Starting our New Off Grid Cabin

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Beijinos e abraços,
Carissa, Iwan, Frankie & Albi
Our Story:
We are Carissa, Iwan & Frankie the sausage dog, and in 2020 decided one night over a bottle of wine that moving from North Wales to Portugal would be a good idea. Within a month we were on the road to Portugal to find the perfect piece of land to call home. We picked up Albi, Joao and Simao the cats along the way, as well as Diogo the podengo and a flock of chickens.
Subscribe to follow our project as we turn an old stone barn into our home, and learn the ropes of looking after a piece of land to make an abundant garden and one day, our very own winery.

[@tigercatartist]

Completely unrelated to the video. I love how the animals want to be included in everything you do. It's so cute. It makes them so happy. Just think about the pets shut up in an apartment all day, how happy a life like this would make them. You have lucky animals.

[@user-hi2pu5dl4l]

You’re so right ….these animals are so fortunate to live such a life in freedom and not shut up in an apartment all day …quite often alone during the day. Watching these guys so blissfully happy warms the heart ❤️❤️❤️🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛🦮🦮🪿🪿

[@Neilhuny]

The whole community you have gathered around you is GREAT! I really enjoy reading all the comments under your videos - so pleasant, so positive, so supportive, reasonable and kind! You did that; you fully deserve your popularity, and more

[@marilynlanger1932]

Photography has always been spectacularly artistic but in this video has reached a totally new level. Much more three dimensional. New camera? Actually looks professional. Whoever is behind this camera should be lead camera person in cinema industry.

[@patbuckley4039]

It's a static camera isn't it?

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Ah thank you so so much! Super kind of you! Iwan did get a new camera and lenses a few months back which has definitely allowed us to show a bit more of the land.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

We use it on a tripod 99% of the time yes, I think we prefer it that way.

[@patbuckley4039]

@@FrankieOffGrid it's perfect.

[@user-mz2oc5vp4e]

Good morning from Australia 🐝 Since I discovered your channel it has become a Sunday morning ritual to make a pot of tea and sit down and watch your beautiful story unfold. The animals are always a delight as are your successes in the veggie garden. Did you know that you can plant green potatoes as next years seed potatoes? Can’t wait to see the new building grow. Have a great week 🌺

[@calypso4554]

I love the way you are filming! I am sure you have your ups and downs like we all have, and you are hard working, but when I see you and your animals coexist so tranquil and peaceful I feel like I see a tiny bit of paradise. ❤

[@Neilhuny]

YES!! They must argue or get pee-ed off with each other at times, it's only natural, but they are a great couple that look more than "right" together.

[@user-hi2pu5dl4l]

It’s such a heartwarming scene watching the animals happily following Mum and Dad around… ready to jump in and help ….Albi supervising 😻😻😻

[@HoneyTeaBiscuit]

Would it be wise to put some barrier like plastic between the earth and the pallets for a little extra longevity? The mimosa would be a pain. :)

[@anderslindberg5761]

Yeah, it Will prevent the rising damp. I would go for it too. Greetings from Denmark

[@quintadovalepermaculture]

Not sure how long you're planning to use this pallet cabin, but if there's any chance you'll be using it for a while - and especially in winter - wouldn't it be a good idea to make sure those pallets are properly levelled (there's a lot of movement when even a dog walks onto them), supported on firmly-seated concrete blocks at each corner so they're off the ground, with a plastic vapour barrier between the blocks and the pallets? And if you're planning to use it to stay in, maybe some insulation? A stable level floor makes such a difference ...!

[@ddenice963]

I love how all the chickens, cats and dogs stay right with you. They are so adorable.

[@wendybishop2421]

Even a 52 minute video I’m sad when it ends ❤

[@lifeinthecountrysidehome]

You have a very nice property. I enjoy watching you both develop your homestead. Your animals always look so happy running around and enjoying themselves.

[@PandaWD]

Very exciting to see the first steps towards building your new cabin. It looks as though it's going to be quite a bit bigger than the old one, and I'm looking forward to seeing it gradually take shape.

[@rhondag9700]

Have you seen The Scotters pallet barn build. It's brilliant.

[@user-ls9yu9hx8w]

Pallets are not a bad idea, but stacking them up on the sides without additional lumber to full height won’t withstand wind forces. Recommendation: 1) moisturize barrier under pallets. 2) paint pallets and lumber with oil based paint to repel moisture before assembling further. 3) nail pallets together for floor. 4) plywood or similar sheeting on floor. 5) install 4 2”x6” lumber around inside perimeter. 6) nail a 2”x4” to each side of two pallets in tandem and then stand it up. and nail to structure. Use metal straps between 2’x4” also install 2x4” in center dropped in from top with metal straps. It will probably require bracing, and repeat.7) add top plate. 8) repeat for all sides, except where door is going. Nail 2’x4”s at edge for door entrance and cut out base plate. Insulation can be added in pallets before assembling. Then build roof. It requires lumber but the walls are closer to being plaster ready. Maybe moisture barrier and then final exterior.

[@inabates8919]

Also ants don’t like cinnamon, paprika, cayenne pepper, won’t harm them, they just leave the premises. I had a major problem with ants nesting in my pot plants, my mum told me to lightly sprinkle any of these around the base of pots, to stop more ants invading, then flush the pot with water. I’ve not had any problems with ants in eleven years now.

[@shirleyrice7093]

Thank you for that. That is so good to know.

[@suedale1865]

Well done lot of hard work you have done this week

[@chrisdouglass7962]

Do you suppose cayenne pepper way past it's expiration date would still be effective?? 😁😝

[@moonhunter9993]

@@chrisdouglass7962 yes

[@chrisdouglass7962]

@@moonhunter9993 😁 no more sprays!! THANK YOU!!!

[@artkryss496]

it's such a pleasant pace in your films that you almost fall asleep, but it doesn't matter because I can watch them again

[@elainekaufman2264]

Doggo is always smiling .you can tell he loves being near you.

[@judyannludchawefoyagao8278]

It calms me down to watch your videos so thank you. I have always loved working with my hands and working on the land. Watching the both of you cultivate your land realizes my fantasies,😊❤️

[@juanitakauffman6336]

The animals think you are putting the chair and pallets around for them!

[@ritafoster4958]

Great episode! Beautiful photography, music and atmosphere. I feel rejuvenated after every episode. Thank you! ❤️🇨🇦

[@vvmmuu]

I'm an Aussie and when I bought my house it had three wattles in the backyard, they look great with their flowers but the branches kept breaking off like 1/3rd of a 4 to 5 metre high tree at a time, and the yard seemed to be always full of fallen branches. Eventually I pulled them out as I was feeling they were more like a weed, no good for anything. They have a nickname of "The Widowmaker" for falling branches. I agree totally with you getting rid of them. Love your vids, ALL the best. 🐶🐕🐱🐱 🐨

[@neutonrenda2303]

This time of year you can notice just how much the seasons have changed with the vegetation on your property. It's starting to look like hot days ahead.👍

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Summer is here! 😅

[@Tigger4747]

Interesting potato experiment. The potatoes should keep in a completely dark, dry, mouse free place without being left in the sun first, probably until Christmas depending on what variety they are. You don't want to risk them going green! Perhaps you should earth the plants up more so less of them go green before being harvested? That should make more grow and get bigger too. 😋

[@maryroberts8566]

What a joy to see you building your life every day .I love the rock background the olive trees the grape vineyards the way you turn everything you do to bring more to your life ,I do believe you are living life like it’s supposed to be lived .Thank you for shareing it with us

[@cherylanne6846]

Love how u work in sync... a peaceful homestead!

[@deborahreynolds1552]

You both and all your animals are so content, so nice to watch. Love It!

[@yvonnedavies9693]

Suggestion...keep the green potatoes as seed potatoes for your next crop to harvest. 🎉

[@PennyHarding-yc7bl]

Why? Very interesting.

[@lesleygraham5927]

My grandma always did this in her garden all those years ago.

[@SusanLH]

@@PennyHarding-yc7bl It's recommended not to eat green potatoes and apparently they're slightly better as seed potatoes because the green acts as a pest deterrent. Respect to Grandmas @lesleygraham5927, they know stuff. 😀

[@dhgifts]

Seems to me on Your new addition that You'd need to put down a Vapor Barrier on the Ground and build more off the ground. I'm from the US and know nothing about Portugal.

[@barbaradavie150]

Oh I do love your videos! Frankie of course, I just adore and Diogo is always alert and on guard. The birds and the bird songs. Then....all the clearing - the stone wall looks amazing.

[@lorrainewoodcock520]

❤ the peace and tranquilty of the music you choose for your videos .The animals are very inquisitive 😊

[@user-mr2jz1gb7p]

I am happy and excited for you,that you are developing.The nature around your homestead is wonderful ❤

[@neutonrenda2303]

Lol, here in South Africa we call those ants ball biters. I'd be on the lookout for snakes, then my ankles reach the height of my ears lol.😂

[@sheilakerr-jones4345]

Lovely to see you enjoying the fruits of all your labor, and the animals! ❤️🤗

[@ourvan.ourway]

Good morning guys. What a great start to your new cabin build. It’s going to be some size. Make sure the roof is fully supported with uprights when you get to that stage, and make sure you use thick enough timbers for the roof beams too. I only mention this, as I didn’t when I built a large shed in my garden. The roof started to sag & I had to do emergency repairs inside to save it collapsing, which meant I couldn’t use the shed for its original intended purpose (a home gym). I’m looking forward to seeing you progress with the build as the weeks go by. Have a great day 😀

[@knelson5442]

You should checkout the pallet tiny house (not so tiny) that The Scotters are building while they take a break from their future stone home. They decided that they could build an interim house in their barn and they have done amazing crazy things worth looking at. It’s start to almost finish in the last 5-6 episodes of their channel.

[@SunraeSkatimunggr]

I love your two dogs...so different from each other. Wow, you guys are "roughing it" more than I realized.

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

People all over the world were relieved and delighted that you both were wearing hats, this week. 👍❤️🥂

[@kdclothes]

You two work so well together. Respect. You both have strengths and use them together and separate. Nice work. You obviously enjoy your lives. Bravo! Thank you as always for sharing your lives with us. I find all you do very interesting. love from Italy, Katie

[@lesleygraham5927]

My exact thought, love how whatever they do is together, and seperately is worked through, and just so well considered. You both are amazing.

[@AleeshaSattva]

be sure to check your ear protection/headphones (for scorpions and centipedes) before you put them on! they can hide in them!

[@CampOutWest]

New fear unlocked 🤯

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Ahhh I will forever be checking them now. I already always check my shoes but a scorpion in the ear is a whole new horrifying! 🦂

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Jesus sufferin’ Christ! 🤦❤️😂

[@lizwilson6633]

I was more screaming "eeeek" when the helmet, mask etc was put on the ground right next to where you found all those ants. Oooh just the thought 😂. Nice vlog guys. Looking forward to the new cabin build

[@matthewgordon-clark2392]

good to see you looking better Carissa

[@carolbulmer8253]

Good morning, Carissa and Iwan. It’s good to see the new cabin footprint… it will be exciting to have an indoor shower. Great potato harvest! See you next week❤️❤️

[@corky9589]

Ye are my favourite Saturday treat .i know it’s hard work for ye but your animals live in seventh heaven ❤

[@teresapope99]

I been watching you for a while now, I love your enthusiasm and zest for life,such a hard working couple,you remind me of my daughter and son-in-law, really hard working with a love fir life and animals.ur such an endearing couple.love the new kitty,what a joyful bundle you diago found lol...

[@JaxPah8640]

Watch th e Scooters. They built. a whole house from pallets and things around property and products bought cheaply

[@Aotruba]

I enjoy watching your videos ❤ Content relaxes me and I love sweet doggies and kitties 🐈🐈🐈🐶🐶. Chickens are so cute and like to follow you. Great music, too!👍 Take care and hope you're doing well, Carissa...

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Rise and shine central Portugal! 🇵🇹 😉❤️🥂

[@FrankieOffGrid]

🤣 Iwans already strimming and I’ve just published, I was a bit upset when I woke up and there wasn’t yet a Jimmy comment, makes my Saturday! 💛

[@user-ps1lv8yv9t]

Those lounging puppy dogs are so adorable! 🥰wow, the new cabin is going to be so much bigger than the one you have. Excited to watch the progress, greetings from Aotearoa/New Zealand 💚

[@jackie4286]

Your videos are a delight, both visually and for storytelling. Is your plot just prettier than others or have you made it that way? You haven't rushed into doing the barn, so much work to fix the walls as you did on the kitchen. I also love how you positioned the first cabin, it connected space between it and the kitchen. Not griping but audio could be a little better. Good luck with the next part of the project.

[@apryl62]

Just watched a Project Kampf video and they ring barked a grove of Mimosa trees to see if that would kill them and it did. Took a year for the plant to die but it worked. Might be worth a try on your land🤷‍♀

[@lapsedluddite3381]

I think the problem is that the mimosas are on their neighbour's land. Like so many Portugese small farms, their buildings are on the property line, so they don't have access to the mimosa grove behind them, that's the neighbours.

[@mezanian]

Another wonderful catch up with you all. 😊

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

When I move to Portugal and buy a wee farm, I’m going to have to have you guys come and work the land as im not so good with scorpions. I’ll just sit on the veranda, fanning myself. Large veggie patch, and all the animals we want. Oh, and a vineyard too. I’m just awaiting the lottery win. 😉🤞❤️🥂

[@FrankieOffGrid]

🦂🦂🦂🦂

[@jimmyconnolly3461]

Stap it!!!🤦😂

[@FrankieOffGrid]

🦂🦂🦂🦂🦂🦂🦂🦂

[@SandraH.-ro2ox]

Rocks sure play a big part of your life! 😂 it seems that the both of you are constantly transporting them all around your property! (and sticks/wood) 😉

[@pedroalexnoelia]

The green potato is excelente for potato seed

[@shirleyrice7093]

You have a wonderful wall of piled stones to use for building structures.

[@JTTW1455]

How exciting to be starting on the cabin. Can’t wait to see it go up. Thanks for the video.

[@micheledenise2305]

I didn't think u dug potatoes until the vines on top of the ground start dying..We do that in the South US and it gets dry and hot here and harvest way more potatoes maybe ur harvesting to soon..😊

[@victoriakopp1483]

Like always, a beautiful video. Love you guys, and the animals are as lovely as you

[@LifebyBertie]

Well that's a great start on the cabin, can't wait to see how that will go about. Amazing how climber skills can help you getting a pipe out of the well, would've never thought about that but it's a great tip if you ever get into a situation like that. And what is not to love about the animal show we see every week, they are so cute trotting around on the land or being lazy on the couch or what not. Have a great week you guys!!! Cheers Bert 🙏🏻❤

[@fredlarge8209]

Thanks!

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you so much!! ❤️

[@junco477]

Always a pleasure to watch life unfold on your plot.

[@andie1769]

Google said knobby potatoes, ( yes I googled. potatoes with…..🤣🤣). ‘fluctuating growth conditions, hot & dry followed by cool and wet’. Also the difference between the dark ones & lighter skin ones, you may find is … dark ones with knobs are caked in clay soil, therefore wetter soil than the others. You will probably find that once rinsed off & scrubbed the darker potatoes are the same as the others. In Oz, darker potatoes, ie, unwashed potatoes are cheaper. Lovely video as usual. ❤❤

[@Neilhuny]

... saved me the trouble of Googling knobs and dark skins. I was genuinely curious having never seen that effect

[@annadaurie2435]

Love the video. I'm so excited that a new project has started. Have a great week.

[@asgeirandersen]

Good morning from south of France . Yes it's a marvelous film as ever thank for sharing

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Bonjour 😊🌞 merci

[@Har-ts5yt]

Looks lovely, the new cabin. Maybe 5x5? You have some space... and the cost will not be that much more and the living comfort will be 5 times more... !

[@user-dt1hr7ot9g]

Well done for all your hard work and inventiveness. Your beautiful home is so peaceful...you can enjoy the simple things in life... wonderful! I love how even the chickens enjoy watching the action! It's a joy to see how you both use your various skills to work together. It's a great blessing ❤

[@somahosseini9185]

I love your videos, they give me so much peace and love, thank you 🙏🏼 ❤

[@KotaMakes]

Acacia Dealbata is an Australian native which is part of the wattle family. Native to south eastern Australia depending on the area it is known as the silver or blue wattle due to the bark colour. In my home area of Australia (northern territory ie tropics) it is an invasive introduced species ie a weed that we are legally required to remove from all our land due to its environmental impact. The national floral emblem for Australia is Acacia pycnantha Benth . So Australia has many wattles or acacias. If your mimosa is near eucalyptus on your neighbours land it might be time to get serious about reducing your fire risk and undertaking a regeneration project to reintroduce the native forest for the region. Mimosa is for sentinel post fire returning plant in its native ecosystem of S.E Australia. The Blue Mountains NSW gets its name from the eucalyptus forest releasing oils in the heat. These forests includes a couple of types of paperbark eucalyptus which I have seen in Portugal. The Blue mountains get the name from the blue oil haze from the eucalyptus forests in high temperatures ie summer. Therefore the large amount mimosa in a eucalyptus pocket could be an indication of previous fires but that damn stuff is so invasive it could be there just due purely down to bird guano. I lost family members in the Ash Wednesday fires in Vic 1983 and others big bush fire events over the last forty years. Most recently I lost a beloved favourite uncle and his son in Flowerdale, vic in 2009 Black Saturday fires. Every year in Australia we have volunteer emergency crews from all around Australia sent to support local fire crews in Southern Australia during high fire risk season like the Portuguese volunteer Bombideas?. Don’t forget to make sure you are registered with your local fire station as living on your block so they know you are there.

[@wendyhorn8376]

Will the chickens eat the scorpions and centipedes, or do they steer clear of them for the same reasons we do?

[@katiadp2145]

Can't wait for the outcome of the cabin!!!😊😊🇬🇷 🇬🇷

[@pamelavargas2264]

Like that chipper

[@theyellowbootshomestead]

I love how you guys work so well as a team💛 Love all the animals and how they watch you do everything:) Beautiful video and shots! You inspire us to try our a pallet deck! Love ❤️

[@user-hi2pu5dl4l]

Just beautiful …. the animals are once again the Stars of the show ….thank you for such a beautiful video ❤❤❤

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks for watching 😊🐈 🐈‍⬛ 🐕

[@escapetoruralwales]

Another great episode guys. Me and the Mrs were saying how it’s great to see you both working together so well. We’re terrible 🤣 looking forward to seeing how the cabin comes along. Much love ❤️ J

[@leonasimmons162]

Good morning happy Saturday.💙🦋🎉❤🖐☺

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Good morning 😊💛🌞🌺

[@user-yn6bf9tv1i]

En varm hälsning från Sverige🇸🇪 till er i Portugal 🇵🇹 Jag har följt er en längre tid och jag är verkligen imponerad av ert hårda arbete. Lycka till från Sverige 🇸🇪 Glöm inte att njuta av varandra och ert jättefina ställe i Portugal Med hälsning från Sverige 🇸🇪

[@faithvansanden82]

Music so tranquil, it's great seeing you start your cabin x

[@shehazi695]

Diatomaceous earth for insect repellent and also food grade for chicken health 😊

[@jamesrivis620]

Love your speed of operation....especially on weekends. The music too is awesome. Btw I think that potatoes are 'hilled' as they grow avoids the sun turning them green. Also, by 'hilling' in rows makes the growing potatoes more visible and reminds you to cover the growing spuds.Hey Iwan, I am totally loving watching the footer !!

[@user-pi2bk3zn3z]

This is my favourite weekly vid to watch - thank you.

[@lynnemac1402]

Love your hat Carissa and that was a great demonstration Ewan, very clever. Looking forward to seeing the build of the new cabin x

[@peterwhite9261]

Neat idea. I look forward to seeing more. ❤

[@allon33]

You are right about the cold weather, the Gulf Stream is failing; this could be very bad for Europe. 🙁

[@patbuckley4039]

Weather manipulation, well documented over 100 years.

[@allon33]

@@patbuckley4039 Not that, this is a natural event. NY was under a mile of ice 20,000 years ago. Has nothing to do with Humans.

[@heatherhall3452]

You’re supposed to cure the potatoes in a cool dry place, so in a box in a room that’s not damp or mildew Why don’t you use a hand fork to harvest your under ground veggies? Cultivating the soil at the same time ?

[@kathiesalamacha895]

Love your dogs and cat

[@shellydunn9710]

I really like it when you add the name of the plant or bird your showing. Most are so beautiful and I don’t have them where I live.

[@SJC49]

That cabin is going to be lovely and big. I missed what its use will be….living area, bedroom, office?😍🇨🇦

[@Neilhuny]

Bedroom, shower and (Carissa doesn't like anyone to mention the subject) {whispers} toilet. I think. Plus a substantial 'patio' for sitting in the shade, perhaps working on 'pyooters' etc - half of the footprint?

[@joannagrimmer]

Your videos are indeed a tranquil place, even with the strimmer going flat out. Your photography, editing, choice of music, natural sounds and their creators, and that brilliant sunshine... Am wondering if your chickens eat the centipedes and scorpions? And very relieved you didn't did up a sock in amongst those potatoes! Such a wonderful hour-plus of enjoyment. Glad you are consolidating your web-accounts with CalmLines joining Frankie. Delightful! and, yes, you must be busy! Thank you both.

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thanks so much! They certainly do! They eat mice too

[@livingadventures5623]

A lovely video, thank you 😀

[@rachelfrees1268]

New potatoes are so good. The land clearing is very satisfying. Take care.❤

[@michelebushnik2874]

I would make sure they are ants, and not termites, as they look similiar, google slight body differences. Also if you have been bitting, google precausions to take for care, they can carry diseases! Such a lovely video as akways! Great wor kon the pallet platform!❤❤

[@projectportugal]

Wonderful as always ❤️

[@FrankieOffGrid]

Thank you! 😊

[@Kitty_cat2001]

I think a laser measuring tape would be easier & more accurate. Love the animals. Australia 🇦🇺

[@FrankieOffGrid]

We have got a laser leveller but we have to wait til it’s dark to use it outside! 😊☀️

[@ruthnoronha8206]

I’ve been waiting for this moment forever. I knew one day it might happen. I’m so excited.

[@pamelavargas2264]

With fire season best to get rid of those trees

[@uppanadam]

Gee you guys word hard!! And its starting to show!! Keep up the good work guys and enjoy that really big baked potato!! LOL!!

[@deborahilyia1125]

Carisa is fierce! ❤ meaning she is so courageous and brave! I just found you guys!❤❤❤

[@geoffcathiefield2762]

Mimosa is a native plant of North America

[@tafadzwakevinbadza]

Great video. Something to consider on the well side. Have a flotation device (Polystyrene block or a sealed water container) that is attached to the intake pipe in the well, to target the level of water that is clean. Also use a removable cover for the well to reduce the light going into the well, that helps with getting rid of some of the algae. We used to have algae problem with our shallow well.

[@TriciaBrandt-ql6fr]

Thank you again for the wonderful video! I woke up at 3:45 am and had to watch. Good start to the cabin. I worry about the scorpions getting all the fur babies. They are the sweetest ❤❤❤

[@maryroberts8566]

How exciting to see you all putting together your plans for your new cabin

[@annalinekennedy1027]

Wonderful watching. Love animals

[@user-vs4lc1gb6p]

Hi Carrissa and Iuwan .sent some pictures of Gingko leaves I hope it came through.regards Mike from NewZealand

[@rhondadean5455]

Your animals are so funny.