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

[@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.

[@janej6253]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@georgettewood8894]

Beautiful winter time, wholesome, crisp and bright.

[@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:)

[@bobbaxter7962]

Looking forward to watching the progress.

[@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.

[@b-man1232]

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

[@carmineiadeluca935]

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

[@alexwbanks70]

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

[@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.

[@TrustinTimber]

Keep up the hustle.

[@TheMountainRambler]

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

[@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!

[@SurvivalLilly]

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

[@mzlleathers7249]

Loving the beautiful fresh clean clear water & your skills 😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@Codazoa]

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

[@deepsix-pictureandvideos9099]

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

[@PumpkinVillage]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@JoshuaSmithHomesteader]

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

[@WhiteAngloSaxon]

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

[@youngwoodsman4110]

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

[@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!

[@Lumens1]

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

[@robmajor8629]

I just have to say my two favorite guys to watch have been for a while you and Joerobinette. The French river trip you took inspired me I have to go up and do it myself. I grew up in Pittsburg nh in the Canadian border and I've been avidly in the woods before I found out it was a hobby for others. I can always come to your channel to learn something new. Love the material keep on doing that which you do best. Huge inspiration one day I aspire to have half the knowledge you have retained over your years of experience. That's one thing that nobody will ever take from you. Thank you for your materiel. You're an amazing man with bountiful knowledge and I would kill to pick your brain. Thanks again!

[@MySelfReliance]

Rob Major Thanks Rob, I really appreciate your kind words.

[@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!

[@rickgreen9936]

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

[@RyanJKUS2012]

Suns out, guns out. Nice video

[@TAOutdoors]

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

[@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!

[@heatherasquith-hull6785]

This is an amazing KZbin series informative and extremely relaxing after a busy day. Coming from a family who hunted for deer, birds and rabbits I love this type of thing thank you self reliance for providing education and extremely rewarding experiences

[@mischef18]

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

[@westenderSSM]

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

[@MySelfReliance]

westenderSSM Yep, I have a couple of months

[@Woodswalker1965]

Coming along nicely💪

[@jeffgreen3276]

man! quite an undertaking! your ambition is off the grid! i say this with great admiration! im outdoors as much as possible, like today heading to cottage do some last ice ice fishing! thanks for bringing us along! i will be waiting with much anticipation for each update! great stuff!

[@MySelfReliance]

jeff green thanks. March is a great time to ice fish - lucky you. Good luck

[@MikeProut]

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

[@BraxxJuventa]

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

[@andrewpayne6720]

Very inspirational! This is the type log cabin video I have wanted for a long time. Thanks a million!

[@Broadluxe]

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

[@littlebitofeverything8307]

You and Joe are a huge inspiration. I can't wait to move to Canada next year and get amongst the wild. Here in New Zealand the outdoors are nice but most of our trees are protected and those that aren't are no good for building or burning. Can't wait to drop off grid over there.

[@SCHNEKM483BK]

That's how it's done!

[@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!

[@archie7212]

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

[@dennisbeaver5958]

Just amazing how far you have come!

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

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

[@NateBuker]

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

[@MySelfReliance]

Nate Buker Thanks!

[@jimmyc7803]

loving the vids. looking forward to the next one.

[@gloriakoch4242]

Thanks again guys and gals. 🥰

[@theageingadventurers4283]

Good work man. I look forward to seeing more.

[@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!

[@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! :)

[@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!

[@alexis-lxs]

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.

[@HamsterLife_EnglishLearning]

How awesome is that, to have some property you can build on in the wilderness and build your own cabin. Awesome! I can see many future exciting episodes once you're done. Ha ha funny the glare of the snow on the camera made it look like magic. Like you were gathering Birch bark from one invisible tree and the other barely showing lol.

[@MySelfReliance]

Jude W Thanks. The lighting was magical

[@redmenacetv]

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

[@MySelfReliance]

Tom V Thanks Tom

[@WhereintheWorldisJosh]

This is a dream of mine. One day..

[@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...

[@jacl4953]

hi i just subscribe love your project hello from Québec.

[@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.

[@flindersadventures]

Loving this series buddy.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks buddy. See you soon

[@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...

[@robertmeintzer]

DAMN HARD WORK!

[@mushercdn]

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

[@fellaz1000]

awsome video

[@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?

[@xseedlingx]

Looking forward to this cabin completion!

[@johnnaylor4348]

I am too. The down side of it being completed is the thought that oh damn no more build vid's

[@MySelfReliance]

xseedlingx Oh, don't worry, I have big plans :)

[@sempi8159]

Keep up thegreat vids

[@Henchman1977]

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

[@wallaceviviansadventures2095]

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

[@gdchannel73]

Good video

[@OutdoorsInspired]

Good stuff brother

[@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.

[@CamperChristina]

Loving these videos!

[@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!

[@thomaskissell2416]

And so it begins.

[@BushcraftCooking]

Great job!

[@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.

[@alansweet2221]

we always called them forts when we were kids

[@joniselbe8305]

the end of a short day but a great day at that.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks Joni! Any day outside is a great day

[@matthewman249]

That type of tree must be light. I have many pine near me and they are HEAVY

[@EphemeralRage]

I see that you brought your gunz! Suns out, gunz out! Not too shabby! BA-BAM!

[@MySelfReliance]

LikeABossOutdoors lmao

[@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.

[@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

[@christiansmith5129]

I can actually smell the wood!

[@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.

[@ColoradoAdventures]

Impressed.

[@offgridgetawaycamp8034]

I got some property in Northern Ontario also. I was told that if you want to build anything bigger than a 10' x 10' shed you will need a building permit.

[@irisheyes8250]

Off Grid Get Away Camp you don't need a building permit if your property is in an unorganized township

[@offgridgetawaycamp8034]

I see, Thanks for the tip.