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Clearing a Building Site for Off Grid Alaskan Homestead ┃EP3┃I Need A Place To Live
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2024
- I need a place to live and I'm running out of time!
Howdy! My name is Sean Paul,
I sold everything I owned, bought a truck, and drove to Alaska. I came with my dog Gracie, my cat Saoirse, and a dream to create an off grid sanctuary on 5 acres of Alaskan wilderness. The challenge is I have zero experience and I’m just a dreamer with a TH-cam subscription.
I know it’s gonna be hard, but I’m determined as hell. I can only imagine the journey ahead! I hope you stick around, and welcome, to Gettin' Off Grid!
I did exactly what you are doing over 20 years ago. I built an off grid cabin near Eagle, Alaska. I am currently in North Pole. Some things to keep in mind in interior Alaska. Towards the end of summer we start to get a lot of rain. As soon as you have your tent up I would recommend building a tiny bush cabin. This first cabin should be the size of a small shed. I have a friend who has lived in an 8'x8' cabin for over 20 years. Getting up this basic tiny shelter will provide you great peace of mind when the temps drop. When you get a wood stove, oversize it. My first winter I had a stove that was too small. When it was zero outside I could burn it for 5 hours or so but at -50F it would burn out in 3 hours. You will need to get a snow machine at some point to get into your cabin in the winter. If you keep your truck back at the main road, at some point in the winter you are going to need to plug in your pickup or it won't start. You will want to make sure you get your truck winterized. You should go with a block heater, oil pan heater, battery heater and trickle charger. If you are using a generator to plug in to them you want to have all them capable of heating your engine quickly, like a few hours. Your generator will need to be kept inside your cabin where it is warm. Luckily it has been getting warmer in the winters up here but we did hit -50F last winter for a bit. I don't know your exact situation but what I described is a pretty normal scenario for someone living in the bush in the winter. Don't stress too much about firewood. With a snow machine and sled you will have better access to everything once it all freezes. Make sure you have windows on the south facing side of your cabin. In the Fairbanks area we have just 3 hours and 40 minutes on the shortest day of the year so any sunlight can really help with your mood. If you have any questions please shoot them at me. I can tell you what I have seen work up here. Usually it's best to do what has proven to work already. My motto here is, whatever works! Keep getting after it! You'll be so thankful the first cold snap when you have your tiny space that is easy to heat. Take care...
@@makingendsmeet551 this is incredibly helpful info. I won’t let this rain slow me down! I’ve definitely shifted gears in my original plan though - I really like the idea of building a smaller, sturdy, bush cabin to get me through this winter so I can plan my bigger build in the spring. Plus hauling the supplies will be much easier in with snow on the ground like you said! Thanks for sharing your experience and helping me out, I’ll definitely keep you in the back of my mind! Tell Santa I said hey 👋🏻 🎅🏼
I want to ask about the generator inside the cabin. I have always heard that it is unsafe to operate a generator inside an area where you are staying because the fumes can kill you. Please tell me what I have misunderstood?
@@serenepeacefulrelaxingmusi3874 Sorry about that. The generator is ONLY stored inside. You are correct that you should NEVER run it inside. At -50 the oil gets thick and getting things started are Impossible. If the generator is stored inside you can then take it to where the car is parked and start it before it cools down. Thank you for noticing that this needed clarification, I am kind of assuming he won't be able to get his truck all the way back to his cabin and this is a fairly common issue up here. Take care!
I'm curious does anyone in Alaska build Earth burned homes? I understand the barriers to Going Underground be a great idea? If not why
Well said. You were pretty thorough.
Don’t let anyone on here try and dim your personality. Keep it up!
Thank you!! For you, I will!!
if you have handguard forward it locks the chain, if you rev up motor with it locked the clutch connects motor to locked chain stalling the motor
Can we pretend like you didn’t see that? 😅😂 thanks for your tip! And for watching!
What? That is not true. He did not have the handguard forward when it suddenly died. The "handguard" is just the top potion of the brake. It is the brake that locks the chain. LOL I have been using a chainsaw for 25 years. You can rev it with the brake on also. He most likely just had a vapor lock because the saw was too hot.
Experts like doctors all have an opinion, all i can say is read there advice and experiment with your saw CAREFULLY, please be careful but just see how your saw works
@@LindaFirefighter03 you're right.
@@LindaFirefighter03 Reving it with the hand brake on wears out the needle bearing behind the clutch over time. I'd advise against it to prolong the needle bearing.
You’re doing what a lot of us older guys wish we did when we were your age. Enjoy what you’re doing and creating
As someone doing something similar to you, completely by myself, i have enjoyed your vids so far. If i could give one or two suggestions it would be to get a handheld log tongs ($15.00 to $30.00). The amount of labor you will do picking up cut logs will be cut in half. Also consider a brush cutting blade for your weedwacker. You will be cutting brush down every year and a brush cutting blade works way better than string. Good luck, ill be watching and hoping for the best for you.
More chainsaw advice, since ya asked. When making your notch to fell a tree, the overall angle should be roughly 45 degrees. +/- 5 degrees won't matter too much but ideally one side of the notch should be at least parallel with the ground. Plenty of great youtubers go into better detail than I can in a single comment. That being said, for your first felled tree, good job! It went where you wanted it which is all that matters. Also, keep an eye out for dead branches falling since the vibration of cutting could jar them loose. Secondly, as soon as you get the chainsaw started, turn that chain brake off (pull the guard towards you) so the engine won't be overloaded with resistance from the locked bar and stall.
Don't forget to verify all advice you get from these comments. Some people don't know as much as they think they do and could inadvertently point you in the wrong direction.
Very entertaining. I love finding a person at the start of their off grid life 😊
Hello there Sean, I have been with you just with the Episode 1. You are making an old lady smile. Just continue to be your joyous self and take care.
GOD BLESS.
Watching from the Philippines.
Enjoying the videos and the journey. You appear very natural when being funny and talking to the camera. Forget any negative comments and just be you. Remember, you can please most of the people most of the time but you can never please all of the people all of the time. Have fun, stay safe, I'll be following along.
When the days are hard and the doubts are consuming, comments like yours will be the ones I come back to for that inspiration. Thanks for watching and being rad!
Awesome to see a young man this day and time. Going off to carve out a piece of wilderness for himself. Will definitely teach you self-reliance
@14:08 you the man. Appreciate the taking a breath and already seeing the community being built... along with your house!!
Ok, After watching 3 episodes, I'm hooked. Love your quirky personality. Ya made me giggle several times. I enjoy watching the whole process of someone braving the wild country of Alaska. You are doing great! LOVE your dog!!!! You Tube is your friend to learn just about anything. Simply Living Alaska can help you so much! Eric seems to know most everything from trial and error. He is a wiz at chainsaws , so look him up. Keep up the great attitude, it's all a adventure. And bleep the naughty words. :)
Thank you so much! You are so kind. Can I say at least a couple naughty words?!
@@GettinOffGrid LOL Your channel :)
wow florida winter to alskan winter that will be the biggest shock you could imagine
I'm 6'4 so I've never been called "little guy".......
It made me really happy :3. New sub. Honestly my favorite thing about watching your videos _are_ your failures. Jake the dog once put it best- suckin at something is the first step towards being kinda good at something. Keep it up my man, you have the attitude of a champion and I believe in you
I too started clearing land by hand. After a month I finally said Eff this. Ordered a John Deere 60g for a week. Watched some TH-cam on how to operate it , logged de stumped , made a driveway and graded a build site.
It’s a bit pricey. Cost me 5k Canadian. But now I have a beautiful stump free canvass to start with.
I strongly consider this for you
You can build the platform on girders, and drag it where ever you want down the line. Kinda like snow sled. Use gravel and pavers to level it and keep the wood off the ground.
As someone that lives in that alaskan bush get ready to put things in a place that you think is good only to find out at a later date that you want something else in its spot so you move it then later you'll need to move it again
I’m not missing a second of this. Watching it from the very beginning❤️
I only learned a few tips from my father. Clear the area around the tree you are working on, and your escape route if something goes wrong. If the tree goes the wrong way, you need a fast escape. And sometimes it will!!!!! And a sharp chain will give faster job, and make your saw last longer.
That tent will be ok as a temporary shelter but you should seriously build some type of small cabin or shed to survive the cold winter that's coming. Best of luck to you my friend and stay safe. I'll look forward to seeing your next video.
I love your humor and how open you are. Never change!!!
You’re a gem!
I enjoy watching your journey. Love the humor and the transparency and of course Gracie.
I live with Gracie and I can’t get enough of her! Thanks for being here 🙏🏼
I love it, your commentary is what keeps me coming back. Don't change a thing. You're living your best life and I'm a bit jealous :D
A old truck hood works great to pull behind the 4 wheeler as a sled.
It will also help knock down weeds and flatten the trail.
You have a great soul. Keep up the great content and god bless you in your off grid life you are building for yourself!
Sean, it doesn't take much water in your fuel to make a chainsaw act the way yours is. A semi empty fuel container may be susceptible to condensation over time and changing weather conditions. Something to check for.
Thanks for that insight! I’m making a list of things to check for
Sean, has anyone mentioned the air filter yet?
Keeping that clean will make a big difference. I've had a few Stihl saws that I had to clean the filter every time I put fuel in it. Great channel. Looking forward to watching it grow bro!
@@holyfireoutdoors53 Ditto!
Dude 54k people watched you chop down trees. So keep on keeping on Guy! Great video, beautiful scenery. Love Gracie! ❤️
Kick ass! New subscriber will be following your journey of self reliance, grit & determination.. You've got this..
Another great video. Awesome job, overcoming an issue with the chainsaw and still getting the job done. Keep it up. Waiting for the next video.
What a beautiful, friendly, likable, and BRAVE young man you are!! I’m so happy that I stumble upon your channel! I look forward to more videos, and wish you the best on your adventure!!
You’re making me blush, Gale!
Och dear boy, you’re doing great and just exactly as you should, I love watching all this type of video and your humour has this old lady hooked, I’m so looking forward to following your journey. Big hug and scratches for Gracie. Take care. 🌸
Sean! Totally addicted! Your doing great. You’re such a wonderful human. Seriously!
Your positive energy is infectious Heather! Thank you!
@@GettinOffGridyour such a very good human Sean. Good things happen for good people ☺️.
I can’t tell you how awesome this is. Absolutely love watching this! I live locally and love watching you live out a dream! Keep your spirits high and strong. Alaska is tough but it is worth it. Looking forward to the next video!!
Loving the videos, enjoying the production, Someone need to acknowledge how well you are doing on TH-cam this early on. Keep it up, keep that fire burnin, but don't burn out. Very excited to see the growth of you, your channel & your property moving forward.
Thank you for setting a good example and taking safety seriously. Keep up the amazing work - can’t wait to see more!!
It only takes one slip up! I gotta be vigilant! Thanks for watching 😁
Keep in mind, the meat wagon doesn’t transport to Mat-Su Regional from that far out. It’s a helicopter ride at $25k or more. Highly recommend getting Air-Med insurance or something similar.
Greetings from Islamabad Pakistan.Good to see a young man started a journey to build off grid cabin in the wilderness of Alaska.
Really appreciate your efforts to start new life in Alaska singly.
Best of luck for your new journey!!!!
Hey Sean Paul, thanks for the next update. Great to see the learning and progress continuing, will be a steep learning curve for sure but you'll get there! Hopefully you get set in time to see you (reasonably) comfortably through the winter. Enjoying your style, stay safe!
You're doing great!! Thr content is awesome, commentary is fun, and the videos you're making are excellent!! I am excited to follow your journey!!
Enjoying your humour, going to watch every vid, Mike from the U.K.
Excited for you! Preserve your hearing religiously - it could be your best friend out there :)
Could you say that again??
@@GettinOffGrid 😂
I am so glad I am here to follow you on this journey!
The first steps to mastering something is failing, embrace and overcome your failures, and relish in your successes!
You're doing a great job ❤️
I'm glad I'm here in the beginning,, keep on going
Dude the drone shot was awesome!!!! Well done again! You got me thinking I should spend money on land 4000 miles away cause why not😂
Watch a few maintenance videos on chainsaws. Keep the filters clean, the chain sharp. Spare spark plug. None of us were born with knowledge. We learn as we go. You are using more energy than necessary to cut trees. Don’t move the saw back and forth like a hand saw. Set the spike bar against the tree and roll the saw forward. Reset and rotate forward. If you don’t already have, get a wedge, an axe, sledge hammer a come along and a high lift jack. If you can’t afford all that stuff, find an Alaskan women with a strong back and all the tools you might need.😎 Enjoy your videos 👏 Be safe
You are still so fun to watch!! I'm hooked! Can't wait to watch & enjoy your journey and to watch your subscribers grow and grow and grow....I so wish I was younger.
Keep up what you are doing! So inspiring to watch your videos that I think really shows how it is for us regular people to start a journey outside our comfort zone. A lot of other TH-cam channels seem to have unlimited resources and machines that cost fortunes
Loving your music❤ so happy found your channel
You are doing amazing
Stay safe and best wishes from Melbourne Australia
Good idea on the shed for temporary living quarters.
Great video sir , you will get there , just read thru the comments ,great advice and support for your dream , all of us here will watch your progress ,keep the videos coming ,stay safe and do not let YOGI and BOO BOO steal your picnic basket when your not looking
It's good to see an ol southern boy challenge himself. I really enjoy your humor and videos. If the saw is new return it. It has a problem.
Cant wait to see what you all get up to!❤ I love how genuine and goofy you are 😂 keep em comming and give those critters a cuddle for your new followers
Keep up the hard work brother, I’ll be here every video to watch you learn and grow.
Loved all of your videos so far. I’ve subbed. You suckered me in with Gracie and your cat :). Be safe and enjoy.
Don't be afraid to save that spruce for fire wood. A lot of people say not to burn it down south but it is fine to burn. We have been burning it for years. Just do chimney maint on a regular basis.
I love your energy. What ratio are you mixing the oil and gas for the saw? You can just build your floor and stand a couple walls with a tarp. It won’t take long to weather the place in. I did something similar building a recreational place many years ago but further off the road. It’s all work. I had a big enough garage at home to precut and lay out and mark everything so it was like a kit when I got it to the site. It now has a 48V inverter, 12v for lights and RV Pump , Rv water heater , propane range and fridge. We run an ac powered freezer in the summer. We collect rainwater in the summer. Water is heavy if you don’t have it on-site . We are in our 70s now and we still enjoy that place.
When cold starting a chainsaw, 5-6 pulls to start is typical. I'm assuming you already know how to operate the choke and fuel primer for your saw.
When I've had hard starts with my saw, the intake air filter has been clogged. This has also been the case for me with generators, chippers, and other small carburetor-equipped engines. Some saws also have a "winter" and "summer" air intake configuration. See if your saw has one of those and adjust accordingly.
Letting it run for a minute when starting from cold is generally a good idea. If you pull on the throttle hard when cold, it can flood the carburetor.
Decent notch cut for your first attempt at felling. Most importantly, it dropped where you wanted it and didn't barber-chair. Now you have a few weeks of firewood.
Once you get your tent platform/shed foundation built you're going to want to think about where you want to store your firewood in the future. Even if you don't build a woodshed this summer, you'll want to minimize double-handling if you can. When I'm stacking wood in the field, I tend to put it in a well-draining spot with southern sun exposure. 2-3 rounds high is generally good. It's a ton of work to stack it taller than that.
You are doin great. Your videos are good , showing how it's all happening. Stay safe.
Appreciated the Forrest Gump reference!
Finally, I found a offgrid channel with comedy lol. Love the vids....keep them coming! Watching from upstate n.y.
I’m definitely watching it. Really enjoying it. Pleased you’ve managed to sort out the chain saw - almost. Best of luck with it all. From Sheffield uk x
I am enjoying this. You crack me up!
HA! TAKE THAT HATERS!
This IS interesting! We need to see all of the journey...
Love the video great to see that you take things seriously but can also find the humor in life. Keep up the hard work and stay safe. CHEERING FOR YOU SUCCESS!!!!
You’re doing great! Make sure the spot you pick isn’t low lying (flooding) PLEASE make sure you have a good first aid kit with a tourniquet 🙏🏼 My dad put a chainsaw through his leg & almost died .. & he had 40 + years of experience w a chainsaw. Loving your channel ❤
Terrifying! It only takes one time. Thanks for the tips and for watching 🙏🏼
Hello again Sean, Good job so far. Get an Axe, a decent hand axe (a hatchet), A good saw, and a shovel. I would use the hand axe to delimb the smaller limbs from the downed trees and the axe for the larger ones. Gotta save fuel! Get a post hole digger if you want to. I would definitely place some type of border fence or barb wire along your property's edge. Anything to deter bears! I know that it would be a lot of work but peace of mind is peace of mind. It may be early but try to get a generator for use for electric power tools. Gas ain't cheap. Also you may want to find a decent location for a well. Also a septic system later on. You may want to find out what direction your ground is sloping so you aren't building in a potential small pond. Ain't nothing like waking up to water rushing in to your camp site location. I could keep going but I am just a 45 year old Army Vet, that also doesn't have much in terms of off grid living, but I do have some life experiences that may or may not help. You never know, there's lots of people on here that wish you the best of luck and will give genuinely great advice. So good luck and get Bear Spray!
Love your attempt at the Aussie accent! 😂 Half way between British and Kiwi. Another great episode - thank you. 👋 😊
Just some stuff to check that could cause the saw to run the way it is:
1. Are you mixing your fuel properly?
2. Aif flow. Check to see if your air filter is clogged.
3. Read other comments concerning the hand brake.
I have had similar issues, and you have to go back to the basics. Air, fuel, and spark. Your spark is fine from what I can tell unless you are starting to foul the plug with the incorrect fuel mixture.
Just some ideas. Good luck, you need it. 😁
I would take that Stihl back to the dealership, get it tuned up.
Other option return that and grab a Husqvarna saw , easier to work on, a lot simpler to maintain. I recommend a 545 mark 2 it has auto tune . Very capable saw and don’ t need to mess with the carb as it sets itself up to the conditions.
This is my opinion as a someone who has liked your videos to date .
You will figure everything out and enjoy the heck out of it.
Cheers
Mb
The best off grid videos ever
Wow you have a ton of work ahead of you, a tent might not be enough to keep you and your pets cozy in a few months , I really hope you manage to build your first cabin before it gets to cold and the snow comes, I will be following your story and wishing the best wishes for your future build , Sending hugs to Gracey and Kittie
The way the gas spewed out when you loosened the gas cap, you may have a plugged vent line causeing your saw to act like its running out of gas just my opinion .Keep up the progress (the good work will come later lol )
Similar problem: saw someone remove the rear cover of their saw... operated fine... then widened the (air) openings in the cover and reinstalled... worked fine afterwards.
Try with cover off before modification... to be sure.
way to go!! Im proud of you! dont let the sun go down on you when people start ragging on you. Your doing great and we love watching you. your a funny guy we enjoy your shows keep it up.
Thoroughly enjoying your videos! Can’t wait to follow the journey.
I'll be following you from the UK. Love your sense of humour, ignore the nay sayers. You do you .
Ah, yes...anomalous fuel starvation.
A) when in doubt clean it out...you've got a fine saw there, so not too much can go wrong (fingers crossed)
2) check your fuel cap breather - it may be a tad clogged from throwing the hero-chips
C) checkn your positive crankcase ventilator
Other than that: a visit to the warranty fairy may be in order...
Keep on keepin' on, brother
Best wishes on your new venture! I love your sense of humor. Please keep being you! 😊
Of course I'm still watching! I love a man that chops wood. 😆 Sucks I have to do this myself. But I'm damn sure going to try!
If you are going to drag a lot of logs order a set of log tongs. Makes it so much easier.
Lovin your sense of humor! Hope you're stacking that wood to process it later to keep your backside warm this winter. Great videos.
Keep it up man! Be yourself and forget the rest! All good comes to those who true with themselves and with others. Definitely ready for this ride along and thank you for allowing us to join!
Well said, my friend. I feel really good about just being me and letting the rest follow. Thanks for your kind words brother 🤘🏼
Howdy neighbor. Will be fun to watch this 🍻
I love your personality and I wish I had the guts to do something this brave. Good on ya!
Can’t wait for the hijinks when you get around to digging the pit for an outhouse.
Thankyou for sharing your journey with us.
You’ve definitely got experience in shooting and editing video. Yet another very fun video. Definitely looking forward to the next episode.
There is a summer and winter mode on most Stihl saws, lots of videos on how to switch, usually just a plastic piece that you flip around that either blocks or allows heat from exhaust back into engine compartment.
Hi from Western Australia
I am enjoying watching your journey. Love the Aussie accent 😂
I’m amazed that rack towed the log 😂 I thought 100% it would break
The chainsaw struggle is real! You will learn as you go. Keep on truckin’ brother. Looking forward to your journey.
learn to get a silky big katana boy and a nice felling axe and never look back
Keep up the good work, love the humour, I get more little chuckles watching your channel then others. 👍👍👍
We gotta get those chuckle numbers up!!
I watched the whole thing and enjoyed every minute! I laughed at all your funny antics, too! I'm looking forward to the next video.
Still watching from the UK Sean Paul! You really are a natural, Julia ( age 70) with no outdoors experience whatsoever but even I thought it might be the choke. I get my info from watching August Hunicke expert tree guy!
Hello! Thanks for the recommendation!
I am enjoying your journey! I do hope you have bear mace because sometimes that works better with a bear then the gun. Good to have both. 😊
So glad to follow your journey and congratulations on doing this for yourself. Loving your style and content. Keep it coming. Dee & Ace
Right on , watch all your videos..funny and interesting..😂😂 hopefully to see more. Thanks
😂lol love watching keep up the laughs while you are working you will get there 🎉
TH-cam recommended your videos to me, as I love Alaska (never been) i always watch these types of videos and I have given you a follow! Ignore all the haters some people just show their jealous side. Keep killing it Sean! Watching from England! 🏴
Lmao, I like the strange wilderness intro.. oh hey there little guy 😂😂 you got my subscription right after that made me laugh
Loved the drone shot of the tree falling in the end! Also loved that your chainsaw decided to not be on a lunch break so we could down that tree 🤪
Hello from New Zealand, I'm so happy to have found your channel so early on. I can't wait to watch your adventure unfold. Love the sense of humor. you're so funny!
Hello!! I’m so glad you’re here as well! You are so kind ❤
Watching from the start can't wait to you in your home with a beautiful vegi garden and some chooks.