Comments by "Mike McGown" (@mikemcgown6362) on "KYLES CABIN" channel.

  1. Wow! You say you're not a carpenter? One heck of a DIYer for sure. Heck of a lot of work but debt free! Looking real good! Well thought out! Thanks for sharing the video!
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  2. Thanks for sharing this experience with us! I'm also in northern Minnesota, so I know what the snow is like. My wife and I spent all day yesterday digging out our driveway so she could get out to go to work today. I went to town today to refresh our groceries and blew the CV joint on my 4x4. So I know what my next project will be after I get the rest of the snow cleared out. You're doing a great job with everything you are doing. Being self reliant is one thing you've been showing us you're good at. You have a good head on your shoulders. Cierra has a good man. You two are great together. I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Be safe and have a good time!
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  3. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into showing us how good YOU have it. Anybody that thinks you're missing out on life isn't living a fulfilling life. They might be happy but does it compare to your happiness? You're about as free as any modern human can be. I do admire your lifestyle. Be happy!
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  4. You're doing a great job with the build, Kyle! Dodging chickens and keeping Skeeter's approval keeps your work honest. It's a simple process, and a very physical job, but you're doing it! Being a simple design with a lot of repetition gives you time to think ahead. I could really enjoy that kind of stuff! I spend a lot of time in my head. Thinking, thinking, thinking. Yes I'm an introvert. You're inspiring me to build my own log cabin from trees on our property. Thanks, Kyle! I really like your videos and the information and experience you share!
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  5. You're doing am amazing job by yourself! No coaching. No helpers. No machines. Just your own able bodied self! Very inspiring! I look forward to seeing your construction process. Be safe and have a great day!
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  6. I'm also in northern Minnesota so I know what you're talking about with the "never ending winter". You've got a broken rear window and I've got a leaking gas tank. Go away winter! That snow we got is like the "Ohio snow" I left behind. Wet heavy sloppy stuff. Maybe it's a sign of actually becoming spring weather! When I do the dishes or laundry here, my wife calls me Cinderfella. I like it. Chickens and vegetables look healthy! Should be a good garden for you. I'll have to wait until next year to make our garden. Our property isn't quite ready to get anything going until we either have a house up or a temporary shelter. It's about 20 miles away from where we're living right now. Looks like this is the year it actually happens! Looks like everything is going good with your homestead. Thanks for sharing your story!
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  7. I've been watching your videos for quite a while and I have to say that I think you're a very talented young man. Everything is done to your liking and that's the important thing. It works for you! Not everyone could do that. Not everyone could live this way but you do and you're happy. Hats off for you! I find inspiration from you! Not all the youth of today feels entitled! The world needs more people like you! You live by the standards I believe in, K. I. S. S. Keep It Stupid Simple. No need to complicate life. You may not have all the "toys" other people think they need, but you know how to have fun and be creative and comfortable. Good job! Thanks for sharing this information with us! God bless you! Look forward to seeing your videos!
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  8. You know you have a good life when you don't have to explain everything you are doing. Like you're shouting out to the world "I got this! Don't worry about me!" Thanks Kyle for a great video!
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  9. Thank you for the explanation of the simplicity of this system. I find your straight forward thinking and explanation process relieving. There is another off-grid channel I watch pretty often that has his own solar panel power system that won't even consider an Eco-flo system because of the expense. His system is cheaper than the Eco-flo system, but like you said: you get what you pay for. Of course opinions are always free. He bashed me for suggesting he try Amazon for a belt for his John Deere lawn tractor when he demanded to get original parts only. I was just trying to save him some money, since he's always talking about spending less for things. I never had you bash me (or anyone else) for a comment. You're a fine young man! Keep living right and passing along the knowledge!
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  10. Porch roof looks great! You say you're not a professional, but it doesn't always take a professional to do it right. Definitely a necessary addition to the cabin. Going to help with the house cleaning upkeep for sure. Plus it gives you a protected place to sit outside when it may be raining or blistering sun overhead. You're very self-sufficient with a great "can-do" attitude! Everything you add to the cabin makes it more of your home. Congratulations on another successful project!
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  11. He knew what he was doing. Put the bubble between the lines. I know "professional" carpenters that can't do it.
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  12. Congratulations Kyle! Glad you did your research on building expenses. I've been going over our house plans and looking at a less expensive way that will still be successful. I hope your plans can still pull through. I'm totally on your side! I'm really looking forward to seeing you build your own cabin. I hope your foundation construction will hold up to the Minnesota winters without buckling or sinking. The strength of the house is in the foundation. Good luck with your project! I'll be watching!
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  13. Good to hear from you! Your old cabin held up good. If that bear wanted in bad enough, it would've got in. But you cleaned up the area good before you left so there was no "bait" for the bear to go after. I never heard of "bogs" until I came to Minnesota. I believe we have a bog out behind our property. I know that's where the rain runoff ditches direct the water. Our backyard is soft at the far edge, so I don't get back there. I'm sure if we sat down together we could have some good stories to share! The things you talk about in your videos triggers memories for me. Things I used to do and things I want to do. I look forward to seeing new videos!
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  14. Gotta love northern Minnesota! NOT! LOL! I'm in the Grand Rapids area. I understand that cold feeling outdoors. Love your outdoor activities. I'm planning on building a cabin of sorts on our 30+acres we have near here. You are a good role model for the outdoor, remote lifestyle. Keep on keeping on! Great videos!
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  15. You're doing a great job, Kyle! I thought you took a break from posting because of the Canadian wildfire smoke invading Minnesota so much lately. I've been dealing with it in northern Minnesota, too. I'm a ways west of the arrowhead. I can't split wood like you. My MS doesn't let me have a good swing like you have! I'd be down for the count! I'm interested in seeing your grey water system. I'm building an off-grid shack on our property until we get to build our actual house. I can't tie into our septic system. I'm going to be like your house. Solar? No well, no septic.Just want to keep it simple. You're such an inspiration! You do so much, so good! You give it all! Thanks for sharing the experience! Great video!
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  16. I'm always impressed with your drive for getting your projects done! You solve problems before they are problems. Maybe I would do things a little differently than you, but that doesn't mean I would say you're doing it wrong. We all have our ways that work for us. You just don't give up or get beat down! That's what this world needs more of! There's too many quitters trying to run everything. You are a champion at living good. Thanks for sharing your projects with us! I find inspiration watching the way you work.
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  17. Looking good, Kyle! I'm watching you do what I wish I did when I was your age! I still do a lot of things myself, but I can't do that kind of work. I give your dad a big thumbs up!👍 You get one, too! 👍 I look forward to seeing your videos! I want to watch your cabin come into existence! Good luck with your project!
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  18. Living off-grid can be cheaper once established.
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  19. It's good to see that you can get out and enjoy the wintertime. I'm pretty much stuck inside with not a whole lot to do except to watch YouTube videos. My 4x4 engine blew up but I found a replacement vehicle in short order. In this northern Minnesota weather you need a 4x4 for winter driving. Glad everything is going good for you.
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  20. Awesome video! When you go out like this, it reminds me of my boy scout days. Of course our tents weren't nearly as good as this one. Since the weather is starting to act more like spring, I'll probably start spending time on our rural property in our small camper while I build a tiny off-grid house. We're hoping to get started building our new house this summer so we can move in before next winter. Stay safe and see you soon!
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  21. Kyle, I'm so impressed with your determination and enthusiasm! I'm really ready to go off-grid on our Minnesota property, but my wife is set on her dream home to be built there and pay for it for the rest of our lives. I'm on disability so it's a limited income for me, but it's still doable. I'm paying for the property now. We already got the septic system in and the electric there. Just need a well and a house. I plan an off-grid shack but she's so against that. We're living in a house in a small town right now. Paying for the mortgage on it, taxes, insurance, and utilities takes all of her income. Once I get my off-grid shack built on our other property, maybe convincing her will be easier. Tiny house on property I'm paying for, and selling the house we're in would free up her income to build her dream home. Thanks for the inspiration! If I was your age, it would be a lot easier for me to just do it and leave the world behind! I'm still thinking about it!
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  22. It's always good to see you and Cierra together in your videos. Having a woman with a man helps to keep him honest and trustworthy. You're a fine example of what a man should be. Not some cry-baby entitled wimp that needs everything handed to him. From what you were saying about having kids off-grid is what we need. Technology is needed in society but not so much at home. Working with their hands and mind will make them better. You're a good example for them to follow. Your father did right in your upbringing. I'm sure you will be a good father too, someday. Don't push it through. It will happen at the right time for you two. You still have a lot of living to do before you bring children into the picture. That's for a new chapter in your life. Thanks for sharing this video with us! Confirming there are some good young people in America! Work hard and live good, fine motto to follow.
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  23. I've missed so many of your videos because of working on my own homestead. Stanley is a great addition. Having a son gives more reason to create a legacy to pass down. Having Cierra is good but having a family is complete in the circle of life. Keep on keepin' on!
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  24. Sounds like a good item for someone who is off-grid that absolutely needs A/C. Since I grew up in Ohio being in northern Minnesota is like having natural A/C to me. lol! If I were to go off-grid I'd probably be okay without it, but my wife (born and raised in Minnesota) would possibly want a unit. I guess it's all about convenience and comfort. Looks like a good quality unit. We'll see how it is when you get to actually use it. Good demonstration video. Showed how easy it is to set up and how to adjust everything. Thanks for sharing the information!
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  25.  @captrockh2055  I always said there are 3 types of people in the world: the ones that make things happen, the ones that watch things happen, then the ones that wonder what just happened. I've always tried to be the one that makes things happen. I see Kyle is one of those kind, too!
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  26. Those paw prints should stay, I do believe. Skeeter would just put new ones on it anyway! lol Just like a kid would.
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  27. You're doing a great job with your adventures! Taking the chickens out there with you was like bringing your food source along. Having a remote cabin and an off-grid homestead is a true adventure in life! No boring or mundane routine, that's for sure! Working for your relaxation is a good practice. Proves to yourself that you're not "entitled". Just doing what you're doing proves it to me and the rest of the world that you're not entitled. Thanks for sharing your experience and adventure with us!
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  28. Always good watching your videos! Reminds me of things I wanted to do when I was your age. I went down the "ordinary" path and worked for the benefit of the employers. Now that I'm 55 and disabled, I have the time to do some of the things I missed out on. I can't do things like I used to, but I still try. Nice seeing the chickens being happy and healthy. I'm going to try a garden this year, maybe. I'll be going through a refresher course on that! Always had a garden at home and grandma's house. That was almost 40 years ago! lol! Enjoy life while you are young! Never know what will happen tomorrow. Anything you put on your videos, I'll watch! Keeps me going! Enjoy life, but don't overdo it!
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  29. Kyle, I understand the cold weather. I'm also in northern Minnesota. I'm glad you can get other projects done without exposing yourself to that chilling cold all day. Being off-grid you have that option. I'm stuck clearing the driveway so we can get to town for work and groceries and whatever else we need. Snowplow comes by and plows it shut again. Then I have walkways between the garage, house, and shed that needed cleared. I don't have time to do anything else. Good to see you can be productive. I think you're living good! You seem happy. Take care and keep us up to date with your activities.
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  30. Your chickens have a good life for sure. You take good care of them and give them more than most. Those nesting boxes should work out good for all involved. Your laundry chores look like they just got easier. Seems like your solar power system should be able to handle that washer/dryer with ease. It's very compact and portable for convenience. You just keep making off-grid look easier than others do. Props to you, young man! You've definitely found the good life and living it to it's fullest.
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  31. Oh, I understand the cold snap you're experiencing! I'm also in northern Minnesota. Been fighting damn ice dams on our house. Whoever built this house didn't insulate it right. We stay warm, but so does the roof! You're having the mustache frost just like me. Your firewood stacker is a neat touch. Instead of a fireplace under the mantle, you have your firewood supply! Skeeter does the same thing my dog does, has to be right there with me but doesn't help at all! LoL! Thanks for sharing your experience and story with us! You're doing a great job with your homestead! Well planned out and prepared for the winter! Nice to see you cooking with the cast iron skillet. Good healthy meal for you guys! Great job!
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  32. I get bruised just watching him work! lol!
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  33. Off and on rain is typical for northern Minnesota this time of the year. Won't be long until it's snowing. We seem to be having a fairly forgiving weather situation this year however. We're having the same thing happening to us on our building attempt. Ours is a pole building structure that I plan to build into our home. This project has been plaguing us for years but is finally moving forward. Hopefully both our building projects get done on our schedules. Yours is more hands on than mine at this point. Good luck and God bless you.
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  34.  @Adoptedbymydog  this year is a little different than passed years. It didn't come gradually as usual. It all came in a day or two. Makes for harder removal and management.
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  35. Hello Kyle! I'm also in northern Minnesota with the snow and cold! I'm not off-grid like you but wish I was sometimes. I waste most of my daytime shoveling snow away from our house and off the driveway and walkways on our lot. If I go off-grid maybe I can just focus on the necessary things like you. Of course we still have the responsibility of getting to our job. You know, the work we do for someone else. You have a much simpler lifestyle. A lot less to worry about and more enjoyment with the work you put into it. Live on and take care of yourself and Cierra. Skeeter keeps busy with his own projects. lol!
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  36. Kyle, you are living my dream! I'm also in northern Minnesota and want to build a simple off-grid home, but my wife is set on her dream home that we just can't get financing for. We got into it the other night because I told my plan to a friend and he was all for it, but she's so against it. We'll see what happens when I do it anyway. You keep doing what you're doing! I'm all for it!
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  37. I'm 55 and have a son of my own and 2 stepsons that I think you could be a good influence to. We need more influences like you!
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  38. Sounds like you have it easier in your part of northern Minnesota than I do as far as building goes. We have to get a licensed and insured contractor to do our building. That's what has been our hold up. We already have a septic system and electric to the site. Somebody even came out and pulled all our grade stakes where we want to build our house. I've had a trailer stolen from there, too. Good luck with your projects! Enjoy those starry nights! Can't beat the night sky in northern Minnesota! Thanks for the video!
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  39. Proof you don't have to spend a fortune to have a good time! Trekking through the snow would be the toughest part for me with my MS. Your homemade wood stove needs a similar companion, a portable potty for relieving yourself after eating. Looked like you had everything planned out just perfect for your trip. Good time! Good video! Thanks for sharing the experience with us!
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  40. I know what you mean about the Minnesota weather. Just the other day I was outside in a T-shirt. Today the snow started falling and wind blowing hard. Spring can't be too far off! Your homestead is looking pretty good. Good supply of chickens and seedlings for the garden. Your wood shelter looks like a good plan too. Way to go! Best of luck to you and Cierra!
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  41. Glad your Dad could be with you at the cabin with you. The dogs are very adorable! When it comes to locking up, bad people wouldn't be stopped by the locks anyway. I had a locked up trailer stolen off my property in broad daylight! It would be better if the cops would find the thieves before I could. Just enjoy the time you have with your dad. Time is the most valuable thing you could ever have!
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  42. Hi Kyle. Came here several hours after everyone else and read their comments and suggestions. Keep doing what you're doing! You're doing it your way for you and Cierra! Not for them! You've got a good head on your shoulders and a heart full of inspiration! You may be half my age, but you still inspire me to do the things I want and to do them to the best of my abilities! My advice to you is to keep being You! Good job young man! Keep the videos coming!
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  43. Good suggestion, but the T-1-11 should be sufficient.
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  44. You are so right about pictures not showing the true awesomeness of the adventure! The video in POV was like we were right there with you. It's just not as strenuous for us! lol! Definitely not something for wussies to attempt. Glad you had a great time! Thanks for the video!
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  45. Windows are big enough for escape
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  46. I've seen Kyle smile!
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  47. Congratulations! We got our well drilled last October but nothing to hook up to or house yet. Ours is a 240 volt pump so no generator can run it. I asked about a 120 volt pump but the driller said the 240 v pump is better for our situation. Probably for code regulations. I don't know what will happen if we go with solar power in the future. Change the pump maybe? But you have the best setup for your situation. I'm so happy for you! Having running water is such a convenience. And clean well water is way better than the alternatives. Way to go!
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  48.  @jazrobean1  she is not a senior citizen yet. She's still working and I don't want to go on without her by my side.
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  49. It's good to have an actual off-gridder test and display the abilities of the solar generator. If it wasn't you it would have to be the Boss of the Swamp to make it believable! I hope they gave you the unit. You did do an awesome job with the sales pitch. The last question I might have would be "how much does it cost?" Generators and solar systems by themselves aren't cheap. Putting all this together would truly make a fully functional off-grid homestead power system. Thanks for sharing the information and experience with us! Thumbs up from me!
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  50. More like "Boss of 'The Northland".
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