BLACK LAB DOG UPDATE: The dog apparently belongs to a neighbour several kilometres up the river. He is a known long distance wanderer and has caused his owners much anxiety due to this! He is back with them (for now) and OK! They thanked me for keeping him warm in my tent on my first night on the property. I truly believe he was a land spirit sent by the Gods to welcome me. I was having a lot of negative thoughts on my drive up to my land on the first day, and the dog distracted me from my thoughts and/or lifted my spirits in general with his demeanour. THANK YOU TO THE BLACK LAB!

Say what you want about this city man going into the woods with all the gear and no idea, but he is freaking doing it. He wanted to live the woodsman life and he is doing it. More then most of us behind our keyboards. Good luck mate.

The level of hate you're getting on this is unreal, but it's revealing that what you are doing is EPIC and drawing out a lot of jealousy from lousy individuals. Don't let any of that shit bring you down bro, they don't deserve your energy in any way. I'm onboard for the ride, I can tell you have massive plans.

Man why ya’ll hating, he’s a city person ofc he’s gonna take his time to learn how to survive and make his homestead so leave the man alone

Clearly, your background is in TV and film. I watch this and enjoy your ability to entertain. It's not fake. It's just part of who you are. Don't pay any attention to the haters and never water yourself down if they can't handle you at 100 proof. Well done.

I can tell you have definitely been in front of cameras in your life. Very entertaining to watch someone who is new to outdoors cabin build but a pro in front of the camera. I’ve subscribed and excited to watch your journey!

This is a new spin on the make a log cabin genre...someone w NO previous skills giving it a go. Wish u well!

Definitely recommend when you're clearing/cleaning up the "problem" trees. Cut them up into the firewood that you're going to need. Two things done at once. 🤔 The property is nice...

Well, I gotta say, it's entertaining. As a 70 year old woman that did the off grid bush life for many years, I spent the first half hour of your video laughing my butt off. I would have started your attempt to get a foundation in about a week or 2 earlier, but hey, better late than never. The bears gotta be close to hibernating and frankly have never had a problem with a black bear despite numerous encounters. Try NOT COOKING in your tent...Never had a problem with wolves either, but coyotes can be a problem. Try to get along with the wildlife please, they were here first. Mind you, I am further north than you are (NW Ontario) and your terrain looks closer to the Sault/Sudbury area so our wildlife is similar. I subscribed because I miss the lifestyle but I physically cannot do it anymore. Looking forward to watching your progress.

Best of luck and all the power to you, man! What you're doing is incredible, and I genuinely hope it works out for you! I hope to one day have a similar journey

Oh my goodness! You are hysterical. I grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I am one step ahead of you, laughing because of, not failures, but I can see the “if I had only known “ videos coming up. The best advice I can give you is to live with the ebb and flow of nature. Truly; for the biggest part, there is nothing in nature that will hurt you. Your reaction or inaction is the solution to curios wildlife. That includes survival in all four seasons. There is nothing out there that frightens me, respect yes, fear no. It’s a way of life. I’m 64 years young and disabled. I mentally feel far younger than body does or I would still be living that life. I subscribed because I honestly miss the adventure - now I will experience it through your eyes. 👀. Praying for you and your success. The biggest piece of advice I have right now is get that foundation dug, and second, get a dog. That dog will be companion, security and a body guard. (It can even provide warmth on extremely cold nights. lol). Canada is gorgeous. Have fun, learn lots, work hard (some of the hardest work you will ever do, yet the most satisfying) good luck. Praying for you!!!

I burst out laughing at a few parts of your vid. 1. When you busted out that electric chainsaw, 2. When that dog hopped in the tent for the night and 3. When you had your 4th meal in a row of steak. Good luck out there bud! Easy subscription

That dog was protecting you 100%. Also, you know we have to come at you for the way you say “Toronto”. Love this - you’ve got a fan.

Telling a Labrador that he can’t be your friend is about the dumbest thing I’ve seen somebody do 😂🇨🇦

I’m enjoying your adventure as you progress! It’s good to see someone not take themselves too seriously with something like this. You’re taking a big leap and it’s refreshing to see someone out of their element, taking risks to give other dreamers more confidence living out in the bush.

Cowboy coffee: 2tbsp/cup in freedom units, let it boil for 10 mins, then pour a little cold water in with it and the grounds will sink to the bottom, and pour it into your cup.

Well you can't be that far out lol, the neighbors dog found you 🤣😂

dogs, thats exactly how I got my dog, was out in the bush one day and he came running up to me wagging tail and wanting to sober all over me, a trip to vet with him and clean bill of health and now he's been my faithful buddy for 5 years

Posted 4 months ago and we’re all just seeing this now 😂 love it though

Gotta watch this, trainwrech maybe. Funny yes. Entertaining absolutely. Don't hurt yourself.

Homesteading, with an electric chainsaw?!?! Lmfao. No Stihl? Hahaha

I don’t understand the negativity. You have drive and a goal. I wish you the best.

Not to sure how old you are. At 26, I had a similar life change. I always loved the ocean. I stood up at my desk in my fancy corner office and told my boss I was moving to the jungle in the Pacific Ocean. Completely changed everything in the span of about two months. That was the best. Good luck to you! I will stay tuned.

Telling a stray and lost dog, in the wilderness, which apparently was being chased by something, to get outta here, you can't stay here. Great empathy there mate. Good on you.

James, I’m so grateful I happened upon ur channel via Instagram!! I admire your resourcefulness, bravery & sense of adventure! Brilliant idea to create a series to share your adventures- I’m in! I’m only 15 min into your first post and hooked! Just shared ur video with a bunch of friends I’m sure would also enjoy following you! 👏🙂

Thoroughly enjoyed the ep. Committed to follow you through this journey 🙏 Be safe

The dog was very innocent and he came to you saving his life. You give him something to eat. Hope he is safe❤

Mate, there's this awkward strangeness seeing you in the wild like this. The thing is, it's EXACTLY how I would be going out into the wild. It makes it so engaging, your definately a different type of bloke, I love it. Thank you for doing this.

Hi, I've just subscribed to your channel. Your personality is so infectious. Thanks so much for an uplifting adventure. If I were younger, I'd give you a run for your money. Lol. What you're doing has been my life's long dream. Got sick with a cancer 15 years ago, now in remission. But never had the right person to support my dream, physically I could, but financially being on disability my dream was shattered, not a man of my age interested in off griding, much less camping.😅 but I am so blessed. Now have my tiny home. Continue your dream and God Bless.

I will come back and see, how long it took stop being an actor and start being a homesteader. Apart from that kudos for just doing these completely different things in life. Gutsy.

Man… I don’t know if he’ll do it but unlike a lot of people commenting at least he’s out there starting. It’s a little late to start. When I saw his neighbor come lend knowledge I had a little hope but not much. Wait til spring.

He’s your dog now! 😂

Why is everyone hating he is a city person tryna learn give him a. Chance

Thanks to Xander Budnick i am subscribed to yet another great channel. Really jealous of your surroundings.

For those meanie people , please leave him alone. It's entertaining and had a good laugh. I will be waiting for the next video. Goodluck and stay warm.

Wish i found this some years later just to binge it!!!!

Omg the dog LOL!! You must update us on what happened with that cute pup 😂❤

I have a strong suspicion this is going to be one of the best YT series ever. A city boy like me who has no idea what he is doing but an urge to get back to nature and just giving it a red hot go touches me. Best of luck bro, I will be watching every single one of these videos. 👊

This guy is Bear food!

It’s great being a man! 🐺 I can tell this is going to be my next favorite channel. Let’s do this! Built my homestead in 2017 in Duluth MN

Genius… bring in a loving lab in the beginning, pull at all our heart strings.. then not say a word where this dog went for the entire video… way to get full length video views we all stayed waiting to find out where the dog is.. ..

You are really funny, I like you! About the coffe, you just put in more than you think, that's the accurate measure. You definitely have a new subscriber and from Sweden 🇸🇪 🇸🇪🇸🇪

I love the ear protection while using an electric chainsaw. 😂

Not sure if this is satire but I'm in for the ride. Let's go!

OMG you’re cutting your way in with an electric chainsaw on doorstep of winter! Yep I have to sub and check in on your journey! I’ll finish watching this later. Be well be good✌️

Labs are really good judges of character. They're also extremely loyal once they meet you and decide they like you.

There is only truly one way to learn in life .. that is learn by doing , people can make fun all they like but YOU are doing your best to make it happen . Good Luck 😊

Wear an orange vest ,even if you think you're alone ,save you from getting shot

Whered the dog go

I LOVE this! As an American who spent time in a lot of different countries, I share your dream for this kind of life! Beautiful! I am a mom of 6, so I’m more than 1/2 way to your goal (😂) but if my body had been able to, I would have had 10 easily! Good luck to you, my northern neighbor and friend, and the best of luck in the future. You are 100% on the right path.❤❤❤

Not sure why a lot of people are hating in here, love what you’re doing keep it up.

I had no idea you had this whole Chinese background lol wild.

So excited for you and your journey! Really proud of you, can’t wait to see the beautiful life you’re creating for yourself 💚

This is going to be interesting.

I appreciate people that can get out of their comfort zone and DO something. What a stud. Yeah there is a lot to learn, but don't listen to the people that are negative.

Awesome what your doing👍Where the heck are you that you’ve 40 acres,all that wildlife and a neighbor that close🤔?Nice to see he’s helping you out not telling you to get back to the city!One little tip,get yourself a small generator,it’ll come in handy.

Key board Warriors in full force on your channel

I love this. Great to see this from the perspective of someone where all of this is new to you. Love seeing the mistakes and hiccups along the way because it's the best way to learn and I'm sure a lot of us would make the same mistakes. Lots of people are simply over worried about the consequences of what might happen and never even try.

Came across this video by accident, let it play for a few minutes in the background, and now im invested like it was my cabin being built, Screw it, im in this for the long haul 🤔👀👀

Following! Keep it up, looks like your learning lots. Love the vids. Do a bit more back story on how you got to to this point i wanna know more and i am sure theres others. Stay warm

You hit the jackpot with that dog, keep him!

This is very entertaining, I am not sure if you got this but I am definitely going to watch. Stay safe,

Can definitely tell your an actor. Good luck on your adventure.

Love this. You are funny. We did the same thing, but bought a rundown farm and went from city dwellers to pioneer living. If I was 30 years younger, I'd do it again. My hubby and I were a bit too old and couldn't do it properly. I hope you find a wonderful lady but make sure she is a willing participant for this lifestyle or you'll be working alone.

If you're in Ontario in early November and you can hear a dog barking and running through the bush, odds are that he belongs to a hunter or hunting party and he is supposed to be chasing deer out of the swamps and thickets and back to the hunters.....Very common in deer season in Ont.....Send the dog on his way so he can find his way back to his owners.

Amazing to me how many people resent you for not suffering enough. Your attitude towards the "haters" is kinder than mine would be. Hike your own hike used to be a thing.

You my man are the Jeremy Fragrance of Outdoor KZfaq and im all here for it haha. POWER

Wow, this might just become my favorite off the grid channel. Keep your positive mindset and you'll surely live a great life. I look forward to the next episode!

This looks cool so far. I’ll keep tuning in

What about the dog? What happened to the dog... Needs more dog!

Adorable chainsaw.

I think I just discovered a ONE OF THE GREATEST CHANNEL and I'm glad to be one of its OG's

Good luck man! You can do it!

What happened to the dog? I worried, and am still worried about the dog!!!!

When I spent my first strong night at my property I howled also. It's a Man Thing that every man needs to find in their soul. From Australia.

Love what you are doing good luck and keep your videos coming. I’m a master carpenter and I learned by doing what I thought was right and if it was wrong then I redid it until it was right and over the years I’ve learned from my mistakes. When you get done you can say, I did this and be proud, good luck my brother don’t give up

I’m enjoying this so far. Like your sense of humour. I’m sure you could get lots of tips from watching Shawn James . My self reliance.

Dorg. Definitely a free spirited pup, and is living it's best life. Also clearly a very well cared for, healthy pup at that. I was like, "Welp, he's your dog now man." 😂 Also the best giveaway that you're a city boy and only really know urban life is the genuine fear/paranoia of wildlife. Wolves and black bears genuinely could care or less about people, and if anything at most will be curious and investigate you and your camp. Cougs are less predictable, but typically will keep to themselves and mind their own business as long as you do the same. Learn their signs and communications so you can understand them and thus be able to live comfortably with them as your neighbor. This goes for all wildlife, but especially the Cougars. Meese on the other hand (I refuse to be sacriligious and say moose 😂) are by far the least predictable of them all, especially bulls in the pre rut through post rut season. Otherwise, the universal rule remains the same, show them you are not a threat or aggressive toward them, mind your own business, and they'll do the same. It's mutual understanding and respect. It goes a hell of a long way, too. Remember, wildlife isn't ever your biggest threat to safety and life, the biggest threats are yourself and other humans. I also would invest in a solid pair or two of loppers. Probably easier and better to use for the small twigs and branches than a saw, and far better than a chainsaw.

I am so happy for you wanting the simpler more satisfying way of living. Not all have the means to do what u do. May God always protect you 🙏 and yes the right woman will come eventually 😊cheers 🍻 from the Philippines 🇵🇭

Brother I love that you are doing this!! You most definitely have my prayers as you walk down this path. I also really appreciate that you don’t come with an “ I know it all” mindset… proud of you and can’t wait to watch your journey!!

So happy for you James 🙌🏻🌲

You, good sir, are an absolute legend for trying to live the dream. I truly respect you for that. Will follow and support you all the way! Best of luck

A good life is the mortal enemy of a great life….. love that . Folks should take risks, a safe life is a waste of time. The exciting moments in your life is what sets the milestones in your memories. Just a thought from an old Arkansas cowboy.

Great progress, looking forward to watching your next update.👍

What did i just watch lol

I say that dog adopted you. It’s fate. Y’all are okie now. Name him wolf!

KZfaq introduced me today to your channel. I'm delighted. Having just subscribed, I join all your "positive, encouraging" fans. Thank you for inviting us to be a part of this new and great adventure.

Also, I like how your just learning as you go

Great video James! Can’t wait to have you back on our show!

I will not miss a video.😂 It's like watching Mr Magoo building a cabin ?

Will I see you're I have watched a lot of videos of but it's good to see somebody's out there trying to do something their life instead of sitting on a coach God bless you looking forward to your videos to see how you progress and everything and how it works out did the attitude you have I feel that it's going to workout great for u looking forward to seeing your next video

Your determination and enthusiasm is awesome.😀

Lol! This guy is literally me if I was out there, childish and excited

I watched this thinking it was a comedy or a satire of off grid cabin builders ..... To my surprise, I was very wrong, this is a documentary on how to make bear food from city folk . His neighbour had the right idea give a useless tool to a useless fool...and wish him luck...

Love how long that electric chain saw lasted, and that little tent. Well done man. You may have been shaped by the city, but you're learning. Cheers to a good journey!

James, one of your more recent videos magically appeared in my feed a couple of weeks ago, & I've now watched the 4 most recent episodes. Tonight I was looking for something to watch, & decided to start at the beginning of your journey... I agree on the black lab, he was there to welcome you & to keep you company. You've definitely captured my interest with this adventure & your sense of humor.... (ok...& you're not too bad to look at either). LOL

Bit late to the party here but i just wanted to say this is the first video ina long time ive actully felt engaged in love your energy dude

KZfaq intrestingly recommend this video to me as I'm a huge wild-life-type video fans as a Chinese, I believe you could get huge success in China since most of the foreiners who are publicly showed in CCTV do, I think it might be because of the covid that you leave which is quite a pity. Hope you happy building and learning in the process and have a great wild life later!

Love seeing the shovel work improving and becoming more efficient 👏, before it was dig -> carry -> drop 29:14 and at the end it was dig and throw 39:37

nice to be able to watch your adventure from so early on