Winter Log Cabin Build on Off-Grid Homestead |EP8|

Log Cabin Building, Homesteading, Bushcraft, Survival Skills, Cooking, Canadian Wilderness, Off Grid Living, ASMR
Instagram: / wildhomesteadca
I just quit my job and left the big city of Toronto to move onto 40-acres of Canadian wilderness with a magical river. I am building an off-grid homestead with multiple cabins and structures from the timber on the land. I may have made a huge mistake as doing this at the start of Winter in late November may make general construction difficult if not impossible.
My first project is a 12' by 16' cabin using the BUTT AND PASS method with raw logs. It will include a sleeping loft and a steel roof. I will not be milling or saddle notching the logs, but chinking in the small gaps that do appear with the butt and pass method with raw logs. This method's main advantage is SPEED.
To all my viewers and subscribers, STRENGTH AND HONOUR! 🫡🤝⚡️🐺🌲
JAMES ALOFS

[@BarbellThor]

The unspoken part is a) he's legit living in Canadian winter out of a simple tent and wood stove while building, not simply living, and b) he's also working electronics, from cameras to laptops for editing and a drone. All out of a tent.

[@TheLeep1]

He's not charging all those batteries out there. He has to go to town to do that.Still, it is a remarkable feat.

[@Noahkam_13]

@@TheLeep1He is, he has a solar panel to charge the batteries.

[@splashgvng]

i agree but i think he most likely does the editing from a hotel or has a home a few hours away where he goes once per week maybe and gets hit videos uploaded and gathers supplies and what not

[@robbiehamilton4424]

I think its a weekend thing at the minute, he lives to far to go home and back so camps out while working, I think that's the case but don't quote me on that

[@TheLeep1]

Never going to get enough sunlight up there to charge all his batteries..We have a 200 watt suitcase solar package for our 5th wheel here in Montana and we get a lot of sunlight here. Still just enough to keep ahead with that much. But who knows.@@Noahkam_13

[@nshx1971]

You mentioned that your ears are starting to hurt from the chainsaw noise. We use double layer protection in these situations. Use foam or silicone earplugs first and then you can wear your over-ear protection as well which should fix this problem.

[@HighlandReserve]

Agree. Get the little foam in ear plugs like you get on a plane, wear them under the over ear defenders.

[@jessecarson666]

Maybe the beginning of the ear infection

[@BenWLC80]

Came here to say the same thing lol

[@TheConlinHomestead]

@@BenWLC80 same lol

[@stevie1748]

I think he said he does have both plugs and earmuffs.

[@margaretpark1260]

I asked my 89 yr old father about the tracks. He's been a trapper most of his life and he says they are wolf tracks. We live in central/eastern Ontario in the middle of nowhere and often have a pack of wolves chasing down deer on our back hill. They avoid humans when possible. The cabin looks good!

[@jlaws522]

Ha! "They avoid humans"...until they don't!

[@s_hunt4218]

@@jlaws522with very few exceptions, animals don't hunt humans. they avoid them unless they have no other option

[@jlaws522]

Does stalking count as hunting? I've been stalked by a wolf. But I think your right about that being unusual behaviour.@@s_hunt4218

[@josephking2055]

Keep your rifle handy

[@sharonaddison1133]

Wolf print. 🐺 Love your adventure.

[@oovafwe3230]

My goodness if nobody has already thanked you for your work, thank you. Im not just saying that, I actually mean it truly. Im sure its a lot of work to make and produce these videos, already having plenty of construction to do, but just know how much joy it brings every saturday to tens or hundreds of millions of people to see these videos. Thanks.

[@kylegraham6034]

Would be cool to set up some trail cameras around the property and see what wildlife is roaming around. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@jameswestermann8642]

the first 35 seconds show what living in a tent alone will do to your sanity and sense of humor. i love it.

[@longwildernesswalks]

Do yourself a huge favor and cut a grove on the inner side of the door frame and put some 1/4” angle iron in them. This will keep the door frame strong and will prevent the shrinkage from pulling that wall apart. Looking damn good!! *grunt* of approval!! The roof is exciting! Proud of you brother!!

[@pavlandr]

solid advice

[@ringonotts]

Conventional lumber and move in ASAP would be my choice. You have to be so pleased you started again - its looking soooo much better now. Love the videos man! Ringo

[@mikespencer7082]

Come on people let's show James some appreciation and love give him some LIKES 👍

[@chucky6367]

Sophie would be proud 👏

[@barbvandixhoorn3003]

Nervous after mentions of his 2nd ex in last video and 3rd ex in this one. 😂still proud

[@terridionne7729]

I'm pretty sure he was joking about that the third wife that is

[@timdupont3227]

Steel roof would last your lifetime and provides amazing sound effects during rain storms 😁

[@GrowingLittleCountryhomestead]

I think some fire bricks could definitely help with your stove. Bottom and sides would help retain the heat in the stove and it’ll last longer. When you pop out of that water at the beginning I got the freezing chill 😂. Keep up the good work James. I’m glad to see that you have some form of protection

[@leighbishop6213]

Absolutely mad as a box of frogs but your determination is impressive, outstanding work. Your future wife is one lucky lady. She sure will be taken good care of and in safe hands. The cabin is looking amazing

[@csuehaymaker9854]

Whoever his next wife is, she will be a very fortunate lady as I am impressed with his ability to "learn and adapt"! He will survive will you, with the man you're with now?? This world is changing fast and not for the better!

[@filosworld.1705]

@@csuehaymaker9854 My wife will be i may be as young as I used t be but not much I can't do. And I have been with my wife for 44 years. Life has different goals.

[@leighbishop6213]

Haha no I’ll be dead pretty sharpish, my guy is 6,3” but he’s not as we would say adaptable 🤦‍♀️ I can’t see him making us shelter and killing an animal to feed us. That would be left to me 💁‍♀️

[@majbrat]

She will have a lot of laughs at least ;)

[@6F2]

I have my subscriptions which I watch but this is the only weekly episode where I'm waiting for the next episode to upload impatiently, great content and makes the whole build a cabin thing seem much more real and tangible. Watching the river ice up week on week really gives context to the advance of winter too. Salvete James, salvete.

[@beefnug6219]

Be careful using screws in wet lumber, the wood shrinks as it drys and screws snap where nails or spikes will bend

[@marknixon9517]

Save the bark shavings. Very good firestarter/kindling when dry. Great job. Love following your journey. More power to you

[@alfredocarpaneto5976]

My Saturday morning is now complete. I would go with lumber for the roof, much tighter fit so it will keep the weather out better, plus it will be easier to correct for differences in wall height, and you can always cap the finished roof with trimmed log tops to give it a log look.

[@olavdehli4170]

Frist earplug then the earmuffs you already have on your helmet sould help with high DB over time.

[@chrisbaker3335]

Hi James, I knew this channel was gonna take off the first 30sec of your first video, I hit subscribe 😊 you have the “it” factor, very positive, entertaining, motivating, etc, has I’m approaching retirement, I’m living vicariously through inspirational KZbinrs like yourself. The way I would do the roof, maybe an option to consider, take the end walls up to a triangle, with 3 nice long ridge beams (seeing those suckers inside on your finished interior, very nice), if you still have access to such logs on your land still, I’m not sure if the peak will be on the door side or not, if on the door side, you could have a nice overhang with the ridge logs, then the rafters could be milled lumbered if you have a local sawmill nearby, box store lumber, or maybe even smaller logs, that you can notch into the ridge logs to make them flush. Similar to the way Shawn James did his roof on his channel, myselfreliance. Another good example of a roof design might be theoutsiders channel. Good luck and I look forward to your next videos. May the old Gods give you strength. 💪🇨🇦

[@stevie1748]

WELCOME BACK GENERAL MAXIMUS!!! 😎😎😎😎

[@SvensWorkshop]

You know... you make me feel like a kid, impatiently waiting for a new video every week. I know that myself I am just a consumer, but man, what you do here, really cheers me up for the last few weeks. I really have an amazing life, but currently your updated are still my highlight every week ❤ Please still feel free to take a break if you feel like. After all, what you are doing, is an insane endeavour which would be too much to endure for easily most of us viewers. I love your content, but please take care and don't be bothered by my hopes and expectations, sitting and enjoying your struggles from far away on a cozy couch :) May the Gods bless you!

[@CarswithNash]

Excited to see you get to the move in stage, I can't imagine living in that tent during this cold weather.

[@MrRobRatz]

Traditional Roof would look amazing but I would go for a combo. Log framing with plywood and tin roof. Great Show, I watch every week 👍

[@srN.]

Nothing better than sitting with some good food and enjoying these episodes every week. I love your channel man.

[@dsop66]

Loving the vibe with these videos. You certainly have a flair. This is becoming my top of list video to watch every week.

[@Fenthule]

I think those might be Lynx tracks. or Wolf. But I'm leaning Lynx, because in the overhead shot at 31:41 you can kind of tell a bit better that the two outer marks are fairly wide, and lynx have very spread out paws, very much like a natural snow shoe, whereas wolves outer toes are a bit more narrower. Without a clearly defined shot it's hard to be certain though. Your Cabin is really coming along nicely! Since redoing the logs it looks *significantly* better.

[@jeffkoons7165]

I was thinking Lynx as well, no claw or nail marks in the tracks that I could see.

[@joannesmart6021]

I thought it was some breed of feline as I thought wolves didn’t have retractable claws so they would leave claw indentations, but I could be totally wrong! After all I’m just a Brit in the damp soggy UK!😂

[@davidgreen144]

Make the beams from nice straight logs and do the trusts and all the rest with store bought wood. Do yourself a favour and make sure you have a step roof for the snow accumulation and use metal so it just slides off. You will never stress about snow loads on your roof after that. Looking good 👍

[@HollowInn]

Awesome videos. As someone who knows a lot about roofs, the less penetrations you have on a roof, the better. None is best. Wall chimney could simplify your roofing project significantly.

[@jamesgeary2382]

GUTTED! Just binged all episodes and now have to wait for the next one! Loving this content! Thanks for sharing the journey!

[@wildhomestead]

GOOD SER GEARY, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PASSIONATE VIEWERSHIP AND SUPPORT. I SEE THIS COMMENT IS ON EP8, THERE ARE EP9 + 10 AS WELL, PLUS EP11 COMING IN HOT THIS SATURDAY @ 6AM EST. MAY THE GODS BLESS YOU. BOTH THE OLD GODS AND THE NEW 🫡🤝⚡️🐺🌲

[@jamesgeary2382]

@@wildhomestead Thank you for reaching out to the wild depths of the lake district in the UK. I'm all caught up to episode 10 and have watched Xander's episode in his channel too! You are living my dream! Enjoy every second!

[@thedavediamondtrio3100]

Trail Cam time !

[@JAT_4321]

He needs to 44 mag!

[@barfass]

I enjoy your enthusiasm for LOGS. hahaha. I bought a sawmill about 3 years ago and every time I use it I smile the entire time and get giddy at each slab and how it looks and the grain, etc. I love wood man... I can admit it. ;)

[@sgtmom2326]

I always giggle at the "and ten kids" portion of the intro. Gotta confess, after my second son was born at 10 pounds, I shut that down quickly!! Two sons, two grand daughters.. I'm a happy woman!

[@mikemcgugan3977]

So much fun watching you do this @HGTV should think about making a series of you building your main cabin!! thanks for the videos.

[@floydwain]

I absolutely love this series learning about building log cabins so far. we have really seen you grow in your skills, and the fact that you're doing this solo is crazy carry those logs isn't easy and every time 1 drops back to the floor i feel the pain!

[@ebg100]

Your cabin looks fantastic! Great job, I look forward to your video every week. My vote is you do a hybrid roof.

[@marymckenna9891]

I really look forward to Saturdays now so I can see what you're up to and what you've accomplished. You have a great sense of humor and I appreciate how you really keep it real explanation point

[@airplanedriver]

You and ProjectFarm are the two most anticipated upoads every week.

[@skullmunky4923]

I was so happy when I seen you start to cut the door/window out. You’re smashing it. All the best from the UK

[@damiancooper3403]

James, you are doing so well and I love your vision and positivity. SERIOUSLY consider your chimney exiting through a wall so you can keep your roof simple and watertight. Keep safe.

[@jillkearl4382]

😂😂😂😂 I LOVE your sense of humor!

[@mikehenry5961]

Big thumbs up to those who recommended the change in screws! Not only is it cheaper, but it’s a heck of a lot harder to strip a hex head. Great work James.

[@laurahaughton4523]

Another great video James. I like how you use fun to make the day go good. Your love affair with the logs is fun to hear 😘. Take care out there, folks are saying wolves are around. 🌸

[@justlookin2]

Impressive work. I can't begin to imagine how much work you're putting in to these videos. I look forward to each one. Your determination and attitude is amazing. Thank you for taking us along this very cool journey!

[@edmoores]

Awesome job! I love it when a new video drops. Best channel on KZbin.

[@jbass86]

Looks like mountain lion tracks. Awesome progress

[@traceysallotment2506]

Your videos are now part of our saturday TV absolutely brilliant and enjoy watching your progress.

[@mirobin]

You could make a really cool coffee table using the logs left over from when you cut the door, add a top & voila.

[@562Green]

Watching now but already dropped a like. We know its gonna be good

[@ezforsaken]

i don't know why I laugh so much when you do the ooga booga, i'm a grown man! and its so silly! yet that makes me chuckle every time.

[@JohnSchneidersWildLife]

Same here! 😂

[@TerryFalan]

The build is looking awesome James! Really enjoying your videos and can’t wait to see the roof go on! Hope you have a great week! Some warmer weather in Ontario the next couple of weeks should speed your progress along! Stay safe!

[@samsilva-cairns8799]

Hooray we both eaten the same granola. Here in Cornwall England Dorset granola very common and its a hearty eat. Almost like horse grain.

[@MrVTer]

Roof: framing lumber for a top sill, rafters and gable ends with a few logs for cross ties to keep the walls from spreading.

[@danutdlp]

I would recommend raw logs for the main support structure of the roof and flat sawn store bought planks for the roof sheeting. Then a nice green metal roof on top that will last a life time. The snow would slide of easily and you could get some natural white noise for the rainy nights. I think this combination would get you to move in date sooner but still keep that authentic log cabin look and feel on the inside when you look up at your ceiling and see the raw timber.

[@loriheller2500]

What a great job! Really enjoy your video style. Love that they are longer than most and the way you explain along the way. Hell, everything about your videos!!

[@karenevans151]

Your videos make my Saturday mornings a joy. keep up the great work!!

[@Glorpo]

Honestly this is the best episode so far.

[@awkwardsaucetv4770]

Got my morning coffee and ready for my Saturday routine. Love it!

[@malefunctionable]

Man it's coming along nicely! Good work Sir! Fun facts about the poop situation 😂😂

[@danmcsalley4974]

Absolutely knotting myself watching you turn the steaks with the pliers. Great work, keep it up. BTW, Buy yourself 1kg ground flaxseed and add a tablespoon of it to your cereal, works wonders.

[@TheHomeDad]

I look forward to Saturday every week to watch a new episode, thanks for showing what you are creating.

[@margaretpaterson7297]

There are alot of predators out there. I hope you carry something to defend yourself at all times. Love watching you by the way. I hope sofie says yes ❤

[@TRUMP4LIFE1359]

What I love about you most of all is all the tools and the supplies it's literally the first time that you have ever seen any of this stuff and you're like a kid getting a present he's never had before and I just wish I still had that feeling of different tools and different supplies

[@laurenspouw8807]

Love this build! Genuinely have another reason to look forward to the weekend now! You should definitely consider putting in 2 vertical windows (per side) instead of 1 large horizontal window. It would look better, have better support in the middel and be more functional.

[@cjschulz5174]

PUSH THROUGH IM EXCITED TO SEE THIS FINISHED!

[@MintedSmurf]

Great video as always, id like to point out if you are having issues with noise using your equipment, then you might want to think about foam inserts accompanied by the ear defenders. This will for sure fix your issue for only a couple of bucks. Cheers, good luck!

[@robbiehamilton4424]

Your some man doin all that by yourself, that's extremely heavy work especially with snow, fair play to you, .

[@nathanearl-davies2994]

Excellent progress, great to watch too, look forward to many more episodes

[@Caoucaren]

Hybrid roof perhaps?traditional log beams with plank wood sheathing to give it log cabin feel on the inside but a second roof on top with two layers of foam insulation staggering the seams with wood sheathing on top. Great job.

[@jonaslodge]

You make my laugh every episode. I would love to buy you a pint and here these tales first hand!

[@shawnhickman3512]

Big Dawg!!!! 6'3... moving logs like a maniac. 👊 respect

[@tooncrier]

Great update James, it's coming along quiite nicely now!

[@bladesofglorylawnmaintenan6354]

Conventional roof would be my go to for sure. Especially being as far behind as you are. Even though it would be a little costlier, in the “long run” I think it would work out more to your advantage. Stay blessed!! You’re definitely living out some of our dreams!!

[@johannesStraub732]

Just a heads up. Screw vs. Nail. They have 2 totally different purposes. In your construction you need to deal with sheer forces so the logs dont roll off. You have nothing else in place to hold them logs on top of each other. Screws cant do that! So if you want that the roof doesnt colaps on your head... Use nails.

[@Carpenter481]

Very low shear in that orientation. The forces shear will be lowest at the roof with collar ties. I wouldn't worry too much about shear.

[@johannesStraub732]

@@Carpenter481 How do you know that there will be collar ties? They would certainly help but it will still push the walls out. And bdw. there is just one force in that orientation holding everything together. And that is shear on the fittings. Gravity doesnt hold those logs together my friend.

[@eesko2000]

With any sheer force on those Engineered Screws, they snap. I’ve seen it many times, it’s incredible really. Just Log Expansion may do it even. The long Spikes are the way to go forsure. 🌲❄️

[@davidballiston9250]

hi Richard nice progresion on the cabin. now the animal tracks im no expert but this is what Ive learnt over the years. canines wolves and coyotes leave a very pointed track with a visable claw mark. bears have a mutch rounder track with an occasional claw mark. big cats cougers and lynx have a very round track with no claw mark retractable claws. usually in strait line. fishers have a very round track with claw marks but hard to see. I would guess the tracks you saw are from a Lynx. they have extremely large paws for the snow. prints will get bigger in warm conditions called melt out.

[@Po.2013]

Waiting for a new episode. It's Saturday!

[@brianmorrow9815]

I think a combination of conventional lumber and logs would be a great idea. Love that you are still hard at it. Looking forward to the next video.

[@joringisbarysas7647]

Hi I love you and your videos. Please use raw logs for the roof. Its more beautiful ❤❤❤. I am 14 years old (from Lithuania) and I loves nature so this is my dram. Good luck 🎉

[@Zengineer]

Better hearing protection is available. Try foam ear plugs under your muffs if you want a cheap solution. For the roof, have to have some kind of logs in there, so either full log or hybrid. The cabin just wouldn't "look" the part without continuing the theme.

[@Musicismylove888]

I don't mean any disrespect but when building a log home, you learn and you live. Not the other way around. I truly hope this project is a success. Kudos for your commitment, determination and sheer tenacity.

[@dylanholmes1985]

Pro tip. When eating dates and other food types that cause upsets, eat ginger powder (knock it down with water) to keep digestion good and bowel movements solid. A tablespoon 3 to 5 times a day.

[@benjaminbass2334]

Wow! Inspiring. Go traditional lumber on the roof.

[@jeffdownunder4116]

Sir James, well done mate. Your tenacity and skills learning on the job is exemplary Sir! Only got onto your Chanel by accident and my wife and I have watched at least two a day, currently up to episode 6. We really are enjoying your sense of humour so keep it up. You have us from downunder hooked. Take care and keep safe.I did have a laugh with you using the punch upside down though. 😂😃.

[@MakerAcreNinjaNetwork]

By the shape and size of those paw prints, I think big cat for sure! And walking waterways is common predator behavior, since they need water as well and so does all their prey. It definitely was curious about your swimming hole hehe, but not so curious it wanted to come investigate your tent thankfully! But I’m definitely with the others who suggested Trail Cameras for you! Strategically placed around your property and the river, you’ll see everything you want and more stereotypically! Great video though man, and making fantastic progress!! ❤🫂🙏🤘 Glad your drone survived too!! I have the same one!

[@smudolinithegreatdragobear2433]

That sauna sounds like a great idea!

[@SolemnSage]

Build traditional rafters it'll look great, too. You can be indoors sooner than later. so glad you found those screws to use... Plus you need to get your sauna up ASAP. Cheers fallow Canadfian.

[@kurtantonangeli172]

I look forward to your videos every Saturday. I would do logs for the roof. More work, but would definitely look better in the end. Here's a tip if you don't already know. I know the door entry was temporary, but when you go to cut the final dimensions place a 2x4 where you want to cut and use it as a guide to get a perfectly straight line. Keep up the good work.

[@arenado85]

Those paw print appearance and the close proximity on how it walks appears to be some sort of mountain lion or lynx but I’m no wildlife expert 😂

[@sgtmom2326]

Also not an expert. Rule of thumb however - Cats have rounded upper paw pads with retractable claws; you'll not often see claw marks in their paw prints. Also, cats will have three lower lobes in the print where canids will have only two.

[@ericdethomasis3475]

Great job bud. Cabin looks awesome I'm kinda jealous lol. Those tracks were definitely mountain lion. Stay safe!!

[@elainrichards7912]

My friend, you are doing an awesome job and the best part is you’re as funny as hell. You’re going to make Sophie laugh her head off. If there’s going to be a shower and toilet in that cabin Sophie will then have everything she needs. Keep going well. You’ve slipped into my favourite top 5 to watch.

[@oilyadventures420]

Excellent progress. Since your throwing the question out there. I would say you have become quite the master with logs and building with them. I think you should go with a log roof. If you go conventional stick framing you will also need sheathing as well as he 2x material you decide on. You know for sure a well constructed log roof can handle almost any kind of snow load dumped on it. That’s my advice from one carpenter to another. Stay safe out there. Cheers

[@richsan4808]

Alaskan chainsaw mill with a ripping chain would be my next investment😅

[@jckelsey]

I’m jealous. This is impressive, especially, under the obvious hurtles. Keep it up ✅

[@Elwewenzi]

The problem is not bits or screws but that you using impact not regular drill. Try to find video comparation😊

[@geffe59]

If you know where to put your door, you can cut out the lower part of the door. That will give you better access to the inside 👍🏼

[@Yeyy]

hand peeled logs looks so much betther

[@mikethedesertrat]

Regarding the roof: Would love to see a combo of logs and traditional lumber. The logs, just to give it a great look, and the lumber to save time. Looking great though.

[@Kamo-king]

Wolves can’t retract their claws so if you don’t see any claw marks on the toes it’s a mountain lion lol

[@davestevens4263]

Mtn lions are big mean creatures. My Dutch shepherd just faught one here before Christmas in the ca . Desert foothills. & I'd say he won , for 10 sec of some mean fighting, my dog chased this beast up the mountain, with only a few minor scratches. That was scary.

[@antoniopimenteldeoliveira2717]

Your dog probably won because the mountain lion didn't bother. Your dog will die for you, the mountain lion is a wild animal, it doesn't like confrontation, and if that's the case if he sees minimal risk of getting hurt he backs away. At the end of the day he still has to hunt, to sleep outside to fight for territory with other males, to flee from humans, etc.

[@TheAngryVet]

Make no mistake....if that lion is hungry it will kill your dog no matter how tough you think your dog is....js

[@thekoolkidsrock]

The goddess that is Mother Nature has really smiled upon you this winter so far. Warmest winter I’ve ever experienced.

[@laurahaughton4523]

Exciting stuff, next week the roof , yeah 👍🌸

[@JeffreyMoyer-ms7nv]

This is getting exciting! So close to roof time!!