Milling Lumber to Build Our Island Blacksmith Shop

This week’s episode takes us off the island for a bit. I head out with our good friend Gord, who’s been a regular on here, and we take his boat out to scout some nice big logs. After finding what we need, we continue on to Gord’s hometown of Rushoon, where he’s got a proper bandsaw mill set up. We spend the day milling up a pile of lumber, load everything onto the boat, and make the haul back across the ocean to our little home on the island.

Back at the homestead, Kelly heads up to feed the goats and finally gives them their names—names that came straight from you in the comments. One by one, she introduces them all, and just like that, the goats feel even more like part of the family.

With spring creeping in, I start breaking ground for what will eventually become our off-grid blacksmith shop. There’s no machinery out here, so it’s shovel, pickaxe, and a lot of patience.

Then comes a big milestone—something we’ve been working toward for a while now. I head back to the water line and finally finish the last stretch into the house. After who knows how many years, we now have running water inside. No pumps, no power—just gravity and persistence. It might seem small, but to us, it’s huge.

We close out the episode with a trip across the water aboard the Cape Millie. Kelly packs up five of her handmade sea glass necklaces, and we head over to Bain Harbour to mail them out to some of you who’ve been following along. On the way, we do a little Q&A on the boat, chatting and answering questions from the comments.

It’s been a full week of progress, hard work, and small wins—and we’re grateful to have you all along for the ride.

[TechTipVault]

The drone shots, different angles and closeups add so much, really amazing filmmaking. The extra effort doesn't go unnoticed!

[hyuduthinkur]

Your channel has become required Sunday viewing; thanks for showing us life on the island paradise.

[nickj]

Gordy is the friend we all need in our lives.

[sherrylynn]

I found your channel by 'accident' on 4-3-25. I tragically lost my 16 year old daughter in a car accident 5 driveways from home on March 17, 2025. Her name is Lilly Dawn and was such a joy to be with and always made everyone feel special.
I was laying in bed trying to get my mind from missing her so much & came up on your wonderful channel. I was immediately drawn into it & have enjoyed every step of y'alls journey! I look forward to watching it & seeing your progress!
I am (use to be a rockhound until i became disabled), therefore I so enjoy watching Kelly on the beach looking for the beautiful sea glass!
I have rocks from every state i have visited and they are all displayed in my home including interesting rocks that people has brought to me.
God bless y'all and your journey!

[lpgirl]

Love your channel....I'm a 75 old woman who back in the day (the 70's) homesteaded in the wilds of Minnesota with our two small kids. Added goats, ducks, geese, and chickens as time went on. We were off grid and hauled water for 7 years. And so, watching you both eagerly build your exciting life together is pretty awesome. Enjoy the journey!

[donaswa]

This is what I miss about the days before the internet.

Neighbors helping neighbors. Kind conversations. Real community.

[trishlett]

I'm not a commenter as a rule so here goes: Laying in my bed watching each & every episode makes me feel like I'm there, all of your hard work makes me feel tired, I feel the cold & the wind when out on the boat & it's 40 C at times outside here. The choice of footage, camera angles, duration of shots & editing skills, to me, puts your episodes up there with some of the best documentaries for TV, well done & keep up the good work, regards from Perth Western Australia.

[Carabug]

Gordy measuring 8 feet: Both arms outstretched plus 2 hands. Matt measuring for the kitchen waterline: One saw, a handle, and a couple of fingers. 😂 Love it.

[florf]

Genuinely my favourite series on YouTube right now. I always love seeing a new video from you guys pop up.
Love from Ireland!

[kendallwright]

My uncle, who grew up on a rural farm used to say, we had running water when I was a boy. You ran buckets of water from the well to the house. lol

[nhender]

I'm a Newfoundlander as well, and watching your videos is a real showcase of how traditional people used to live—when the men were iron and the women were mighty. Watching you cut logs and haul them by boat must be just like how they did it back in the day—no chainsaws then, just hard work and strong hands.

The work you do in these videos, showing your life and how you live, is a real testament to the history and culture of Newfoundland. It’s really fun to watch, and I just want to say thank you for sharing it. I can imagine it takes a tremendous amount of effort to put this all together.

It really shows what the people who built Newfoundland—out in the bays and inlets—had to go through. And by showcasing this lifestyle to millions of people, you're doing Newfoundland a great service. Thank you

[melissatobin]

My depression has been kicking my ass lately, but your posts get me out of bed on Sundays and bring me so much joy. I hope you both realize the effect your videos have ❤ Much love from Maine.

[Shr-Bear]

My husband gets me up every Sunday morning as soon as you post, religiously. Oh & my hubby JR lost a bet! He said there’s no way that Matty found a great wife that was from the USA so she must be Canadian. I reminded him that he found his tough as nails wifey in Virginia! See, VA does make some kick butt girls! Around my house we call fixing things “Sherie-Rigging” as thats my name. Matt you got yourself a good one…she fell from the sky like a falling star & I hope you adore her like the Queen she is. Can’t be a King without her. May you have many long happy years together enjoying every minute together. Kelly is a legend!❤

[svenjonsson]

Me and my wife have question for your next Q&A- what are the property rights on the island and the surrounding area? Is it communal? Is harvesting trees from the local area and the nearby islands just the way it works out there and the Government doesn't really get involved? Also, I would love to get a sea glass necklace for my wife, but instead of just asking for one, is there something I can offer in trade? Maybe something you can't easily get out where you are (maybe something from the USA that Kelly likes- some brand of tea, etc) that I could send in exchange? We watch your show every Sunday night, and our favorite part is the passion you both have- that is something I think a lot of people have lost for their life, and what you two do is inspiring! Stay safe, good luck, and we look forward to the next episode! Sven and Kristen Jonsson, South Carolina, USA

[filomenamendonsa]

What an awesome friend Gorg is; a true gem!

[ricktaylor]

FAVOURITE TIME of the week!!! A “Sunday Skote Story”… makes for a GREAT Sunday morning & a coffee!!! I’m ready! 🤠👍🏼☮️

[LionDAD]

I swear you Canadian boys know how to get shit done! I lived in michigan my entire life, doing construction and living in the woods and your skills are by far better than mine man. Definitely inspire me!

[donnasimms]

I love the fact that he includes Kelly in all his endeavours. Way yo go Matt! You guys are truly a great team.

[seanmiland]

Ive dragged my wife n kids to the screen as I tell your tale...Gdamn amazing my friend. You just popped up in my feed one day. Amazing. What i notice Matty is that your biggest skill is the depth of your coping belief system. You can have the absolute most degrading day...then next youre on a rock with a cup of tea looking out saying.."best tea Ive ever had" my children have deppression n I show them.your videos to give a physical real representation of what TRUE, inner appreciation of life is about!"

[susansouthern]

This old softie Grandma in Ontario is so proud of you both..Really impressive!