Spring! A Week in the Sugar Bush

This year, my wife and I are on a path to dramatically improve our health by eating and living more ancestrally - only natural foods, more sunlight, more heat and cold exposure, natural cleaning products and more. Maple syrup from our forest is the first foraged/harvested food of the year.

Hi, I'm Shawn James. I am a passionate outdoorsman living the life of my dreams in a log cabin that I built by myself in the Canadian wilderness. Join me and my golden retriever, Cali and listen to the sounds of the forest in this relaxing wilderness setting. I prefer to keep my talking to a minimum and let the natural sounds of nature make you feel as though you are there with me.
Mail:
200 Manitoba St., Unit 3, Suite 415
Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E2

My Self Reliance/Shawn James
200 Manitoba St., Unit 3, Suite 415
Bracebridge, ON P1L 2E2

[francoisrouquette]

hello Shawn, i am a 26 years old guy from France and i have been following your adventures for more than six years now. your videos always brings to me such joy and peace, thank you for that. To what you just said about loving being alone in the nature, i relate so very much. I have always been attracted to this lifestyle. Recently started working as a carpenter after five years studying philosophy, i can't help but thinking you inspired me somehow. Thank you again and bless you all.

[williamrhea]

Tell you what I learned, I learned that despite what my wife thinks about it, I am not crazy for wanting to be in the woods camping all by my self. In the mountains of Colorado there is no better place to just sit by the fire and listen to the forest talk to you. Thank you so much for sharing your quiet times in the woods.

[pamelalee]

Your videos are where I come to experience SERENITY!

[robinshay]

Shawn, if you have ever heard the phrase, that person has an “old soul”, then you will understand why you love what you do. When I watch what you do in your videos it remind me of the pioneer days. You have created a pioneer mind set. Getting back to nature so to speak. Many who watch you, and love what you have accomplished, are “old souls” too.
Being alone and loving it is a byproduct of an old soul. Embrace it because, that dash between our birth year and our death year is shorter than most believe. Make your dash count!
Anyone who might consider you to be anti-social just might be a bit envious. 😉

[MSjackiesaunders]

I love watching Cali roll in the snow! Good luck with the maple syrup making.

[Melia.N]

hi, i´m a nurse from the east of germany, i love friday and saturday. Not only for its weekend, but hoping to see you and cali in the nature and your work in the surrounding area, its relaxing time with tea or coffee (sorry for my english.. too long ago..lol) i hear and read what you say about your opinions of being alone in nature with cali, enjoy the nature and her scent, the slight noises and everything arrounds you, no civilization. Its not important what we think about your opinions, we have to respect them. I´m not alone with this meaning. I admire your courage, patience, balance, you have the chance to live your dream in this wonderfull nature. best wishes for you and cali

[Martin_HD]

I too am most at peace when I am alone. Like you, I can't explain. I just find socializing exhausting and basically stressful. Keep being true to yourself and never feel like you have to explain your feelings of solidarity to your audience. Those of us who have been following you know exactly who you are and we look forward to what this channel brings to each of our lives.

[carlziegler]

Being alone with nature, nothing like it. Thanks for sharing

[elizabethjohnson]

My thoughts as I watch this 'young' man work to his heart's delight; at 67 now, I have faith my husband and I will get that homestead land soon, and like Abraham and Sara, our strength and power will be renewed for the challenge set before us! Shawn your motives to drastically improve your health are fantastic. I pray for that in my own marriage. I need a challenge at my age and health. Regards to Canada the True North from far north California

[amyward]

I loved this video! I loved watching Cali in the snow
I loved watching Harvest the tree
I love watching you processing the syrup and
Listening to you explain your garden plans
You look healthy and happy!

[MichaelDeClerck-lz]

I am grateful that you share your life with us. It is a peaceful reassurance when I can tune into the next episode that life is good in spite of the chaos in the world dynamics. Friday morning with a good cup of coffee, my own dogs, and watching you and Cali is a great start to the day ahead. Give Cali a BIG SMOOCH from Mike & Ronnie. GOD BLESS.

[jeanculey]

Hi Shawn…. Watching for many years from South Africa…Nothing wrong with your lifestyle… I’m sure you will find many feel the same..
It’s never boring….Be safe.. enjoy your days…

[jonrandall]

You really should concider wearing some form of leg protection when operating your chainsaw, nobody ever expects to suffer an acident but being on your own and in a very remote location you would greatly increase your survival chances with proper protective equipment. Just a thought.

[JimKernix]

It's not a flaw - I too think being alone in the woods is amazing, or more aptly put is comforting and peaceful!

[stephenreiner]

Most people don't know what a sugar bush is. It's a stand of maples that usually is around up to 100 sugar maples in close proximity to each other. It will produce thousands of gallons of sap in the process of making maple syrup and maple candles. Usually maple leaves made from the granulate left from boiling. Dairy farms in the area where I live in NY usually are the ones who have sugarin shacks.

[arthenry]

Well, it IS your life, and it should be lived the way YOU like it. And for some reason, I love being in the wings here, coming along with you. I could never do all this physically, myself. BUT, through you, I can see that it CAN and DOES get done. And I enjoye this very much. I learn many many things here. And I enjoy your whole family. I feel they are ideal and wish there were more and more like them in this world. I thank you Shawn. For being YOU, and sharing YOU with me. You have enriched MY life beyond belief, thank youl AND your family.

[AUNTFRED]

I love ALL of your videos. I always learn something. Thanks, and we'll see you soon!

[M.S...]

I love waching cabin in the snow, making fire and live in nature.. Cali is the star!

[sandratweedale]

That tree looked massive until you cut it down. I was convinced you were going to take out that whole fence line! But the tree came down inside the fence giving me a clearer understanding of how big that garden area actually is. A massive tree but huge pasture as well. As always a great video. That Cali girl sure is living a blessed life with this special family. She is loved by so many 🥰💝🐶🤗

[steveschnatz]

I have not had any carbohydrates in 7 years and I am thriving my health is top-notch