Why I Burned Down My Log Cabin | Full Story

This is the story of how I lost my log cabin, covering over two years of my journey to disappear into the wild. I built this cabin alone, deep in the north. Showing up in this place for the first time I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. I staked out a Placer mining gold claim, with the intentions of mining it like the old timers did, by hand and using a make shift wash plant. But first I needed somewhere to live. When I arrived here this was a completely raw piece of land. I made a small camp and began the long process of going from trees standing in the forest, to a cozy and warm log cabin. This would be the first time I have tried building a log cabin. I learned many lessons along the way, the main one being that really its just a whole lot of work. Much more elbow grease than skill. Follow along as I share the entire story of my time in the north. Not just the building, but all the life lived in between. From nights looking at the northern lights dancing over head, to building my first green house and having it torn up by a grumpy grizzly bear.

[gpuckit]

The wood was already cut for the cabin. I would have moved it log by log....burn it down was a waste

[juneladd]

I did this exact same thing when I was in my late 20's to early 30's....But I am a female...I sold my home in Kingman, AZ...and bought 10 acres of mountain timberland, above a little town in Washington state called Collville, about 70 miles North of Spokane...my X boyfriend and I cut our own timber, and prepared it, we basically lived off the land, hunting and fishing as needed, we hauled our water and made a very self sustaining campsite and water system, cooked on open fire pit for every meal, bathed in local creeks and rivers, as well as washing our clothes this way...I never felt so free in my life...I never cared or wondered what day of the week it was, and learned to tell time by the sun and the shadows that were cast...I observed all the wildlife and plants around me and learned the patterns of nature...It was truly beautiful. I only drove to town once or twice a month and trips were brief, as I couldn't wait to get back to my Paradise... My calm, peaceful place....The only thing that ruined this whole experience was choosing the wrong partner in doing so....I eventually left my mountain property and half built cabin, to escape being in a bad relationship, and I cried as I drove away in my pick up truck, but I will have the good memories forever, and know that at least one time in my life, I truly knew what peacefulness and serenity felt like with no outside worries of the world..no everyday problems, no time limits when something must be done by, no limits to my imagination, and no one force feeding me State or Govt. laws, or trying to push new rules and regulations on me.. Everyday was very hard work, but was work I was doing because I wanted to, and it was a way of life that I desired....Everyone should experience this at least once in their life time, in my opinion.. I'm now 64 yo and have wonderful memories...I still live in the country, on property, but I now do it all alone and its always nicer to have someone to share it all with, but at my age, I'm kinda stuck in my ways, so I will stay solo...

[gregklein]

Dude I give you credit for doing this s***, I'm retired disabled, even if I was younger I don't think I would have had the energy and drive to do what you did and I think it's incredible, I appreciate you being you and just living life, love the dog

[minutemandefense]

My 9 year old and 11 year old are watching this and really enjoyed it. They said the cabin was a masterpiece and they were sorry to see it go.
My 9 year old wanted to be sure you got the window and stove out for the next cabin.

[SvetlozarAthanassis-trsy]

Don't be worried and sad, walk tall and be tough. Whatever you did, take it as a learning trial, so you can make next one better on the one before. Trust me the next one it will be more beautiful and more sturdy , and you will be proud for what you will achieve. You will find that your first cabin is just a bridge and a lesson for something greater that will come from all this...don't give up....

[wandareddick]

The first time is the hardest now you know how to make a better cabin .. Good luck

[oldladylinda]

Just gut wrenching. So proud of you for handling it the way you did. That took a LOT of fortitude. You are strong. I hope you continue. And we here at my house will be here
to cheer you on!

[trade]

I’m sitting here devastated just watching this. You’re a beast! The way you built that home and have the strength go through all that devastation. Amazing strength. I’m convinced you will win in the end. Inspiring Strength.

[thedude]

I don’t get it, your claim was right next to the cabin, why didn’t you just get a few logs and some winches and drag it onto your claim?

[old-school]

As a Canadian, a proud Albertan and a prouder outdoorsman, I'm embarrassed by the bureaucracy that causes these types of issues.

[paulthomas]

You were not thinking!! Should have kept planks, door, and any kind of structure and moved those materials to your actual claim an then rebuild cabin!! It did not look like your claim site is too far away! Give it another try! But save the planks!! Loved this video and hope you make more out in wilderness!

[rickywhite]

What a shame. You were not bothering anyone out there. They really should have just left you alone. Breaks my heart to see this

[bluwtrgypsy]

Just amazing, Matty. Beyond amazing, yet heartbreaking. I am glad you had a buddy there for support at the end. I remember the Yukon build series when you built this wonderful cabin. So sad. You're one of those guys that can do absolutely anything. Your attitude is incredible. Blessings

[mudpuddle]

The cabin was built to be moveable. You didnt have far to get it onto the mining claim property. Certainly a dozer could have gotten it done. Prior to the burning, this was the best and most uplifting video I have seen in quite a long while. After the burning, I am angry.

[frontierrenegade]

Something doesn't add up here. You were required to build a movable living structure, which you did by placing the cabin on rounds. You show the property line of where it should have been with a clearing in between allowing a nice open path. After the brutal hard work of building that cabin, why not cut some more logs, jack it up, and egyptian style pull the cabin with some come-alongs to said property. Unless of course, you wanted a large fire to roast marshmallows, which i understand completely.

[Veritas]

A person can enter Canada illegally claim “asylum” and there is all manner of resources and advocacy made available to him. But this Canadian citizen can’t build a cabin in the woods in one of the largest country’s on the planet. Ridiculous

[stcontact]

Man, I'm 70 years old, and just watching your videos makes me want to sell everything and go see the world.

[utubewatcher]

What a shame, all that hard work literally gone up in smoke! Your poor dog looked so confused “ dad why the cabin on fire?” Poor little guy and poor you! I’ll look forward to your new build 😊

[weekender]

I'm 69, my wife 76, we just moved in our new home in Feburary we built together. Just like you from the dirt to the roof, we done it all. We are so happy and proud of our new home. Just found your channel tonight and subbed in for the adventure. I can relate to your DIY sole. We love dogs as well and have one by our side constantly. The best to you as you move forward. It should be an interesting journey if you continue on youtube sharing.

[edwinlipton]

I find it difficult to find words, let alone spell them correctly.
I'm 68. Mine burnt down in a wild fire. But what we both, and many more like us have that can't be taken or erased. The knowing and the fond memory.