One day, I decided to break away from my usual life and test my abilities. My goal was simple yet ambitious: to build a log cabin in the heart of the wild forest entirely on my own. It was a challenge of self-reliance, a journey of self-discovery.
The Beginning of the Journey:
After a long search, I found the perfect spot—a cozy clearing sheltered from the wind by dense trees, with a small lake nearby. The first task was to lay the foundation and cut logs. Initially, I set up a temporary shelter made of a tent to protect myself from the whims of nature, and then I got to work. Each tree I felled felt alive. I treated nature with respect, carefully selecting trees that wouldn’t harm the forest. The logs had to be stripped, hauled manually, and prepared for stacking. Without machinery, I had to improvise constantly.
Building the Log Cabin:
By late summer, the first logs were laid as the foundation of the future cabin. I used the "saddle notch" technique to ensure the walls were sturdy. Progress was slow, but each day I saw the walls of my cabin rise higher. The logs were laid evenly, the roof took shape, and I left space for a bench where the porch would be. This cabin was no longer just a structure—it became my homestead, where every corner reminded me of the effort I had poured into it.
Completion and Living in Autonomy:
By winter, the cabin was almost finished. I installed glass windows, crafted a door, and built a stove. My log cabin had become a true refuge, ready for autonomous living. Inside, the scent of fresh wood lingered, and the warm glow of candlelight made it feel cozy. Solitude in the forest was not emptiness; it was a unique state of being. I listened to the rustle of trees and the songs of birds. Here, I found harmony and a deep confidence in myself.
The Result:
When the cabin was completed, I felt immense pride. Building a cabin under such conditions was a test that transformed me. This experience proved that a person is capable of much when they decide to act alone. My log cabin became a symbol of freedom, and the year spent in the forest—a lesson in true self-reliance.
0:00 Getting deep into the woods
0:38 Preparing logs for walls
5:49 Transporting logs on the tractor
8:19 Bringing tools
9:13 Mini hut
9:44 Making the foundation of the hut
13:00 Getting sand from the forest
15:55 Getting water from the lake
17:15 Mixing concrete
24:08 Pulling a heavy log
27:50 Peeling bark off a tree
35:12 The axe bounced off!
41:40 Splitting the log into two pieces
45:04 Lifting log walls
51:55 I'm hollowing out a bowl in the log
1:12:27 I fell off the log!!!
1:18:43 I'm cursing hard at the log!)
1:19:16 I fell and twisted my leg!
1:30:00 Cutting windows and door
1:32:33 Sanding and painting the house
1:36:30 Making the roof of the house
1:42:10 Sanding boards for the ceiling
1:47:15 Lifting a heavy log!
1:55:42 I'm making the roof boards
2:08:38 I'm insulating the roof
2:12:34 I'm making the base for the floor
2:19:10 Insulating the gables
2:21:44 Making windows
2:36:00 Making the door
2:54:15 Making the floor
2:57:46 Installing the stove
3:07:54 Drinking tea and going to bed