I agree! I made a similar experience only on the Apennine, central Italy it lasted 8 years. I have very good friends that I go back to visit and they in turn come here in Canada as well. Notice how soft the snow is, I wish it was the same here in North America. Greetings from Canada.
I have a cabin on the western edge of Yellowstone National Park. Like Martijn, we are awoken many nights to the sound of wolves in our “backyard”. Like him, we often grab a flashlight and rush outside to see if we can catch a glimpse. It’s not the wisest thing to do. I’m sure interrupting a hunt is a bad idea. It never becomes less special though. Wolves are so essential to the ecosystem that our area has seen a tremendous improvement to wildlife management, plant life, and water system ecology. They are essential. Enjoy your neighbors, Martijn!
Really wonderful Martijn, The wolves, the quiet of the snow, chickens and a visiting dog bring joyful sounds along with the wind. The floor is looking lovely!
When I saw the title, it took me a few days to get courage to watch the video, Feering the chickens had been hurt. When I saw they were ok, yes i shed a tear of happiness, relief. After the last attack, it took me weeks to get over the loss and seeing all those white feathers scattered. I feel so cozy for you, this winter in the cabin, yet the outside kitchen for coffee n views is spectacular. While you were laying the floor, I almost wished I was there, its a hobby of mine. Was wondering why you spread the cement over the top while thinking, "im sure he knows better than me" so im happy you decided on the grouting pointing. Have a great weekend
Just having a coffee enjoying the Sunday morning video. Martijn, another great video and a great time to work indoors. Especially watching a talented man at work. Pray the chickens and yourself are doing well. Keep the videos coming sir.
Ahh, the wolfsong was beautiful. Such melody. Loving the rock floor, and the plans for the workshop. Winter is not over indeed....quite beautiful, but it can leave anytime. Dog on the property again...yikes...good thing the girls weren't out, although he did seem fairly docile, but still. It was a Border Collie, so definitely a herder. Have a great week....cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Dear Martijn, the snow has improved your light both indoors and out -- the white on white just inexplicably gorgeous! Warm thoughts for you & your chickens during this cold time! We have some coyotes or wolves here also and they can be frightful when you recognize that they have MOVED THEIR DENS or are calling out into the night from a different but CLOSER LOCATION. I understand you! omgah :/ The sign post on your hike was interesting. Was it a memorial to one who has passed on that lived there? 27:32
I think it's the first time I don't agree with your choice. The stone floor is something I would have never done on the ground floor. It needs a contrast/an accent, something and I would've used wood. I'm just sayin dude. Hope it won't feel like a cave. Thank you for sharing all this. Good luck further, I've been a sub since you were at around 50k so sayin its the first time I don't agree should tell you I like what you do.
Hello, Martijn! Could you indicate the date of shooting in video? Is it too complicated for you? What for: your weather usually goes east, so we might understand the coming weather better )
I am sure, many of us can imagine how hard it is to work so much AND to be a youtuber. How much work it is to constantly film yourself, to reposition cameras, to constantly think about lightening and sound and, in the end, to edit for hours.... Thank you so much for these beautiful videos! We appreciate and love it to have a peek in your adventures once a week!
Sunday mornings. Make the coffee, sit down, open RU-vid and there’s Martijn’s video waiting for me to enjoy. How nice. It’s a great start to the day. It makes me happy.
I very much enjoy how you don’t spend time explaining the obvious things you are doing. You talk just enough about things we may not understand and not at all about things we should. Too many RU-vidrs explain in detail the obvious things they are doing and it’s a bit boring. Thank you for allowing us to figure things out on our own.
The return of the wolf in the Alps is a novelty of the last decades. When I was a kid pack of wolves were part of my fantasy world. I was born and raised in a valley 50 km North to Martijn's cabin and I spot them sometimes (when I go back visiting parents and friends). They aren't scary, but rather shy.
Sorry to be the one in that case to be negative, but why should it be positive for the wolve to live here? Especially when it was gone for so long. Did you ever miss them? Or did you ever think „yeah, i would like to hear wolves scream now, at 11 in the evening just so i can be scared?“ i understand that they are shy and probably are more scared of humans, than humans are scared of them, but the only thing they bring for us is fear and when the people are getting scared to go into nature because the media makes such a big topic out of them, then its morally totally wrong to let them come back here. Oh, and most of the killing of our sheep and cows are the wolves, so where is the point?
In the Netherlands - one of the most controlled, regulated and populated environments in the world - there are at least a hundred wild wolves. Next year two hundred.
there's a lot more point to reintroducing wolves to their natural environment than there is to introducing humans to the wolves' natural environment@@p1mplul576
@@p1mplul576 you don't have to be sorry, your opinion has many good points and I don’t disagree with them. I've been discussing this for years with many friends. The process of "rewilding of the Alps" is actually very debated. Cows (mostly calves) and sheep are facing a threat that hasn't been around for centuries. Things are even worse with bears - not yet present in the Western Italian Alps - which might become a more serious threat for people too. I think, however, that a balance between rewilding and the needs of people living in rural areas could/ must be found. I am a 21st man, an engineer living in a big city, so I cannot say to a sheperd: be happy with wolves and let them slaughering your sheep,but I was born in the mountains, raised there, and I know that a solution to mitigate the problem can be achieved. It's a long discussion I'm starting here... I think more comments will come. I hope it doesn't turn into an argument
I remember Johannes' quote from March last year, when you got a big snowstorm and your car was stuck. He said: "I have a word for you - it's called April." 😀 He is such a sweet guy. The snow is beautiful - and I am so glad you are no longer in the bell tent.
How thoughtful! Even the hens get the warmth of a kettle for their morning ‘cuppa’……. Winter is even more magical. Thank you for sharing your lifestyle with us.
There is a book that was written by Hermann Phleps entitled The Craft of Log Building. Phleps was an architect, historian, and a pen and ink artist of incredible skill. The book was originally published in Germany in 1944. You can get an English translation published by Lee Valley Tools, Ottawa. It is a compilation of all the log building and rough timber framing techniques from the Alps to the Arctic Circle and from the British Isles to Central Europe. It is an incredible resource and may be something for you to refer to as you build. The text is very good and the drawings will be something that you will really appreciate.
Living in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, I recycle most scraps, something will eat it, which includes egg shells, when raw, I rinse the shells and birds, fowl will eat for calcium. Hard boiled egg shells, scrap as is. I love this way of life. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Deeply appreciated. Krystyna
My family spent summers in the North woods of Wisconsin. We had a small cabin on a lake with two of my father's brothers. We were completely isolated. The closest general store was in Cable about twenty minutes away. I have such great memories of spending Summer up there.
Ms. Krystyna, our granddaughters' name is Krystana. I had never seen the name before her birth and now I see a close spelling in your name. Don't know how our daughter chose the name but it is a beautiful name. Best wishes.
@@guadalupematthews9879 thank you for your kind words. Krystyna is a Russian influence. I was born in East German which was ruled by the Russians for a time. Became a US citizen in 1972 and am proud to be an American though we could use an intervention from God. Once again, thank you. K
If you seal the stone with a matt or 'natural' sealant and then grout; you'll find the cleaning process much faster, cleaner and easier. I'm looking forward to your cabin build in the future too. A couple of lovely designs that fit well into the location.
Martijn, I hope this note finds you well. I really love the wooden back panel idea with a hunter green color accent idea. I think it will look so nice. The shelving will be a nice touch as well, given space is limited. The floor is looking so good. As the floor was nearing completion it felt as if you had found your rthymn. Everything is coming along so well in the cabin. It's beautifully done with such attention to detail. I am so happy for you.
Happy always to see the chickens surviving the whiteness of winter and the song of the wolves…I’m from Hawaii and had the rare opportunity to visit the Italian Alps this past October 2023… captivated by the beauty there so far from my own reality…thank you.
The opening of your video reminds of the sound of the lone wolf in “Doctor Zhivago,” when Lara is kept awake by the wolf’s howl. Strange how it is frightening but a natural part of winter’s hold!
Yes and no. Wolves that get accustomed to humans have a tendency to be less afraid. They also tend to seek out easy prey like sheep, which are also close to humans. This has become a problem in The Netherlands where wolves are spotted near busy bicycle paths. When they get the chance they will kill an entire herd of sheep. Granted, the Alps are way less densely populated so they probably won’t be as big of a problem over there.
Martijn, a huge tip is to seal the stone prior to grouting. After you’ve laid it but before grouting. Makes it SO much easier to grout. Wipes right off the stone rather than having to scrub it off so tediously. Also, a “matte” finish sealer will keep the natural look, just enhanced a bit. Looks great by the way! 👍
Also, use a much drier mix. Just wet enough it binds together when you squeeze it, but not wet and sloppy. You can then wet the whole floor once it's pressed into the gaps.
Your stone floor is so beautiful, so much work but so rewarding in the end!! The tool shed will be such a nice work space for you and a beautiful addition to your homestead. Thank you for sharing your journey with us, look forward to seeing you next week.
I have found when grouting natural stones to first put a clear sealer on the stones after laying them. That makes the grout come out of those tiny crevices and saves hours of clean up. I admire all the work you are doing and wish you the best.
Martijin Doolard Thanks! We started watching-listening to you during Covid quarantine, it helped to distract us from worry and fear (& Depression). We look forward to your postings every weekend, & miss you when you’re gone. Hope to meet you one day when we come to North Italy. We watch Johannes new postings too and enjoy seeing what his life is like on the other side of the mountain (& his PT city life too). We hope to meet you one day soon, when we’re in North Italy. Take care of yourself-and God Bless!-Lisa & Mark White, Woodland Park Colorado, USA (near Pike’s Peak 😊)
Your heart must feel so happy to be living inside that beautiful environment you're creating! Everything you've completed so far must be encouraging, even though there is much left to do.❤ Your work is a joy to watch.
Martijn .. you just bowl me away with everything you do.. the balls you have. The skills you have and so dam hobble.. you show hard work and dedication pay off in the long run. You're a true gentleman and craftsman. Much love and respect to you, Sir!
The wolves certainly provided a memorable intro! Thank you for including that, as it was fascinating to hear their sounds. We don't have wolves where I live, but we do have coyotes. Their night-gathering sounds are similar, but more high-pitched. They will start out slow, and as more voices join in, they will eventually yip themselves into a crescendo, and then go totally silent. It's always impressive...
Good day Martijn! Those wolf must have been close enough for them to see you and go quiete when you were at the back of the house. They started again once you were at your door, scarry! The patience you have washing the floor after filling in the cracks is amazing, it would be overwhelming to me. Putting the cement in a cake decorator tube (not sure of what it is called) could be less messy. The floor is beautiful, wishing you easy success for the rest. Have yourself a great week!
Every week your little home looks better end better... living inside is much nicer than the tent... I know its not finished... but I can imagine your life is much better now... love it
just a musing about the downstairs room - flat stones stuck on the 40cm high concrete reinforcement look rather odd. both that and the 120cm high reinforcement concrete structure could be hidden behind rustic wood pannelling, along with the stonewall above each. A light-coloured timber for the wood pannelling could contribute to making the room visually warmer. all the wall pannelling above the concrete reinforcement structures could become hidden cupboards. the wood pannelling at the end of the wall on the side of the stove would resolve the awkward look of the actual wall meeting the stone facade of the stove.
Martin, loving the content. When it is was cold my grandma used to give the chickens hot water. Trust me they love it when its this cold. Cheers from Bulgaria !
Watching each week from Tennessee, a true highlight! Reminds me of the days when I would anticipate new episodes of Yankee Workshop and This Old House on PBS. So, I know it's not my house, but I can still dream right? I'd love to see a large greenhouse/chicken coop and fenced in garden steps away from your cabin. The new floor looks excellent!
I have several channels I watch on RU-vid from wood working to the aquarium and fish world. But your channel, Martijn is the very first one I watch. So peaceful and I love that you don’t feel you need to talk the whole time, but you do explain the new things you’re working on. By the way, I vote for the workshop with the stone pillars! 😁
The floor is beautiful! You should be very proud of the job and I think you are. The workshop is going to be so nice. I love your idea of the stones on the bottom.
Don't be scared Martin .The wolves were there all along and they won't bother you. We have Coyotes here in the US and the howl every 3 hours at night. That is part of the mystique.
The floor tiling is looking STUNNING, Martijn 👋. The winter snow must be a challenge, BUT it is mesmerizingly beautiful 😯. Everything is going VERY well. Until next week xxx
Just as a personal taste, nothing more: Dont like the diagonal hatch of the future cabin doors, would be So beautiful to go like old preserved samples, horizontal wood hatch on the doors! ❤❤❤❤ Bravoooo my Zen Friend😊😊❤❤❤
For the chickens, you might consider providing them a dust bath. It’s suggested aiming for a container with a length and width of at least 24-36 inches and a depth of 6-10 inches. Your chickens should be able to easily hop in and out but you don’t want all the material to fall out either. Made of Sand or soil, Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth, and Wood Ash. The two most important materials above are the diatomaceous earth and wood ash. Both of them will kill pests that infest chickens which is the number one importance of the dust bath. The dirt or sand is just a filler to mix in so it’s optional. Then depending on what you have available, the wood ash or diatomaceous earth should be added in to kill pests. Just a thought. They will love it.
There are too few hens for their socialization needs. Very important, they can get depressed. Some hay, along w/more food, it’s cold out there. I am Guessing some vitamin D in w/feed, it’s been a while as to solar rays. Maybe some D and more cheese/yogurt/eggs/calories for our ever more lean artist as well?? Thank you for all! My first real aesthetic quibble as a renovation architect… that vertically applied “flag stone pavers” up the pony wall. Ugh. Would remove. Slabs go on the horiz planes (floors, paths, terraces, roofs), as you already know, our dear renaissance friend! Taking it all in from a few grey and windy days in the Pacific NW (Seattle)
Otherwise 2+ years of decision making has been flawless. Especially the radiant staircase oven concept and execution, in every aspect. Ciao! (Feed and bild up hen population… and?? find yourself a pup❤)
Martjin is on the right track as the mason "grout bag" method of applying to brick or stone joint grouting is far less messy and cuts down on cleaning up grout residue and keeps even open pored and heavily chemically sealed natural stone from still absorbing modern cement grouts that endless sponging and cleaning just often doesn't remove that residue "haze".😇
Your attention to detail is so stunning! The work you have done on your home is so beautiful! Love your videos! Thank you for sharing you little piece of heaven with us! 🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼
Martijn, I would not go out at night when you hear the wolves as you know they work in a pack, you could get surrounded by them and then that is tickets you are a gonna. Please take care. The stone floor is going to look beautiful when it is all grouted and finished. A lot of hard work but in many years to come it will be so worth it. I loved the walk.
THE STONE FLOOR IS BEAUITFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GLAD THE CHICKENS ARE SAFE & WELL!!!! THE DESIGN OF THE NEW WORK SHOP IS NICE!!!! Do take care. Fl., USA
All the work you’ve done is now paying huge dividends. The floor is beautiful - as is everything you have done. I’m so glad you are now warm and safe. I’ll never forget when that storm tore your life apart a couple of years ago. I so love your videos xx
Gran trabajo, la dedicación, el esmero y esfuerzo puesto en cada cosa que hace es admirable, poco a poco cada instancia toma vida y se vuelve mas hermosa frente a nuestros ojos espectantes de que viene después. Gracias por su generosidad al compartirlo con nosotros.
As for the sound of the wolf 🐺 it does run a chill up your spine. They are a beautiful animal.. oh, and the rock 🪨 floor that your putting down is absolutely beautiful. I love snow and yes I could probably live in that snow its so beautiful. I wish the sun would be out at the same time. Well guy I hope everything is going well and your doing good. I'll be wait till the next video. Till then God bless you 🙏 ✨️ ❤️ the videos of the mountains to the heavenly ✨️ sky are breath taken absolutely beautiful 😍
I love that you live where there are wolves. I understand that you may be concerned for the chickens, but wolves are such gorgeous, wild creatures. Lucky you!
Excellent work, Martijn. That floor is going to be worth all your backbreaking work. Crazy weather, doing the same here in Cdn. Rockies. Loved hearing the wolves.
Thank you Martijn for all of your hard work and for all of the beauty you share with us every week!!! I hope you have a sense of how much your beautiful, weekly gifts are appreciated!😊
Your world of beauty combined with your artistic working talents are mesmerizing to watch in every season. Thank you for sharing your talents and your incredibly beautiful Nirvana😊
I loved listening to the wolf song at the beginning of the video ❤. That floor is looking absolutely AMAZING too. I really love the patterns made by the flagstone. Thanks for sharing the journey with us and take care!
Wolves deplete every food source until that region will no longer support the pack. Then the pack will relocate to find another food source and continue this cycle. A pack of hungry wolves won’t think twice about taking out a human. They are nomadic . . . wolves are not the only animals that do this.
Thanks so much for saying this. To the animal eco bleaters on here they don't care because the are miserable misanthropes or narcissists who value dumb wild dogs over all human life (with the exception if their own of course👍🏿).
Love the floor - funny, doing some similar things i.e. matching broken heavy terracotta tiles as I remove a wall to create a window. Buried in rubble and renovation, with none of all your wonderful work space, but having just learned I won the Kenneth Patchen Award for the Innovative Novel for 2023 there are expected plusses in being distracted in small spaces. Have been trying to understand the platform you suggested but got lost in the digital weeds trying to download and get it up and running. Will try again. Wolves were a hoot.
The noise of those wolves was pretty intense, and scary, it sounded like there were a lot of them. Your stone flooring is looking really good, what a huge difference you are making to your cabin, things are really moving along now. The scenery with all that snow was truly amazing and it was very heavy, where I live in Australia I don't get snow, I'd have to drive about 4 hours to get to it in Winter so I've never seen anything quite like your Italian Alps. Thank you for sharing your journey with us
Hi Martijn, RE: sketch-up, as a fellow user I can highly recommend getting a mouse. Even a cheap one with just a scroll wheel is worlds apart from a touch pad. Well that's my experience at least :) Easier object manipulations, zooming etc. just faster really. Love the channel, I have been watching since Ep.5! What a journey, keep going!
It would be an honor to live among wolves. Their howling is magical🐺🐺🐺🐺💕 And so much better then to hear a noisy neighbour's loud music and industrial hobby at night...😉Peaceful video again. Thank you!
Here in Verona province some wolve has been sighted also in the pianura. Considering I’m not a farmer I like it. My pov could be different if I had some animals to grow
