A Wicked Winter Snowstorm at the Off Grid Log Workshop, Skating on Thin Ice, Installing a Chimney 

Nothing better than my 5 year old daughter snuggling up with me watching your video this morning. A lot of "that's beautiful" coming from her when watching the nature shots at the end. Enjoy your videos Shawn. Keep then coming.

What a wonderful balance of Love, Work and Beauty in your videos Shawn! I could say much but I must tell you about my Grandfather back in the 80s, as your skilled skating reminded me. It was a good winter for ice on ponds and my Grandfather was quite a skater in his day. My Aunt bought him skates as requested and we took him to the farm pond, his former home. In his 80s, he laced his skates up, we were concerned as he got on the ice and put his hands behind his back and skated as graceful as could be. He hadn't skated for decades until then. He was delighted and joyful and it was the first and last time he used those new skates. We had tears in our eyes as we watched our Elder of the family glide so skillfully across the ice. The building, the stove and stove pipes, the tools, Dear Cali and the beauty you live within, brings forth those memories of Loved ones and the true wealth of life. My Grandfather skating and the old farm! My Grandfather lived to be 97 and passed in 1989. Thank You Shawn! Love, Light and Peace! DaveyJO in Pa.

What a happy dog! I've never seen a dog wandering around on its own wagging its tail so much. She's just wandering in the background wagging he butt off. Just happy as can be! 🐕 And it's contagious to watch her.

Let's add this up. Carpenter, sheet metal worker, gardener, hunter, cook, lumberjack, plumber, house builder, designer, environmentalist and to top it all a champion ice skater. Your skills never ceases to amaze me. What more could anyone say. These videos are not only unique but unreal. Thank you for all the time you put into them.

Wow, Shawn. Your videos seem to bring out the best in everyone. Not only did I watch you and Cali till the end but I read everyone of the kind appreciative, wonderful comments . It's a good thing you do for us too.

1.74M subscribers? I can't believe it! I remember when we was 200K!!! Hard work and never giving up pays off. Thank you for everything my amigo

If only every dog could live Cali’s life ❤️

Your video's have become the standard by which all others' should follow. This is such a bonus to have Friday morning coffee with you. This episode was special in every way. Watching you and Cali on the ice just did it. She needs a pair of doggy skates!? LOL. Thank You Shawn, and GOD BLESS. Give Cali a BIG SMOOCH from Mike & Ronnie

Shawn- The amazing footage that you shoot and how well it is edited together for our enjoyment is simply brilliant! I promise you that National Geographic wishes they could put together such a quality video on your budget. The scenery, the wood craftsmanship, watching Cali wouldn't capture our attention the way it does if you structured your videos any other way. I don't think people realize how much time goes into just capturing the right nature sound and then splicing it together to tell the wonderfully captivating story. Just brilliant Sir

My wife and I thought the hardest most miserable time up here would be the so called harsh winter but we have fell in love with mother nature's cold side. So quiet and an inner peace I have not fully felt anywhere.

ahhhhhh, the freedom... and Cali skating beside you!!! YES!!! Good for you, good for your family, good for the world!

I wonder sometimes if you trully understand how much light you give to the darkness of these times. Thank you from my heart for your selfless sharing. God Bless

Cali is such a goofball She shines bright like the sun in the roughest snow storm

I’ll have to watch again. The scenery and your fluid skating within it was so relaxing that it cut through recent attacks of pain (arthritis?.....awaiting diagnosis) and I fell into some much needed sleep. (The scenes of you breaking trail through deep snow , on the other hand, reminded me of different pains long ago as muscles acclimed to that chore every year. Short lived discomfort and always worth it....ahhh, youth). Thanks for sharing. Always much appreciated.

I just finished reading some of the comments, Nothing could have been said better or more heartfelt. I have watched for longer than I care to remember and they are all wonderful and amazing. Thank you. As a carpenter and fine woodworker I am always amazed at the quality of work out there in the woods , you at times makes me blush. Your video interludes are so inspiring. How can anyone not want to do their best in anything or everything one does. Again thanks RC

I find myself gasping for breath at the beauty that surrounds you. I have no words...

My favorite part (besides all of the video) was watching Cali try to find the training dummy when it was thrown in deep snow, and she had trouble finding it, but never gave up and found it! That is Cali, and watching you two on the ice--that was such a treat. Shawn can't work all the time--but she can play all the time!

I just turned 50 February 8. I wacth your videos for motivation and you inspire me to keep working outside in the woods building and making a garden. Thank you so much for you awesome lifestyle and videos. Your the only one I wacth for motivation....

Been having coffee 3 years with you and the worlds happiest dog. Thanks Sean.

Seriously, is there anything you CAN'T do? What a lucky woman your wife is to have such a man as you.

In my best Rod Serling voice, _Imagine, if you will, a time where nearly everyone had these skills of construction, farming, and land management. Harken back to the days of Continental exploration, and settling, and you have those days epitomized in these videos._ Bliss and blessings to Shawn, Cali, and team James, for keeping that spirit alive and well. 💯👍🏼👏🏼🙏🏼

What a joy what a joy, joy of happiness, joy of freedom, and joy of accomplishments 😊

I dont believe there ever has been a more loved and more happy dog than this. She lives a life that any creature would dream of.

Is there anything that you can't do ? A man and his dog ice skating... Beautiful

I have never learned so much from a man saying nothing but speaking volumes in every thing he does. I love the outback of Australia as much as you love the wonderland of the North. If your dog ever as pups send one to me and I will pay for the transfer.

Shawn, all I can say is that this video absolutely took my breath away. The river footage was beautiful but the footage that Mrs James filmed of you and Cali on the ice in the sunset actually brought me to tears, that’s how profoundly moving it was for me. Too many of us don’t take the time to really appreciate the utter perfection that can be found on this little blue planet, especially when enjoyed with those we love. Thank you for this. Wishing you and Mrs James, Cali and your daughters continued health and happiness.

He and Calli looks the happiest beings in the workd. What could be more desirable for them, at this moment.

Shawn, love the video. One thing though, I had a cousin who lived on a lake, and every winter whenever their father went out on the lake, he always carried a couple of dock spikes driven into a couple of handles so if he ever fell thru the ice, he had something he could pull himself out with.

Oh and bless you Shawn for applying your bear cream to Cali’s paws to prevent frostbite. 🙏🏻❤️👌 Best Dad award, best every category winner. ❤️🙏🏻

The sequences of you skating with your dog on the frozen lake are spectacular!

The simple things in life feeds the soul. We need to all slow down and enjoy those nutrients before we lose our humanity. You inspire Shawn. Love your channel!

I just love his channel so much, and I love when he puts the melodies with beautiful drone coverage. I've told so many people about his channel. Just awesome. Your doing a great job shawn. Thanks for sharing part of your story with us. Take care

Thank you for sharing a life I can only dream of as I lost my mobility many years ago. Forgive me for living my dreams through you.

Slow motion of you sliding, Cali running arround flagging her tail, ice glowing softly with reflected sunlight - pure magic!

Watching you ice skating with Cali just took my breath away. Spectacular photography and capturing of the light on the ice and snow. It was transporting. Thank you for the perfect morning meditation. You are a blessing to us all.

Hi sawn , you bring so much enjoyment to us all and that loving fluffy girl . I find myself stopping the video just to make it last longer enjoy every minute.

One of the few channels on youtube with less talking more content is actually refreshing to watch and enjoy.

That ice skating really took me back to my childhood, when I used to skate on the small town pond with friends...miss those simpler times...thanks for taking me back 🥲

If You tube ever had viewers vote on the best video sites for various genres Your videos would be a winner in several categories. Hands down you create the best videos out there. Your work is truly appreciated all over the globe.

Some of us are different from the rest. It's those people that make life more interesting. Shawn is one of those people. I thank the Lord for Shawn. 👍🍀

Everything you craft is beautiful and takes so much work! We enjoy your videos and understand how much it takes to produce each and every one! Thanks so much for giving us all wonderful, non violent entertainment! And....give Cali a big hug, she is one of a kind. The skating by both of you was strictly mesmerizing, in fact...no words to describe it.....beautiful.

The beauty of being in a cabin during a winter storm is watching the snowfall with a woodstove or fireplace going... YOU got a lot more snow than we did - good thing it's light & fluffy ... those cut off 6x6's, I'd be making a planting box for gardening some veggies &/or flowers near where I was living and/or working or use for a bbq deck ... it's only February but I've got gardening on my mind ... I always enjoy your video's! ... gotta ❤ Canadian weather! ... Happy Valentine's Day weekend - enjoy!

I am sorry you have been driven out of your previous cabin , but I am loving watching you start from scratch again . I admire the fact that you ignore hip deep snow and just carry on measuring and cutting .

From a 74 year old Chinese widow living in Australia. Shawn I’ve watched 99% of your videos and it uplifts me each time I watch your video and I absolutely love Cali. I just bawled my eyes out when I watched the video where Cali had a turn from heat wave. Couldn’t wipe the smile of my face when I saw her come to. Shawn you are truly inspiring and I thank you for sharing the beauty of the Canadian outback and not forgetting Cali.

How nice it is to see someone ice skating again. Last time on was skating I was in my early 60's. I'm almost 74 and I miss it. I had my hone then. Now I live in apt. And there isn't anywhere for one to skate. Up in northern Illinois they don't even sell them anymore. I remember how much both adults and kids enjoyed it.

Sean love the way you finish off your program with beautifull photography. Your Kitchener fan.

Shawn James, a handyman/roofer with the soul of an artist.

You Win No Matter Shawn. You are on the right side of Life. You picked another beautiful spot. Too bad people cannot throw the same amount of Love and care and passion into their work and Life as you. They would find their joy instead of wasting their life on hate and envy. Love is where it is! Thank you for sharing with us. What a GIFT.

Come for the woodsman and stay for the breathtaking videography and words of wisdom.

This video covered it all today. Your meticulousness exacting of everything just so, Cali chasing & trying to shake the young tree to let go of her throw toy caught in it's bare branches, then the beautiful music highlighting you & Cali on the ice in full freedom & elation of the moments. I loved every minute & it brought me grateful tears of joy. Thank You! 🙋‍♀️💜✌

It doesn’t get any more Canadian than the final scenes of skating on a frozen lake. Many of us learned how to skate on just such a venue. It really brought back great memories. Thank you for sharing our beautiful country with so many.🇨🇦🇨🇦

You skating out there in the middle of nowhere, is absurd, sacred, spiritual and irreverent all at the same time. So beautiful!

My heart is overflowing with gratitude. Thank you Shawn for giving us breathtaking videos of you and Cali. More power👍👍👍

oh my goodness... kudos to your wife for capturing this breathtaking sequence....

The framing of your shots and the organization of your videos makes them both visually and conceptually satisfying.... thank you for these videos Shawn James... much appreciated! 🌀♥️🌀 Loved those shots of the wind taking the snow off of the trees....

So beautiful with all the snow..Was impressed with your skating ,my daughter and I was comparing our experiences with ours..We got buzzed out you scored a lot better 🥰..We had snow ,got excited it started getting quite heavy..Gone by noon .We do not get snow like we used to here were I live in the U.K..When I was a kid they did really bad like you have it there.The cabin is coming along nicely now ,a lot of hard work but it will be worth it is done ,your in a beautiful place,nicer than the last place .I am looking forward to all the plans of planting new trees etc..Stay safe 🥰

Cali is such a happy dog and you take such good care of her! Love your videos!

I’m still amazed at how these videos bring my whole body relaxation. Just stunning winter scenes! And some darn good craftsmanship. 😀

Wow! Just Wow! Thank you for sharing your paradise with us.

When Cali is playing it just makes your videos so complete.

There was a surreal moment when you looked like you were skating on the clouds....

The sight and sound of tall pines dancing in the winter wind is spectacular. Cali and the ice skating clip was touching. She loves when Shawn engages her like that. I am sure it works both ways.

My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE RU-vid channel!!! Love you all!!!! God bless you and precious Callie🤗♥️💕

Wow, now that is the Ontario way. Just one big hockey rink. Good for you.

Most people, like me, would run out in the forest and build a cabin. Then add from there. I like the way you are doing it this time; building a topnotch workshop from which to build what I expect to be your best work. Cant wait.

Best Regards for you Shawn and Cali (your wife and daughter and member of the time, also) from Branko Monevski, Belgrade, Serbia

WOW! The only word I can describe this video is “HEAVENLY “

Absolutely beautiful to watch. Thanks for adding some dimension to my days. Stay safe up there!

Cali and Shawn doing an ice dance. Beautiful! The wildness of this place is breathtaking! Can't wait for next week.

As a former Minnesotan for many decades, with too many hours on the blades to count, this video conjured up lots of old memories. The almost claustrophobic feeling of struggling to maneuver in deep snow juxtaposed with how freeing it feels to glide across the ice. Amazing how 'loud' the silence can be, how sounds change, after newly-fallen snow. Stunningly beautiful sequence at the end.

The scenery with you and Cali ice skating was so beautiful. With the music, made it truly meaningful....all i can say it simply beautiful💐

The last scene with you skating and Cali running along side you was beautiful, calming, and shows what life is really all about

Everything I do in nature keeps me mentally and physically fit. That's why I find opportunities and escape to nature. I may have had the best teas I've ever had. The happiness this feeling gives is indescribable.

You must be having a warm winter Water every where good job on the little work shop

The final scenes with you and Cali out on the lake were awesome..you make it look so easy!!! I think Cali was enjoying the fact that she could really run and you could keep up. 😋

Hi from South Africa! I so very eagerly await your uploads - by far the best of any RU-vid uploads, thank you! Love that you took some time for a relaxing ice skate 😁. Brilliant to watch you build with handtools (and brains) 🤣 - learnt so much from you already. Thank you!

The skating and Cali running on the ice and deep snow, the dark and light shots of the snow on the ice, the snow falling out of the trees, the whole video was outstanding. Thank you for sharing with us.

OH MY GOD! There by the Grace Of God GO WE

Thank you , Shawn .

I don't comment much, but the opening sequence and few moments of this video with the snow falling from the trees through the sunlight was one of the most stunning things I have ever seen. You should simply release a video of just that shot, that was incredible.

Wow Shawn is there anything you cannot do. Ice skating awesome. You can tell you and Cali love your country life.

It never ceases to amaze me how much you accomplish on your own! The view out the workshop windows is so beautiful with the snow and trees.

Cali seems to love snow

He is a family man A builder and Skates on a frozen river What a great laugh

Sweet, adorable Cali getting her 🐾 paws massaged, and then leaping around in the background, precious 💞. Add to that the amazing skills of her dad... great way to start the day😊. And they ice skate too!

Love how patient Cali is with you when you want to do stupid things like play with her paws when you could be doing something useful, like throwing her toy. You can almost see her rolling her eyes!

Shawn! Wow! Glorious golden serenity at the end. A little boy at heart! You and Cali make life extra special. I imagine it is your wife- or daughter at the camera? Excellent drone clips too! Thank you for your art! A true Renaissance Man!

Cali is the perfect companion & co-producer of some of the most enjoyable vids on RU-vid. I love the silent solitude as well. Even though l live in a rural west coast community and can go days without speaking to anyone besides my cat, its comforting to know I'm only 25 min away from the nearest market and I don't have to wear survival gear to get there in my car. Watching helps me appreciate my own magical surroundings and the care it needs to continue to thrive. I learn something about myself every time l watch, thanks for that.

Never seen you so happy, free and unencumbered as you skate off into the sunset. A pro on more levels than I can count. Stunning 🤩 and thank you as ever for sharing. 🙏🏻

I totally agree with the comment of Mike DeClerk! After following you build your former homestead, I cant't wait to follow the evolution of your next project. Already your new workshop is a jewell of construction! Have a great year and continue to bring happiness and beauty into our lives!

Those shots of you two silhouetted against the sunset! I've seldom seen an equal representation of Canadian Spirit. You still rock Shawn. 👍😎

Excellent video, Shawn. You ice skating was the most touching thing I've seen on any of your videos so far. It truly moved me to see you do that.

Even in neck deep snow your furbaby wants to hang with you. I love it!

You and Callie on the ice ... moving, meaningful, magical.

Spectacular ending scenes with the skating. Your photography skills are only matched by your bushcraft skills. Thanks for making such enjoyable content Shawn.

8:80 is one of the greatest video shots in slow motion. A man and his best friend facing the winter and moving forward!!! I love your videos!!!

Thank you Shawn, that was so beautiful, it made me cry.

I love a good snow storm "so pretty." Seeing Cali hopping through the snow like a big bunny makes me smile every time. I use Mushers on my dogs paws so my dogs dont absorb road salt that dries out their pads. Its the best stuff I ever used for their paws. It would be nice some day to see Cali have a puppy pal to play with and run around with. "It was also nice to see you having a little fun on the ice for a change."

Oh my, watching you and Cali on the ice was Golden.

I was stunned Cali didn't immediately remove that stuff you rubbed on her paws. That's miraculous right there.