What have I done?!

[@tt55k]

As one that took a virgin piece of land , built a cabin and a house, created and developed a spring , put in the water system, built a pond , cleared a space for a garden , made a yard for the house , put in a solar system to power a house , basically did everything you are, you don’t need to explain anything to some desktop homesteaders , if they have a problem , tell them to walk down to the store and burn some steam off.

[@editor0018]

Agreed. It almost sounds like he feels the need to apologize for using his own land. Those who don't like his choices can simply go watch something else.

[@michaelcaraway2305]

Agree 110%. Sometimes we have to sacrifice something to gain something. We must remember that forest life thrives on destruction (usually via fire) and regrowth. All Shawn is doing is making a more wildlife friendly habitat.

[@blissbliss3531]

I gotta admit, lucky you....

[@russelllocke1404]

I feel happy for you ....its alot of work...great job nothing wrong here. If you are criticized, me iwouldnt respond to them at all. I hope your family is ok and not upset. I missed the why part...i hope they'll be back your screened in porch turned out looking like a nice place for a family to sit and visit together... nice!

[@mhunter2769]

Shawn is the Caretaker of his domain........... period !

[@jaynedeneen6899]

Take it from an old deep woods, tree-huggin' Mainah, Shawn: Stop worrying about what other people think. You're doing right by your land and we're all behind you. Nice work.

[@motoryzen]

Damn right. As Bruce Lee once said "I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”

[@joconnor3567]

“What have I done?” The right thing. No need to apologize for doing what is necessary.

[@greywolfwalking6359]

joconnor3567 Correct-a-mundo!!!!

[@gdismine01]

If I a correct this pond has no flowing water, so, doesn't it just become a stagnant pool? Seems it would have been better to have a well dug and run it with solar panels. But Hey it's not my life or property, we all have different ideas when it comes to iving.

[@russelllocke1404]

@@gdismine01 the new pond will replenish itself the more that it is used...ie spring. Solar pumps will continually supply the new gardens needs and keep the pond fresh except for the moose getting into it. Makeing a mess. Who knows it may dry up some in full summer..

[@russelllocke1404]

@@gdismine01 😁

[@oldtimerlee8820]

@@gdismine01 Due to the volume of water already collected, I suspect there's a spring feeding this pond. While there may not be a stream flowing from the spring due to the terrain, there may be enough fresh water, incoming to balance the evaporation rate. Even if there isn't a year round spring, it is good to impound water, if the opportunity to do so is available. Especially, if livestock, of any kind, is planned for the future of this homestead. Chickens, goats, rabbits, dairy or beef bovines and more have their own water needs, that impounded water can help supply. Further, I suspect that drilling a well on that property may be a very difficult and therefore very expensive proposition. Because he's on a mountain, there's no telling how deep the well will have to be to have a decent gal/min flow rate. I'm VERY fortunate to have a 30' bored well that has never failed during times of drought. Even with extensive garden watering. Yet, one of my nearest neighbors had to go down about 450' to get the minimum flow rate needed for a modern home. Neighbor on the other side tried a bored well (before they were banned here) in several places on their property with no luck in striking water. Had to drill about 125'. Next, while pumps and solar panels are nice, if there's an alternative way to retrieve water, that in itself may make for more self-reliance. I can pull water one bucket at a time from my well, if the need ever arises. Have the appropriate pulley, designed for that purpose, in storage. Over the years, I've had enough electrical and mechanical pump failures to know the restrictions involved with having to rely devices for water. So, often it isn't as simple as it may seem.

[@yourthebest7942]

Shawn who cares what people think. It’s You’re SELF RELIANCE.

[@willierants5880]

Exactly! We're just guests invited into his home.

[@mikestewart6517]

You're the Best/your Self Reliance

[@luiswu9892]

Why are you worrying over what we, your audience, thinks? It’s your home, not ours! Build it the way YOU want!! Don’t mind us who won’t be living there! 😁

[@Jimwill01]

Us, who won't be living there - but wish we were!

[@siegridthomas9674]

We are with you...please don't worry...keep going...

[@young-soonkim6730]

I think he is worried about the tree-huggers!

[@dandaniels4558]

He has a number of people on here who hate anyone touching nature.and he doesn't like it either but its all about survival in the wild and he has to do what makes that happen. I appreciate this side of him that is concerned about disturbing nature .but it is his property and has the right to do what he needs to do to live the life he's chosen. What we seen today of the dirt and logs will change rapidly like he said over the next 3 to 6 months or atleast until winter stops him.

[@wertfreund2480]

absolutely agreed!👌

[@WAVE_ZERO]

Everybody freaks out if this guy alters his property in the middle of the woods one little bit. But nobody bats an eye when developers and towns are bulldozing grade and clear out 100 acre developments...

[@willierants5880]

There are extremists in every walk of life. Some feel if he isn't 100% off grid he's not self reliant, etc. etc. People give Wranglerstar the same bullshit. The most important thing when dealing with this sort of peer pressure is to remain true to yourself.

[@ThePnug]

Everybody? I haven't seen one commenter freak out. At the moment there's 13k upvotes, 221 downvotes. Everybody? Really?

[@WAVE_ZERO]

Agra Jagg he had to make a video addressing all the negativity about the land clearing decision.

[@cathie9614]

I see no problem with having a pond... stop feeling bad for what others think, they have no idea what it takes to survive without a water source.

[@carlosgaspar8447]

so you would think that would have been #1 on his list of priorities before clear cutting began. a bit of dynamite or nitrogen based fertilizer bought from authorized dealers should do the trick and have his own walden pond.

[@williamwinder3466]

@@carlosgaspar8447 What?

[@ramit439]

@@williamwinder3466 Double that what??? casper made no sense!

[@russelllocke1404]

Thats right Cathie...thats right! ....i could adopt you if you were available sweetie!

[@russelllocke1404]

@@ramit439 umm...whats waldin?

[@louiswhitehead5938]

Shawn , in my experience with ponds back several years ago the University Of Alabama gave some instructions on what to do . Our deer camp at the time wanted to build a pond back in the center of our hunting woods . We wrote to the University and they sent us the information . They said you had to fertilize the pond to get the bottom food chain which is plankton to start growing . We used commercial fertilizer but cow manure will work too . Just place it where the water is running into the pond like the sides of the pond . They said that if you feed them you could harvest about 300 pounds of catfish a year in one acre of water 4 Ft deep . We stocked our pond with 400 fingerling catfish, 10 pounds of minnows , and red-ear bream . That is in Arkansas . It may be different in Canada . We don’t have the cold weather here like you have up there . If bass and crappy can live in the lakes and rivers up there surely bream can live there too . Put hollow logs in the bottom of you pond for the catfish to spawn in . We did that plus built boxes for them too . Red ear bream produce a lot of eggs and babies for the catfish to feed on . Their very tasty too and here they can get up to 2 pounds . Hope you find this useful . Enjoy your videos every week .

[@louiswhitehead5938]

I forgot to say the other day that after a few years there was every kind of fish you can think of in our pond . How they got in there I don’t know for sure but we had crappy, bass , bluegills and many other fish species were in it . It will probably happen in your pond too . I think maybe wading birds brought fish eggs from other ponds or lakes in the area on their legs to our pond . I’ve caught some good crappy and large mouth bass out of it along with nice catfish . Me and two friends used to camp by the pond during turkey season and turkey hunt early in the morning and go fishing after the hunt . We sure had some good times and good fish fries in that camp . We got a lot of turkeys too .

[@martingoodef811]

Louis Whitehead fresh water fish slither over land in wet weather, that’s how they got in your pond

[@vernareed5534]

@@louiswhitehead5938 one time at decatur Arkansas where we lived(nw corner of ark) we had big rain. And walking up the road there were some puddles & in one was a baby fish!! We couldn't figure out where it came from,how it got there! There wad a spring fed pond not too far from the road.

[@dsop66]

When I see the cleared land all I said to myself was "Rome wasn't built in a day" Live your best life Shawn. Loving the progress.

[@philbunten3835]

Shawn, being an Environmental Scientist I have loved watching you develop your land in a manner that not only was environmentally friendly but you have enhanced the setting too. Growing up in north central Minnesota in the 50,s I learned at an early age what it takes to be self sufficient much in the manner you have. Before retirement I worked for a major energy company managing remote locations so the existing resources would not be devastated . This included often improving the existing resources. As I see it you have and are doing an outstanding job with your efforts, do not let people who don’t know what they are talking about detour you from your good efforts.

[@aliceg9571]

You are so eco-friendly and love nature that this was necessary to maintain your self-reliant life style. Don’t be so hard on yourself. It will be fine. I know you plan things and take everything in to consideration. You can even name it “Shawn’s Pond”. It will be great looking when it’s all complete. Take care and looking forward to the next video already. Cali is going to love it.

[@Hummingbirdranch]

It is the next logical step for your homestead. It will add to the ecosystem and provide more sustainability for you. Wish you all the best!

[@stevezeppieri]

I think this is wonderful. It’s gonna be great Shawn. Why even explain yourself the way you did? It’s your property and you can do what you want. Best of luck with this and all your future projects.

[@k_caravet]

I think it's because Shawn wants to educate his viewers, but also some people like to criticise everything they see. Though for every one of those comments there are hundreds more positive ones.

[@ItsGoodToBeFree]

Shaun, my husband and I have been watching your channel since the beginning and fell in love with the cabin build. You have a beautiful homestead and family. Its not our style to comment on our KZbinrs accounts, but I felt compelled to send this message after I watched this video. We live in the southeast USA. We are passionate about the outdoors and animals. We are in year 2 of a 5 year get-out-of-debt plan, sell 2 homes and move to a heavily wooded piece of land in south Alabama that we are calling a homestead, build a house, buy animals, plant a garden and free ourselves from the system. To say all of that, we understand the challenges you face. I'm not of the same opinion that the expansion you are making is a bad thing. You always talk about tree removal as a bad thing. I think you are too hard on yourself. You do not need to explain to your audience the reasons why you do what you do. Those that condemn you need to shut up, but more importantly, you made a decision about your life and land and you never apologize for that, ever! We prefer to listen to an unapologetic Self Reliance. On that note though, I'm not a tree-hugger and don't hold dear every single tree that stands but I'm not wasteful either. I believe there is a balance in life and the good Lord gave us more than we will ever use in our lifetime. If mankind has been around at least 6,000 years and we still have millions of trees and raw land, I think we'll be okay another 6,000. Keep up the great content and we are very excited to see the expansion! When you start to doubt, just take a second look at an aerial view of your land? Insignificant dent Shaun, in the grand scheme of things.

[@130crowd]

Mankind has been around for 6,000 years? Try 300,000!

[@davidullom]

You have to break a few eggs to make an omelet. Have no fear that you aren't doing a good thing. Your intentions are pure and inspirational.

[@nancystill6447]

At the very end we see the sweetheart of the village, precious Cali, always kind, always there, & super supportive. A precious soul she is!!

[@stewartew]

You don't need to explain anything, you are living the good life in the wild and should be able to be self reliant like you want.

[@MrDandycal]

Hi Shawn, I’m a 35 yo physician from Brazil living in a small property with wife and kid and gradually making the shift into a homesteading life style. Your videos and your story are great inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing, keep up this awesome work.

[@aryanahartwell3801]

I think it looks beautiful. I can see the final outcome and it will be magnificent. Nature has a way of filling in the landscape and creating balance again.

[@jamesholmes4800]

So excited for you both, can’t wait to watch the pond grow over the next two or three years!!!

[@nanigoose]

Impressive, and it won't take long before the pond area will look like it's been there forever. Mother nature is remarkably resilient. I look forward to being part of this new project.

[@melodytenisch6232]

No worries dear man! You're doing what you need to do, and my folks used to say, "It always looks worse before it looks better!" You're doing a fine thing for you and your family and your respect for the pristine wilderness, ecosystems, and critters are evident. I'm just grateful you're sharing the journey! God bless! Kisses to Cali.👵🐕💞🌱🍃

[@ruthiewrangler9864]

Save that last picture and in 1 year from today take another. People will be amazed how the forest will reclaim the banks. We did this and I was shocked how quickly it came back. I'm so happy you did this. Thanks for sharing and I will enjoy watching the change. Thanks Shawn.

[@rockydaniel7073]

You do realize this is how our ancestors lives They cleared as needed The dug wells as needed My observations are ur cognizant of ur surroundings And taking best care as a husband of the land Relax-it’s all good

[@scottredmond7998]

I'm sure the wildlife will love having an oasis in the woods to drink from.

[@peterjones7895]

The Bears are going to love that at dusk when the mosquitoes are thick and the air is heavy. I see a tree stand condo on the work list

[@deanpd3402]

They will indeed!

[@orianahelenacarvallocalder907]

Ver traduccion por favor

[@consideredwhisper]

It’s going to be really beautiful just like everything else you have accomplished so far.

[@joanneforrest1830]

I thought I was going to see caged bears crying tears into a pond 😂 It’s all going to work out, and anyone watching you over the years understands you don’t just do things “willy nilly” And you give all factors great consideration first.

[@jkmcdonnell1]

in Sask we call that a dug out , in dry years they can become an oasis for wildlife . mine is 26 ft deep in dry years and has been over 34 ft deep one year. I keep it stocked with rainbow trout and have had them grow over 8 lbs. . It may be one of the best things you could have done for the ecosystem where you are it will do nothing but create life

[@pumptruckjim]

Good morning Shawn. I like how you have transitioned over the years from hunt cabin to home cabin now to homestead. I think the new pond and area are great. I am quite familiar to your area and I know how rapidly it will fill in. I don't think people from other areas can grasp just how fast nature will reclaim things in that part of Ontario. I am a ways south of you, but here a great flower to plant is purple coneflower. Quite hardy, bees love it and it is supposed to have several medicinal qualities. just a thought. Keep the great work at updates coming.

[@ramit439]

A great suggestion.

[@melodytenisch6232]

And coneflowers are lovely.😊

[@sunnyskies4628]

Working in open areas myself...it AMAZING how quickly things grow back....it’s also amazing how animals adjust and find pleasures in a new area when done correctly.

[@4wheelsonmywagon733]

Hello Shawn, I’m used to seeing building sites.... it doesn’t look too bad. Within two seasons it will be greened in.... if anything I’d make it bigger?? Great work ....good luck 👏👏🙏

[@DanielDavies-StellularNebulla]

I agree in making it bigger. The sides will fall in at least somewhat so it might get a little smaller (the pond that is). But then again, Shawn may have already accounted for this all. Either way, it's going to be a great addition to the landscape and ecosystem!

[@yellowroseoftexas2890]

Taking the unused and making it 100% sustainable is a win win. Thank you for sharing. Stay safe, healthy & happy. Blessing & Prayers.

[@markemerson8399]

I'm not against combining technology with the beauty of the wilderness. Your homestead is a work of art.

[@gretchenhamlin4282]

IT'S SO COOL YOU THOUGHT OF SAYING "THE HOMESTEAD IS A WORK OF ART!" IKR!! THE FIRST VIDEO I WATCHED OF "MY SELF RELIANCE" WAS TWO YEARS AGO, AT CHRISTMAS. THE THUMBNAIL WAS GORGEOUS,IT LOOKED LIKE A XMAS CARD. I WATCHED EVERYTHING BEFORE, AND AFTER.EVERY DAY, EVERY SEASON THE HOMESTEAD LOOKES LIKE ART!! WE COULD ASK SHAWN IF HE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE STILL PHOTOS, AND PUT THEM ON SALE! HEY! DO YOU KNOW IF THE FIRE PIT AND THE METAL SIGN ARE EVER FOR SALE SOMEWHERE?? JUST WONDERING. TAKE CARE, FELLOW WATCHER. FROM MINNESOTA🇺🇸🌲🎣

[@marysstilllearning5803]

I've been watching you since the beginning. I've seen you have done everything you can to preserve the naturalness of your place. You have to do what you need to make it self reliant. I think everyone can see what you have done. And its AWESOME! good for you Shawn live your best life

[@localsouptalks]

From the early part of this video, I was expecting to see a more severe ‘scar’. From what I saw at the end of the video, I feel you have taken deep consideration for the land and wildlife, and that it’s not a scar, but a foundation. You just needed to use different tools (which you had available through your neighbor) to create the foundation. This pond will benefit all - you, your family, and the wildlife that lives there.

[@maryallen6334]

One place we lived in we ran out of water, no rain for the tanks and our bore ran dry. Probably one of the most frightening things that can happen in a peaceful place. Taught us to appreciate things though. Can't live without it.

[@yellowdeer7163]

"Welcome to Lake James"🌲🌲⛵🌲🌲🚣

[@chetthejet3896]

Sounds like a good name.

[@comedianmattrossey]

@@chetthejet3896 Sounds like a GREAT NAME!

[@comedianmattrossey]

@@realairplane261 People can dream?

[@chetthejet3896]

@@realairplane261 It is a mud hole right now.

[@TerraSapien]

“Shawn Lake” 🦢

[@msseasailor5731]

You are the most thoughtful considerate man-so many are behind you! Your thoughts and actions uplift our consciousness!

[@6431mastermind]

Judging by your old house garden you showed us - I am sure it will be beautiful as you are handy and naturally creative.

[@AndyMendyk]

Hey man, do whatever it takes to live your dream. This is your project, this is your life. Go on, do it. We, at least I'm with you, when you share. :-)

[@joshmcdohl8684]

Nice that pond is going to help you immensely!

[@tomohanlon3158]

Great job Shawn. In 2 years from now that whole space will be beautiful. A pond, a green house, a workshop and lots of beautiful new trees. Keep believing in yourself and if you ever fancy a fishing trip in the west of Ireland let me know, I would be happy to put you up and show you the best fishing spots. Keep the dream alive.

[@sandrawhitehouse9957]

We are behind you Shawn in what you are doing. Water is an essential. Go with it ❤️

[@suerhea2620]

You don’t need your audiences approval of anything you do. You have done an amazing job building a new life for yourself and wife. You give us ideas and inspiration. You have done a great job!

[@carlmorrow1]

Congratulations on Calli's new swimming pool.

[@marthaadams8326]

When it is all finished, I think it will be beautiful from the cabin. I had a lot of water (swamp) on the side of my cabin and so I called a pond builder. Turns out I had a ground spring (not as strong as I would like, but it does have a level that it doesn't go under) and could only dig 5' because of a ROCK - not a little rock - one of many feet and with the overflow now, it runs down in what was a natural flow through all of my woods to a most of the time stream. I can't grow any good fish, like trout because the water only moves when it rains. I do aerate it, but I do not think it is enough for those kind of fish. Just my opinion, but I think that your pond will attract wildlife and you might get some beautiful shots of them from the cabin.

[@roadsideroadent]

lol, the tractor at the beginning caught me off guard. In the end however I think this is a natural course to becoming self sufficient. Yes you begin with a cabin but the cabin is simply a place to sleep & relax, and all the other facilities you are building and creating is to aid you to truly become off grid ...in the 21st century, let's not forget that part. So far I've enjoyed every step of your journey.

[@brendadunham2442]

You have done exactly what you needed to do, that is smart thinking. Never doubt yourself it will grow back and you’re making it comfortable for you and your family.

[@darthdebby]

One does what one must do to survive. I find the whole process fascinating. Keep up the great work Shawn, I’m loving the education.

[@rlsingle00]

It all makes sense, we are just coming along for the adventure. You are the director, actor, and producer of you life as seen in these videos you produce. I appreciate your efforts in being self-reliant to support yourself and your family. Thanks for everything you do.

[@Kathy_Is_Blessed]

😮😮😮 oh my goodness!! It is quite a change, like you said. But I’ve been following you for a few years and just know that this will turn out even better and more beautiful than it was as just a forest. Big step there, Shawn! Congratulations!!! ♥️🌿🌲🐾 🛶 ...and🇨🇦🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day!!🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@catherineelson6142]

Shawn, being self reliant doesn't mean being a Luddite. Best solution is the one to use, if that means using a excavator, so be it.

[@HaroldReece]

I think you are doing fine, quit worrying about what some viewers may think, this is your place. If it was me I would break out the power tools to get these projects done in a timely manner.

[@davidpatton589]

Don't know why you worry what people think. Every thing you have made has turned out beautiful, and I'm sure the pond will also.

[@thomasprinsen1241]

Your careful planning and deliberative execution require no apology. I do enjoy the explanation to better understand what your long term plans are and look forward to watching the videos as you build the shop and greenhouse.

[@quark5285]

You and mother nature is building a small, Self Reliant paradise, together! Keep it up!

[@DearMe2u]

It is such a shame that a person finds them self needing to apologize for doing what they feel they need to do on their own property! You do you and let the rest worry about their selves. If they don't agree with what you're doing, let them loose sleep unnecessarily and get over themselves. Lol you are doing a beautiful job keep up the good work, God bless

[@andyrichey1192]

No need to apologize for doing what is necessary , going to be beautiful, I can see your vision . Keep doing what you're doing Shawn. Appreciate you sharing.

[@bgarcia4291]

You can do what you want, it’s your property. Loving your dreams♥️

[@ramit439]

Good planning Shawn. It's visionary, it's looking ahead, and with your assistance, nature will look after the rest. Happy Canada Day!!

[@LaLadybug2011]

Pond is going to be gorgeous! I was about to ask "where's Cali?" But she showed up at the very end. Great job on the pond. Stay well!

[@sallymills8514]

I want to thank you for sharing your life here with us. It means a lot. I am frail & elderly. Grew up in Michigan which sure looks a whole bunch like where you are. I suspect you are due north from my meandering areas. Makes me smile. I can smell home. Thanks again!

[@edballardwd8jvv601]

When you started this project you had a goal in mind, so any thing you can do to reach that goal is just what you need to do. Keep following your dream, there are a lot of us that wish we could do what you have accomplished already. God speed Shawn.

[@highenergyog]

Good morning Shawn , one thing about being an optimist is having the ability to see things before they materialize. I am certainly an optimist and what I see for you and your homestead is peace/contentment/good health and memories. Thank you again for keeping me seated and quiet for 9 minutes and15 seconds, its a tough job and your the man that has the ability to do it. Best regards as always from Lloyd ( somewhere here in Southern Ontario).

[@brettsteele7386]

I have been waiting for this to happen for a long time. I have been watching you from the very beginning of the cabin build. I agree that something different had to be done about the water situation. I am also in my 50's and could not do what you are doing because of health reasons and still can't figure out how you do it in peak condition. You are doing a fantastic job and don't worry about the keyboard warriors/homesteaders. They are nothing but hot windbags spewing crap out of their mouths. You are a huge inspiration to a lot of people no matter what they say, and if they don't like what you are doing then they can go watch somebody else. I agree with Tt55 K's statement.

[@sandypittman8182]

YAY! For your finding solutions to help your homestead. Pond will have lots of advantages that will be beneficial to you. Always good to watch your channels. Have a great day!

[@clydemorris3927]

Sounds like you have it planned on that swamp area, 20ft pond. Glad your neighbor is going to help you Shawn. You make the pond n watch the critters pour in 😀. Thanks for sharing Shawn. ... Arkansas Clyde 🇺🇸 ✌️

[@Keachybean]

I think the pond could actually be bigger. In just a couple of years it’s going to look like it’s been there forever.

[@63sonotech]

You know what you are doing, we are just tagging along. Will you ever have chickens?

[@russelllocke1404]

I hope he has chickens, they eat alot of bugs. They make eggs as well...my family had chickens we loved them, however so did the weasels as a farm child one of my chores was to prune trees. One time while pruning...i noticed a chicken got out ...but it had a strange gait, like it was just scooting along...well there was a weasel tail sticking out...well lets just say "..it was a two part story"....we had to use avery wire1/2 inch to keep the chicken s safe.

[@thizizliz]

He mentioned that being in the plans but the coop will take a lot of work to keep the birds protected from predators.

[@briangodfrey3882]

His sister is giving him some chickens. but he has to get a bear proof coop built first

[@russelllocke1404]

And also weasel and Martin's and ferret proof.

[@annrhodes3544]

@@russelllocke1404 Plus fishers and foxes.

[@irmibullinger1421]

How exciting. This is the first step. Looking forward to all of your summer projects. The pond will look wonderful when it is completed

[@majcorbin]

Shawn, I support your pond decision I suggest using the exposed rock as a liner for the pond bottom

[@shellyriley5902]

I appreciate that you take care of Earth not all folks that do what you're doing do so. Thank you!

[@kelvar007]

Wow, this is going to be awesome! What a beautiful place just beside your homestead. Will be great for some hunting adventures as well :) Keep it up, nature will come back sooner as most townsmen expect. On my ground lots of bark beetle damaged trees had to be taken down this winter - and I am talking about several acres. These openings are now green again, full of blooming foxglove, loads of blackberries and young trees. Deer love the young trees and plants. I literally have to defend those places that the trees have a chance to grow up. Luckily it is already hunting season in Germany :)

[@davidpatton589]

Don't let the small village comments bother you. Your a realist and watching you over the years you know what your doing, and I love how you teach everyone. Keep up the great work your doing.

[@christamare6040]

Welcome to the world of change. That is one thing that we are sure of and that is change. That is really good that you think about an solution and act on that. Great move.

[@Minkwife]

Hi Shawn, listen, you do what you need to do to make this work. It's your property...sometimes there are small sacrifices but we all know the forest is resilient and will regrow. There will be seedlings replacing the clearing area that is not being used and you can always grab 1 or 2 seedlings along your travels around the property and move them if you want & have some spare time here and there. No worries.....you do you & I'll keep watching a great series about a guy taking care of his family, dog, & homestead & His Self Reliance!!! 🙂

[@davebeck3135]

Shawn don't worry about everyone's thoughts, it's yours!

[@joeysonson]

Don't worry about the online mob. Secondly, I am so excited to see this process on the pond. Thank you good sir!

[@garywilser7802]

Great job Shawn ! All your improvements make perfect sense. We all have a responsibility to be good caretakers of the resources our creator gave us. You , my friend , accomplish that in spades. Don’t let the negative nellies get to you. Keep on keeping on.

[@nicolajohnson5102]

Wow what a big change Shawn, you’ve gotta make it work and you are being honest with your plans and ambitions for self reliance. The forest will be back before you can blink. You are an inspiration keep it going

[@pamelabritton5409]

P.S. Looks like Callie will have a much shorter walk for her swims, bless her.

[@robmarquis7532]

The pond makes a lot of sense. You are there every day, you know what you need better than anyone else. I doubt any of these critics are as self reliant as you are. You work your butt off, you don't need to answer to anybody. Keep up the great work!

[@lsto6983]

Everyone knows you have good “vision”. I like the idea of a moat with your log cabin castle within. Cali can work the drawbridge.

[@joneshuntingadventures7971]

It's yours, do what you want with it. The audience is just lucky enough to get to watch it, and should be thankful. I'm sure it will be nice when it's all smoothed out and returns to nature as a water source.

[@pietdelaat4515]

You don't have to explain to anyone what you do, it's your property and you can do whatever you want with it. Have the people who are against it take a look in a year. I'm sure you know what you're doing and in a year everyone will say you should have done it much earlier. Stay healthy and take care of your family. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@janetdoecke4391]

Hello Shawn from Australia, we as your watchers who truly enjoy watching you, do not need any convincing that you understand your needs and know what you are doing, eventually it will come together to be a fully workable liveable home, I hope you have not been suffering too much loneliness there, keep heading in the direction you are going, we love watching you! Give Cali a hug for me! Take care!

[@TheJimNicholson]

Every organism has an impact on its environment. Humans are no different. Merely altering the landscape brings no guilt; it's how you do it, and what you do with it that matters.

[@kkp2135]

I read some of the comments and your followers are so supportive! I've been watching you for about a year now - especially at night to relax and wind down from the day. Daniel suggested- Lake James - love it! Thanks for just being you!

[@bobbynash282]

Its all good gonna turn out just fine. Dont believe you ll regret this action. Guaranteed pioneers would use a tractor an chainsaw to change things if they had a chance.

[@fperez988]

I had a pond dug on my property and it looked like hell for a few weeks but filled up fast and the plants grew back quickly. It’s beautiful now, I introduced some native fish, now my grandchildren and I have lots of fun fishing and swimming in it. Can’t wait to see yours in a year

[@carolschreffler5112]

Greetings from Ohio. I see “On Golden Pond” in a few years. Nicely done Shawn.

[@jaynedeneen6899]

From a person who actually lives my summers on Ernest Thompson's REAL Golden Pond in Maine, it would need to be acres bigger and another 100 feet or so deep. That being said, Shawn is my wilderness hero and we will all see a magical pond here in a year or so.

[@melodytenisch6232]

@@jaynedeneen6899 You lucky duck!😁👍

[@absolian]

please dont lose sight of what you being doing, your goals and vision. you took us along your journey, anytihng you do will be good with us. just do you and we will keep watch, learn and enjoy.

[@kimperes5987]

Hi Shawn, with the state of affairs in our world at this time, starting your home when you did was perfect timing. I'm so glad you have a helpful neighbor! Once the pond is established you might be able to take a break from hard work and take on wildlife documentaries and what we all love to indulge in--your cooking segments. Take care of yourself sir.

[@SheepdogsHeart]

Im no expert, but I'm fairly certain that living a subsistence lifestyle means that there is no end to hard work! Just sayin'.....😉

[@kimperes5987]

@@SheepdogsHeart so true! I guess I was just projecting what I'd do if I were there 😂

[@yiyabjmyiyabjm]

A beautiful addition, looking forward to see the project finished.

[@alexkasacous]

Even Thoreau had his pond. It's all good. Follow up: What are you going to name the pond?

[@danbradley1943]

You have already done a good job on your property. We are just along for the ride. Have fun, do what you want, and enjoy.

[@130crowd]

As ‘desktop homesteaders’ and fans, we deserve some credit for appreciating your environmentally conscious micro-development. We also deserve, like you said, a little forewarning for the vision of newly cleared and excavated land. You have created an attractive contour for the site, and with some trees and shrubs to soften the perimeter, you will have a productive landscape. It will be fun to see the ducks, frogs, turtles, snakes, insects, and everybody else discover their new pond. I can’t wait to see it settle in! Well done.

[@TCTFounder]

It's taking shape! Keep up the good work!

[@danieloliver20]

"Lake James", I like it, Water is King! Can you pump up water from the lower water sources to fill it this year, then let nature take over?

[@TheVoodoomaan]

i think he mentioned that the low soucre stops flowing in summer, so it might not be the best idea to take to much water from there without causing harm to that streams ecosystem :)

[@danieloliver20]

@@TheVoodoomaan this is all hypothetical, maybe when the snow melts in early spring it would be ok to pump water, if the distance is feasible.

[@Iroshi54]

Shawn, you DON'T have to explain anything to anybody. It's your land, you've done a wonderful job with your homestead, I look forward to seeing it progress.