhaas5170]

Truly man's best friend.

[@estervillados8867]

Yes I agree with you! Notice how she looks at Shawn, so adorable!!!

[@jayhillrubis]

I always find a smile when Shawn throws her toy ... puppy dog joy! 😃 💖🙏🌻

[@jayhillrubis]

@@estervillados8867 Utterly in love! 💖🙏🌻

[@KoalityofLife]

A dog is a great companion for sure. :)

[@jacobdodge9055]

There is no other feeling like a day of hard work and a good meal

[@williamhilburn5977]

Amen!

[@GAsh0012]

Have you tried smoking weed?

[@jacobdodge9055]

@@GAsh0012 I am no stinky hippie so I have not

[@GAsh0012]

@@jacobdodge9055 then you shouldn't do it... Might go mad

[@markemerson8399]

Another work of art. Beautiful location, amidst the falling leaves, everything golden and red, the smoke, the logs, the fireplace, it's living art!

[@simonnelerette1971]

I just sent your video to both my sons , their father died when both boys were very young and they didn't get a chance to learn from him , but he was just like you in the woods and was such a strong individual hard worker , I hope both of my young men stop to look at your channel , and get addicted to you like their mother is I have learned so much from you . thank you

[@meen-r.d.7500]

Shawn you are an audience charmer. Every Friday, (which is my day off) I'm glued to my couch watching your videos.

[@cynthiajarrell9640]

Oooo, a Shawn video in the older style! I was beginning to wonder if we would ever get a longer build video again. Good to see it!

[@Moosiemoon]

Oh what would we do without your videos. Coffee on the porch, sunrise and a self reliance video. Ahhh life is good right about now. Hug Cali for me. 👌

[@blingsthing]

What are the piers at the cabin corners made of? And why did you put birch bark under the first course?

[@rhondafoster6122]

Love watching a strong man work with his hands! And also an outdoorsman! ❤️❤️❤️God bless

[@kevj4584]

As someone who lives in the city and dreams of one day buying a plot of land up north to build a cottage, thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through you for now haha. Awesome videos!

[@j.l.thurman2725]

we got a plot bancroft way. We planned to build there, but then decided to move to Nova Scotia I would like to get a small farm.

[@manfred9528]

@@j.l.thurman2725 I frequent past bancroft nearly monthly, I love it up there

[@LadyLucidity]

I love what you do Shawn. Your love of nature, your family and a certain simplicity of life. I am a woman who really appreciates your videos and your way of life. It is a way of life I have dreamed of for many years. I know it is hard work and not always that simple But you sure make it look like a dream. Many blessing to you and yours.

[@MarcvanExel]

43 minutes, what a treat! Building already looks good and rock solid. Have a nice weekend Shawn!

[@davidmeisel1931]

Shawn, my APOLOGIES. You are doing everything the way it should be done. From 2008 till present, with many health issues, sucks. Here in the northeast, CODES, CODES Dictate what we can and can't do. Had a home, my own well, septic and i still heated with wood for 31 year's. Divorced after 27 years, bike accident in 2002, caused many issues. Love what your doing. Enjoy, we never know.. peace.

[@Scottykfitness]

This man is the epitome of "work smarter, not harder" I learn so much from watching these videos keep up the good work!

[@curtisabrams2950]

We have been watching your channel since it has started many seasons ago. It has been a real joy to see the progression of the property and the skills and hard work you posses. We have a Australian Shepard puppy just turned 1 year and she sits right beside me and watches you and Cali do your thing. Amazing work, thanks again for sharing your knowledge and taking the time to put together something that will become a timeless masterpiece. Cheers

[@rbarkdog]

on many levels this has been the best video of your series Shawn - amazing work!! amazing dog!! amazing everything

[@livingfreepa2846]

I love the bushy tail. A lot of people over look squirrel as a meat source but I eat a lot of them. You get more than you expect from a squirrel, they’re delicious and abundant. Not to mention versatile.

[@gardenia24sugarfoot.36]

another enjoyable video, thank you Shawn James, good health to you & Cali.

[@virginiamoramiranda1324]

I love the cart to carry things, beautiful. hug from Buenos Aires. I live here, exiled from my land. I knew how to love and respect this land that shelters me. I love that beautiful place.

[@medtech1a]

Shawn I truly admire your work and diligent in getting so many projects started and completed. As you know my love and passion is fly fishing but Covid has curtailed my fishing but a younger man i truly loved building stuff but working so much in the hospital has given me little time to do so. But I do truly enjoy watching your channel and craftsmanship. Cali wants to play.

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Going to be interesting to see how you utilize the space in the shop next to the pond. Keeping it organized and functional without packing too much stuff in there. Tripping over things is a problem no matter how big or small your shop is in size.

[@edkokosko1759]

Love your videos. I really want to see the finished root cellar.

[@marlenekutcher938]

So happy I moved from cable to wifi for some of the best on you tube!

[@georgevangordon9728]

How to tell when you build a strong structure “” when it takes 15 minutes and an 8 pound hammer to drive one nail “ 😂 it’s very entertaining watching you build Shawn and educational

[@halamomslife6947]

Watching while a storm with 180 kph wind gustiness is battering our place. Rain's sporadic but with such heavy downpour. Couldn't get to my plants so watching Shawn is the next best thing to while away time. What a hardworking man you are!

[@deborahpellerito6117]

Most relaxing channel a life saver!

[@truethat8503]

I really enjoy watching you and your dog hanging out in the woods

[@inmyopinion6836]

I really love the use of solid timber to build a permanent shelter . Insulation value per inch of thickness is equal to fiberglass , the inner and outer wall surfaces are finished and paint isn't required . Perhaps a mopping of Danish Oil for long term stability would be nice . I , and I'm sure you too , laughed at the lifting set up and the waste of time that became . As small as these timbers are , you are quite man enough to muscle them into place by a little leverage and logic . Looking forward to completion , this is a great idea . Long term stats should be interesting .

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

Fiberglass is only as good as the walls that support them

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

Fred , I guess you are formulae with the term “ thermal bridging “?

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

I am still pretty sure that the R value of fiberglass is measured without any kind of gaps

[@heiditobin4341]

Fabulous! What a glorious place to live and prosper!

[@lory2622]

“Building an Off Grid *Village* in the Wilderness”, by Shawn James.

[@charlarlarge]

This is what life is all about. Thank you so much Shawn

[@minnuefrizz7378]

Definitely your channel is my safe haven, I can’t stand broadcast tv anymore.

[@davemi00]

But the Commercialization of YT has caught up to TV. 🤬

[@duggsie6414]

@@davemi00 The commercials in between the TV programs aren't so bad, it's the crap they break up that's a load of shite

[@leebryan2511]

Unplugged mine during a typhouon here inPhills...Forgot it!!!.. Bought My Two and a half yr old her own tablet...None of us misses tv..

[@HaiderAlMafraji]

I am a native Arab. I wish I could live with you😉. I love nature, as there is no internet and no television

[@User-ql9nq]

I was just thinking “I hope Shawn uploads on his main channel soon” and then boom here it is

[@lancedaniels]

Thanks for posting and sharing. It is great to see how things are going for you with the workshop build.

[@annemarieseguy4188]

Golden fingers & golden retriever !! 👍😂😂😂👏👏👏🇲🇫🇲🇫🇲🇫 🍁🍂

[@jerrynewyork3142]

This man is amazing , I been watching this show from the beginning and for me , this is the best what you can find on KZbin on this thematic ( including a Dick Proenneke movie) , this man is so skilled and calm and always a doing a great job.

[@nunofyourbizness5975]

You're living the life brother. Enjoy!

[@MakinMoneyISeasy]

Just like my Golden, desperately waiting for you to throw something for him to fetch, but not patient enough to watch where you actually throw it.

[@garybeaudetsr8642]

You are living the life brother. Bravo!

[@jameswulzen590]

that workshop would suit me fine, you don't need a giant shop to turn out stuff, you need a place to keep your tools in order and a bench to work on. I started out with a 124 square foot shed built a motorcycle in it and I had 4 tool boxes, welding rigs, bench and no room, still made it work, now I moved the GP motorcycle into my 265 foot bedroom.

[@colettelavery7452]

Fantastic viewing Cali almost human the way she waits for you to find her toy to throw it for her to fetch it we are in lockdown until December,1st and it is great to see what you are up to take care of yourself and Cali God Bless 🇨🇮

[@JamesJohnson-yh1oh]

Elizabeth says, Great job, Shawn! It is my opinion that the 224 thumbs-down, are folks who wear a mask without asking why, and they don't think for themselves, but judge and make choices and decisions throughout their lives based on how they "feel", based upon their "emotions" at the time! They are folks who could never live your independent, sovereign, God-given, self-reliant lifestyle because they listen to their failures speak to them, and are convinced by the voice of inexperience. I can't prove this, but it is my assertion. Just my opinion.

[@Mental.Endurance]

You and your dog have the best lifestyle ❤ Definitely a goal of mine to live that way.

[@dancingdice3178]

Hey Shawn, can you give us some more background info? How far away from the cabin is the workshop? You used the atv? And it’s tiny. What are you planning to use it for? What about the distance between the cabin and the pond? Could you explain a little more regarding the layout of the homestead? Sooo many questions , thanks for the videos btw .

[@danieloliver20]

I bet the shop build is practice for the house by Cali's Pond... Shawn will need a crane for that!

[@trevorc6554]

I agree it gets frustrating to fallow when things aren’t explained, root cellar,shop size &location, atv , new build by pond

[@danieloliver20]

@@trevorc6554 Shawn's the mystery man... he's doing something right, 1.54million subscribers & counting!

[@richardsabean5781]

@@danieloliver20 4 Ginn poles,, good come-a-long,...

[@danieloliver20]

@@trevorc6554 with 1.5M followers there will be some crazies snooping... we saw what happened to the squirel!

[@markrtoffeeman]

You're the man Shawn. Great to have a loyal companion like Cali whilst you work too.

[@harryfairman9766]

Love it. Thank you for your passion and time.

[@flyingwalrus7831]

Golden Retrievers Mans best creation?

[@pamelasinclair-karney8856]

You are a very good man. Doing everything by yourself. I like watching your videos.

[@veemount3803]

Really curious to know what the significance of a piece of birch bark on each of the pillars is. 🧐

[@leahr.2620]

I wondered too, then someone in the comments said waterproofing. I guess to keep the wood from absorbing water from the stone below. 😕

[@veemount3803]

@@leahr.2620 waterproofing, now you say it, it makes so much sense - wonderful

[@cforster6813]

When i seen you unravel the wire, i thought, wait what? Then it made sense when i saw the winch. I just wanna thank you Shaun for all the high quality content thatyou are producing. The audience also appreciates some of these longer length episodes from time to time. If you put out episodes longer than 25 minutes, I'm making time in my day to fit that in You can bet on that! The square cabin looks fan-freaking Tastic.

[@stegistegi7434]

Hey Shawn, I would use a secondary roll to lift the locks. makes it much esear :=) at least for the higher grounds. And another idea, i would use more bigger trees for th crane. sory for my english, i come from germany and i dont write often in english have fun and stay helthy

[@PavlovsBob]

What a beautiful spot

[@sunflowershanti4940]

🌻Thanks Shawn for listening to our questions!

[@samijadalah4104]

I hope ican live like you , keep going u are the best

[@sstone01]

That beautiful dog standing guard....1:30

[@jwicks7612]

I've never eaten squirrel.... I must say it looked mighty good !!! Every time you cook anything... it always makes my mouth water!!!! Work shed looks like it's going to be awesome!!! U r a pretty smart cookie hooking up the pulleys to help lift the load!!!! 😊

[@boyblue5320]

How is this NOT the best content smokin?!? incredible! 1 mane!!

[@margaretcarter517]

That nail though!!!!!!!! Longer than my forearm. Thanks for another lovely video.

[@auldashy]

Shawn, what was the birch bark in the corners for? Moisture barrier perhaps?

[@krishnalikesme]

Can you please put a nice stable metal base on the pegs of the rocket coffee maker in the outdoor kitchen? It’s like playing a game of chicken every time you make coffee. C’mon man, this is crazy!

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

Hey there Shawn, you're making very good progress on your building projects. Watching you pound those enormous nails into the timbers caused me to have a "flashback". I used to work in the Hotdip Galvanizing shops. Those humongous nails you were using were called Texas Tacks by a company that produced them back in the 1980's. I was surprised to see them being used. Great video series and of course the Star, Cali. Thanks for sharing another great video.

[@JamesJohnson-yh1oh]

Elizabeth from far northern California says: I'm liking those manicured timbers! A beautiful finished look. Yum to the meat dinner!

[@gloriagodfrey3899]

I enjoy watching your videos. Thank you.

[@77tjm]

These videos put me in ASMR heaven! lol And the 4k is such a pleasure to watch! Thanks for your hard work and attention to detail both on & off the camera! :)

[@roxannesykes415]

Love your pup Callie barely see her rolling in fall leaves lol as she seems say im bored dad lol

[@amylilleydesign]

My Friday night ‘wind down’ with Shawn, so many thank you’s ❤️😎🙏🏻

[@florinamaciu3023]

O zi binecuvîntată...

[@raynonabohrer5624]

Wonderful video glad you're able to do this. Praise God. Be careful.

[@assocrec]

Pure bliss! Awesome job Shawn!!

[@draigygoch]

Your dog is nuts, love the videos, thanks

[@celialuz8]

Hello Man!

[@johngirgenti1611]

Great video very inspiring and no nudity thanks Isabell

[@robhenderson9320]

Always find your building videos so soothing and relaxing to watch

[@vs3482]

I know those who made comments about my comment. You are 237 people who dont like what Shawn does daily. What he does is excellent you cant stand.

[@brianbranson2306]

Yah I think if i was gonna go to all this effort and material. Id build something cool like the fort kent blockhouse with the dormers.

[@dndaughtery]

Paid off the last bill a month ago. I’m on the fast track saving for my land. Oh one question. Are you where they are doing the StarLink beta internet trial? That should really help you out with your uploads.

[@onelovediossobretodo8217]

WHAT? REALLY!REALLY..?

[@carllawrence8644]

Huh???

[@harvdog5669]

Sean is using metal spikes, I want to use a 1 1/2 inch or 2 inch wood dowels to pin walls together...

[@TheElgros]

superbe video! la qualité d'image est splendide. tu as réussi a me faire décrocher en ces temps de covid et me donner le gout de m'isoler du mode de vie citadine.

[@vivianwilliams2216]

You put together some really great builds and ideas 💡, You may need an even bigger workshop! 😊👍💕💕💕

[@byronbasso9922]

At approximately 14:33 on your video there looked to be some animals moving through the bush like wolves on the right hand side of the video did anyone else notice that.

[@williambryant5946]

I think it was a few turkeys.

[@itsjustournature8045]

Shawn confirms to Wendal Sullivan in the Comments section that they were turkeys.

[@mofosoto]

I love seeing how creative you get to solve problems. One thing I always try to think for myself and for others is that we can accomplish any tasks we want because we have brains. So while many people might think it's impossible to build a cabin by yourself all you have to do is figure out a way with your brain. Pulleys are a fantastic way to lift things that we couldn't normally lift. You may want to rig another pulley or two in that system to make things a little easier and why not use the winch while you're at it. By the way, you're a pretty buff dude(no homo) and we've seen Proenneke lift larger logs to build his cabin and I think we've even seen you do so your self, so why complicate things? Just manhandle 'em. Although I do understand why anyone would want to figure out an easier way and like I said, I think we all love seeing your creativity.

[@DaOneNOnly-fi4iv]

I am curious to see how you attach the floor joists. I think I would have turned one of the bottom layers on its side making it wider than the rest and making a ledge for the joists but you may have something else planned!

[@fatimaaparecida1635]

Seria maravilhoso se tivesse tradução do que ele fala pra nós aqui do Brasil pudesse entender

[@danielragostini]

muitas vezes tem legenda

[@Joy-rh6wv]

Love to see you work...can't help it. The way you do and don't!

[@denniskaiser4903]

My body hurts just watching you lifting those big logs!!!

[@ericjalbert9270]

Awesome content!!! Learning so much!

[@Vadlife]

Look forward to the sequel

[@antond2154]

Cali is in charge of this project lol !! 😎 love watching these vedeos!! Thanks for sharing Shawn, I could watch these vedeos all day long

[@peterwatson4382]

You guys are lucky , watching you drive those spikes in , in Australia you'd have to drill first or bend fifty nails on the second hit even lol.

[@genegoodman5233]

Thanks Shawn I found one. Stay safe

[@rowanelessar5892]

It would be really helpful if during your building projects you added text that says the tool(s) you're using and what you're using them for.

[@2H80vids]

Idk about that. It might clear up the odd puzzle but would take out some of the fun/mystery.😁

[@joaorobertodesouzateteu9656]

Congratulations Shaw, going back to the roots, another beautiful building in the forest. Hugs. JOÃO (BRAZIL)

[@lutemule]

We made squirrel stew back in the day and it was really good.

[@donaldtrabeaux5235]

Absolutely awesome but why not use the 4 wheeler to help with all the heavy lifting, Cali is so enjoying her self she is a beautiful take care stay safe god bless

[@zachtbh]

Ah, the sound at 26:22 are like music to my ears

[@TheKerb10videosandpictures]

Pretty tough work.. Getting older man, you might save you shoulder , elbow . Will cost you. BEWARE

[@fabianaruiz913]

Una vida soñada en un bello lugar!

[@chuckthebull]

I kept thinking if I built a cabin between two great big trees I could rig some sort of winch system between them.

[@SuperDanest]

Hello Shawn, my name is Daniel and I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina. This pandemic has found my wife and me watching KZbin videos. and we discovered them .. we can't stop looking at your videos and being amazed at what you do, and we are amazed by your dog Cali ... (who is the real protagonist haha) we don't speak English and not always KZbin allows translations but we still do mine ... we would like to know about the deposit that you have made with burned wood .. we did not see it finished .. many, many thanks .. a big greeting .. from Argentina ....