The Log Cabin: Clearing the Site and Preparing the Foundation Logs

In this third video in the log cabin series, I clear the cabin site of trees and underbrush, move two large cedars into place for foundation logs and make a hot lunch on my new bushbuddy stove.
On the first two days, the temperatures is cold, less than -20C with windchill. On the third day, the temperature rises to a few degrees above freezing and I have to remove layers to stay cool while working.
The trout stream is opening up and there are rabbits running around everywhere, eating the tops of the trees as I cut them down.
I have now spent 23 hours on the log cabin, most of that time spent cutting down trees, trimming branches and cutting the trees into logs for the cabin.
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My Self reliance, shawn james, winter camping, Bushcraft, Woodcraft, Survival, Primitive skills, Nature, EDC, Preparedness, Homesteading, Homestead, Camping, Fire, Self Reliance, Self Sufficiency, Living Off The Land, Off The Grid, Survival Kit, Bushcraft Kit, Pathfinder School, Firesteel, Ferro Rod, Carving, Primitive Shelters, Feathersticks, Campfire, Campfire Cooking, Bushcraft Breakfast, Fjallraven, Friction Fire, Dehydrated Meals, Food Storage, Freeze Dried Foods, Wild Edibles, Foraging, Life Hacks, Camping Hacks, Hunting, outdoors

[@TrustinTimber]

Keep up the hustle.

[@JoshuaSmithHomesteader]

Awesome stuff. Enjoyed the peaceful scenery shots. Thanks for not destroying it with background music. Cheers!!

[@SurvivalLilly]

Unbelievable how strong you are. This work takes a lot of effort. Great work!!

[@TheMountainRambler]

Super episode, It's great how you do everything yourself! greetings

[@mindyvaughn8217]

Who was it (if anyone) who taught you self reliance? Or was it something that just grew inside you. Did you have a mentor? Neither of my parents went to college. My father went to a trade school. My sisters and I all worked our way through college. I think I felt college was the thing to do because my big sisters said it was the thing to do. So that has always made me think that was the way to “know” things. With an instructor, but I think some individuals just have a natural ability to learn all on their own. I’m curious if that is you. You also seem to have come to your life philosophy fairly early in life. How do you think that happened. My core values I learned at my fathers knee and sometimes turned over that same knee. My goals were set early in my life about who I was and what my mission was. I wanted to be in service to others. I cared for my invalid mother until she died. So that had a pretty obvious impact on me. I became a Geriatric social worker, my sister just older than me became a nurse and my sister who is 16 years older than me became a millionaire. My mother was very healthy during that period of my sisters life. So I have always believed that environment plays a big part in who we are but I’m sure there are exceptions. You may have answered these questions in other videos so if you have I apologize. Thank you for sharing your wonderful documentarian abilities with us. In addition to really great editing. It’s very interesting.

[@MessianicJudaism]

Great video, can you do a video on how to select the right tree to build a log home. A lot of videos show how to build a log cabin but dont explain how they chose the trees. Thanks.

[@jwall62]

Great idea identifying the trees for us, that's always been a tough area for me for some reason.

[@MySelfReliance]

jwall62 Thanks. I will start adding more plant identification to my videos:)

[@BraxxJuventa]

Really great video. Very good quality! Thank you. :)

[@brianspencer4220]

Hi Shawn: great to follow your progress. It is amazing the hidden memories you have reawakened Thanks Brian 76

[@MySelfReliance]

Brian Spencer Thanks Brian!

[@alexwbanks70]

Yeah as hard as that all is, it sure is LIVIN!!!

[@josephallen19]

really awesome video, dude.

[@MySelfReliance]

JoeRobinetBushcraft Thanks dude!

[@saucyhoes4565]

JoeRobinetBushcraft so cool to see you here . (: big fan of both of you guys . Keep up the awesome videos

[@protosalasoutdoors1758]

Agreed. This whole series on building this cabin is very intriguing!

[@whitetiger432]

Joe Robinet Hey Joe...

[@johnnaylor4348]

Hey Shawn.. I'm curious about your foundation log's. Did you pick a specific kind of tree that can lie directly on the ground that won't rot? If so I think that is a brilliant idea.

[@MySelfReliance]

John Naylor Hey John. Yes, I specifically chose cedar for its rot resistance. Plus, the bottom ones are replaceable by jacking up one side at a time and sliding in a new skid or rocks.

[@johnnaylor4348]

Sweet .... Creating foundations in the wood's had my head spinning.

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

Almost to 10k buddy, good job! Looks like you've found your stride.

[@catspaw3815]

Less talk, more do. Is good

[@youngwoodsman4110]

I've only been watching for 2 months and this channel is great, I really appreciate the content

[@janej6253]

So much back breaking work! Beautiful scenery! Thank you for showing us city folk how it's done!

[@Laiynnalaiynna]

If this video was 3 hours long, I'd still watch it from start to end. Awesome stuff, very interesting! Good luck with the construction, Shawn!

[@MySelfReliance]

Lai Ynna That's awesome, thanks!

[@rickgreen9936]

Nice video work. A lot of work but "good" work. Will be watching, stay safe.

[@jmhelite4094]

I am a class A contractor and have been for over 10 years I have been doing construction for over 25 years and I am very impressed with your craftsmanship. You are a very intelligent man. You have inspired me to begin a new project. Thank you sharing your journey. I just hit the subscribe button. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@anderslarsen4912]

Great vids. I am doing a lot of building and renovation of cabins and houses, here where I live in Sweden. It is physically demanding as you know. For that reason I eat huge amounts of food every day because if I don't I loose too much weight. Watching you're videos I am wondering how you manage and prepare for sufficient nutrition? For me personally I plan for a week at a time. Cooking and packaging for a week so not to spend time preparing food and cleaning every day. This works here in Sweden where it gets cold so you don't need a fridge. I guess it would work where you are at too?

[@WhiteAngloSaxon]

Learning a lot from your videos. Thank you for the effort, sir.

[@alexisb7331]

Shawn, not spotted a video in which you laid the foundation with gravel, base logs and synthetic material. You mentioned this effort in later commentary. Is this a missing video section? Curious to understand your considerations for this base layer, and how you achieved this. Absolutely in awe of your ethos and achievement. Excellent source of inspiration, and idea sharing. Thank you for disseminating your knowledge and experiences.

[@Woodswalker1965]

Coming along nicely💪

[@henrymostert2125]

that's tough work how's your back feeling

[@MySelfReliance]

Henry Mostert Fantastic. Lol. It's seriously heavy work, but I'll be using pulleys for a lot of the work now.

[@sharonkeller7397]

I'm going back to see the beginning of your project so I can see it progress from the start. I can't imagine the strength it takes and perseverance to complete a project like this. It is so interesting to me. Have a good day. :) Sharon

[@mountainguyed67]

Where is the beginning video? Without numbers it’s not easy finding them.

[@brettsteele7386]

You are one tough SOAG, it is because of that, that I am now hooked and can't wait to see this get done.

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

You got me hooked now...going old school on this build...awesome. I will enjoy watching this project progress. Appreciate your hard work filming/editing/downloading...Be well!

[@karlmarques4739]

You're a freakin' stud man. Hard work man. Must be very rewarding when it's all done. Much respect.

[@MySelfReliance]

Karl Marques lol, thanks Karl, it's very rewarding.

[@bobbaxter7962]

Looking forward to watching the progress.

[@georgettewood8894]

Beautiful winter time, wholesome, crisp and bright.

[@MikeProut]

Wow! Very very inspiring! Already have my popcorn ready for the next video. Cheers brother!

[@VanlilfewithDaleandBailey]

This has to be a labor of love, because this is a lot of work for a video series. Thanks, I'm really enjoying it.

[@MySelfReliance]

dbkguy It's a labor of love for sure, and also a bit of a coming home after being inspired by seeing my old cabin last summer

[@CindyGerend]

Thanks for the cabin update, looking forward watching it go up. Congrats on 10K subs, you've come along way recently, Wtg!

[@MySelfReliance]

cindy gerend Thanks Cindy!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Looks like your making good progress. Like to see the techniques your using. Take care, Al

[@mzlleathers7249]

Loving the beautiful fresh clean clear water & your skills 😊

[@rahvastepaabel]

Great project! Looking forward to your next episodes. I think you have the energy and wisdom to make this an outstanding channel worth following!

[@MySelfReliance]

Martin A Thanks Martin

[@HeartlandMakesAndOutdoors]

I was watching you put that little bow saw together, thinking to myself, Oh Sheesh here we go, I would be digging in the snow for 30 minutes looking for that little wing nut. I don't know who many times, I have been in the woods, putting something together and then bam, dropped a nut and they always seam to find some tiny crease or hole to fall into. Thanks for sharing and keep up the fun videos, Have a blessed and merry christmas my friend. I hope you and your Family have a Blessed new year.

[@TAOutdoors]

Can't wait to see the final product!! Great vid

[@wallaceviviansadventures2095]

i am a new subscriber to your channel,nice looking spot.going to watch your cabin build videos.take care

[@cliffordwright1603]

Thanx for keeping use up to date on the progress. A lot of hard work before the actual build.

[@MySelfReliance]

Clifford Wright Thanks For watching Clifford!

[@jls191]

Lots of work but I can't wait to see it come along. I want to build one myself so I am paying attention. Nice work and I like your videos!

[@kellybalkom7149]

Perfect video to wake up to and have my coffee with. Looks like a lot of work building this cabin. Can't wait for the next video!

[@atamanatlas3098]

G'day buddy, I don't live in the US so consider this my comment ignorant. I just wanted to ask you a question regarding location. Isn't it a tad close to all the other trees / bush ? the reason I ask is what happens if a bush fire comes along ? You have no clearance and lots of fuel for fire, you wouldn't be able to defend that location from a bush fire? Or am I missing something ?

[@MySelfReliance]

Ataman Atlas Good day. That's very relevant in our north country where the boreal forest often catches fire and wildfires move quickly. In this particular area, there likely hasn't been a forest fire in hundreds of years due to topography, tree species, high human habitation with associated fire control, etc. Instead, I leave enough trees to provide some cooling shade in the summer, but also so that some sun gets on the cabin to keep it dry

[@NateBuker]

Nicely presented, Shawn. Looking forward to what's next!

[@MySelfReliance]

Nate Buker Thanks!

[@Henchman1977]

Where abouts is this? The various types of trees and the plantation spruce remind me of where I grew up in Eastern Ontario.

[@b-man1232]

My goodness that looks like a ton of work!! I think I'll continue to watch from my bed😁...

[@theageingadventurers4283]

Good work man. I look forward to seeing more.

[@micjam1986]

It's like a gym with a view! I use a piece of garden hose with a slice down the length to put over the teeth of my one man saw then tie it on like a timber hitch with a half hitch ever six inches or so.. works great.

[@MySelfReliance]

mic jam Good idea. I have leather and sinew here to make masks for them, but I think I'll follow your suggestion in the meantime. Thanks.

[@mountainguyed67]

Great idea. I made a sheath out of cardboard, but the teeth chewed through it before long.

[@WhereintheWorldisJosh]

This is a dream of mine. One day..

[@deepsix-pictureandvideos9099]

Good video, I am enjoying the series, nice time in the woods with the season change

[@sempi8159]

Keep up thegreat vids

[@jimmyc7803]

loving the vids. looking forward to the next one.

[@treylem3]

You are inspiring people. Mine and my wife's dream, and goal. YES, a healing 'little LOG house on the prairie' has always held a place in a our hearts. I've watched several of your vids. In a later video, when you talk about "watching everybody around me go 'crazy', after being in Toronto". I see it too my friend. Thank you

[@jacl4953]

hi i just subscribe love your project hello from Québec.

[@brownguy9848]

one thing is keep bugging me. How do you manage to record yourself from so many different angles??

[@archie7212]

Thanks Shawn, another great video, looking forward to the next :-)

[@sharondemayo2615]

I am so glad KZbin suggested your channel. I love watching off the grid shows on TV. And I am especially thrilled that your videos are like, and remind me so much of, the documentaries Alone In The Wilderness. I've watched them a million times. So relaxing. Cant get enough. And now I cant get enough of yours. Thank you and I wish you and your family (cute dog included) the best.

[@OutdoorsInspired]

Good stuff brother

[@bushcraftnorthof6012]

Good to see it coming along! Looks like there's a fair bit of work ahead of you. Can't wait to see it!

[@mischef18]

Cool, It is hard to judge just how much goes into it until it is shown bit by bit on video. ATB

[@rialobran]

What's the attire next week? Bermuda shorts? That much snow and ice I'm still in 15 layers. Liking the concise 'work' style of this video :)

[@MySelfReliance]

rhialobran Lol. I overheat quickly - there's a good chance I'll be shirtless, but nobody wants to see that!

[@joshl90]

240k+ subs in 11 months. Wow. You’ve earned them Shawn. This has been a fantastic cabin series

[@Knillix]

Love watching your videos, they are really relaxing. Keep it up!

[@MySelfReliance]

Tom Osbaldestin Thanks Tom

[@betsybk11]

Tom, it is relaxing for us to watch. The sights and sounds... For him? Lots of hard work! :)

[@westenderSSM]

Cool project. Weather looks nice. Black flies are coming though.........

[@MySelfReliance]

westenderSSM Yep, I have a couple of months

[@carmineiadeluca935]

Started looking back at earlier videos. Still all good 👍😉

[@Glenn55H]

Really enjoying the vids Shawn. I'd love to build a similar 'traditional' style log cabin on our property, not sure if my arms/shoulders could take it for long (old injuries), but my 27 yr. old son is fit, and 'ready to learn' the craft, so this is exactly up his alley too, he wants to put his own cabin here, on the land as well, a nice project we can do together... so thanks for showing us and sharing your skills with us.

[@MySelfReliance]

Glenn55H Thanks Glenn. You certainly have enough of the right trees on your property!

[@13prevailbushcraft]

Great work Shawn...Looking forward to following along on this build...Troy...

[@MySelfReliance]

13prevail What's happening with your cabin? Are you still working on it?

[@13prevailbushcraft]

My Self Reliance Haven't since before Xmas, chainsaw broke, quad broke, and just been real busy with 3 kids in Minor hockey...Also, I accidentally deleted a bunch of footage I had for an update video...Snow is melting and hockey is slowing down so hopefully I can get down there soon.

[@Codazoa]

I could watch this for hours. It's so peaceful

[@Broadluxe]

So pumped to this this one popped up today! Loved the focus on the actual process and heavy lifting. Great video, thanks Shawn!

[@johncoppola3925]

i cant find the first couple videos, help please

[@TimGoodblood]

Building my cabin 12' x 12' on cedar skids so it could be moved if need be.

[@MySelfReliance]

Tim Goodblood same here, and it's a cheap, stable foundation that can be easily replaced as it deteriorates

[@jayrobertson8008]

It's great how you do everything yourself, even down to a small fire without using a lighter. Everyone should watch your videos! I look forward to seeing the progress next week for sure....Thanks again for the videos!

[@MySelfReliance]

Jay Robertson Thanks Jay!

[@restoreallthings1806]

Good work on the start, looks to be a great place. Could almost smell the bark peeling.. and cool shots of the partially ice covered stream.

[@MySelfReliance]

Restore all things Thanks. Gotta love spring!

[@bigdaddyhalpin4645]

Do you carry any guns with you when you go out to chop down the street what happens if a moose or bear

[@MySelfReliance]

No, I like to think I'm in tune with the environment I'm immersed in and the animals that inhabit it. I've seen dozens of wolves, hundreds of bears and moose and never have I felt at risk.

[@RyanJKUS2012]

Suns out, guns out. Nice video

[@adj63]

Hello Shawn what kind of stove is that u use there ??? Greetings from Denmark

[@MySelfReliance]

adj63 Greetings. Bushbuddy stove from Alaska

[@bassackwardsbushcraft8961]

Very nice. I've been waiting all week for this. You don't disappoint. Thank you for taking us along. Love the two handed crosscut. Nice piece of gear. I've been looking for one for a while. All my axes are very old, rehafted by me, and I'd love to find an old crosscut to match. Who makes the one you're using, and how do you like it so far?

[@MySelfReliance]

BassAckwards Bushcraft Honestly, I bought this one for dry hardwood firewood so I can't recommend it for the purpose shown here. But, the quality is top notch.

[@deathbyastonishment7930]

What's your estimated time until completion of the structure?

[@MySelfReliance]

Well, it depends on a number of things, including the impact of the announcement I'm making next week. I think I'll get the structure done in the next month, and then I'll work on the interior, fireplace, etc. over the rest of the year

[@SCHNEKM483BK]

That's how it's done!

[@CamperChristina]

Loving these videos!

[@richardsayers9443]

Great vid I love what your doing it looks so peaceful and calming, what's the plan, to live in it or use it as a retreat. Play safe msf, looking forward to the next one

[@MySelfReliance]

Richard Sayers This one is just for camping trips.

[@redmenacetv]

Like the new format, reminds me of primitive survival guy. Looking forward to more.

[@MySelfReliance]

Tom V Thanks Tom

[@treylem3]

*...or forest, even better

[@TimGoodblood]

Very nice work. Both the building and the video editing is awesome. I could learn a lot from you to make my videos better. If you ever want to come to experience the forests of Maine... Please hit me up. I got 5 beautiful acers here.

[@MySelfReliance]

Tim Goodblood thanks Tim. I agree, your videos need work :) But, your content is very informative and your music is a pleasure to listen to. I would like to share your music on a future video if you're ok with that.

[@TimGoodblood]

I would be honored if you used my music.

[@jamessherrin1110]

Tim Goodblood Acers Maples

[@gdchannel73]

Good video

[@johngehling2811]

Hi Shawn. Really enjoying this. I trained as a missionary under New Tribes Mission. Each year we would build our own homes, utilities, etc. to live in for 6 weeks. Some of the best memories of my life. But, all that was done in WI and OR during summer. Consequently, surviving in Ontario is a different ball game. I think it'd be great if you started with the basics of prepping. Where you got your stuff and why? Sleeping bag, gloves, thermals, etc. Remember we are newbies. Look forward to the rest. Also, tools and why you chose what you did. Just basics, that you take for granted, but that would save us a lot of time and effort in gathering info. Thanks.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks John, great suggestions.

[@johngehling2811]

One other thing I thought of. Buying property in Canada if you live in the US. Pluses, minuses, process, selection, etc.

[@robertmeintzer]

DAMN HARD WORK!

[@fellaz1000]

awsome video

[@Breanna7]

👍❤️

[@jimnielsen8030]

sven saws rock! still made by minnesota swedes? take apart and store compactly to take along hiking, dirt biking, quadding, 4-wheeling, survival, and even handy for knocking down pecker poles and branches quickly and easily! sven fan 4-life...

[@joebrown1382]

That's nothing but bull work & you look to be in shape to handle it. Very interesting watching you work. I subbed you & rang the bell.

[@freeatlast7262]

Damn. Who needs the gym. Your average Olympic athlete would be crying after a day of work like this. I wonder how much daily calories are needed to keep this up. I'd guess a minute 3000.

[@flindersadventures9410]

Loving this series buddy.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks buddy. See you soon

[@paulmac1797]

Love your videos, I've been learning cabin building recently but it's quite slow as there aren't really that many log cabins in Ireland. Keep up the great work and thanks for the videos 😁 Also what make of ripping saw are you using and would you buy the same one again?

[@DarthNihilusKorriban]

umm...previously you told us about the car and those ropes. and you are carrying the trees by hand... how comes?

[@mushercdn]

ENjoying your videos. I am surprised you don't use a pulp hook. IT helps when you haul logs.

[@acidicstoner]

I just found out about your channel and i am hooked. Im starting from the very beginning and i couldn't be more happy. I also love seeing your doggo as a pup.

[@wdy2606]

Watching you build these cabins by hand I was wondering if you have an idea of the number of calories you burn in a day? Do you have a voracious appetite? Love your videos.

[@2199SPUDMAN]

Hope he knows that wood knocking will attract Sasquatches.

[@mick11281]

I came across your videos and have started to watch them. One of the videos was after the cabin had been built. Do you have problems with rodents getting into the cabin, how do you deal with them?