I journey back to my remote forest dugout cabin that I built five years ago. Autumn has fully arrived, with the leaves changing color and a crispness in the air. I set out on the river in my canoe, carrying important supplies like glass and roofing felt. My mission is to repair the cabin, which has started to leak badly due to rotten logs around the window.
Upon arrival, I immediately notice signs of nature’s reclaiming—the logs were seriously damaged, and water was seeping in. I start by cleaning the interior, clearing away debris to prepare for repairs. Replacing the rotted window logs and fixing the leaks prove to be challenging tasks, but necessary to make this place livable again. This cabin isn’t just a shelter for me—it could also be a lifesaver for someone lost in the wilderness.
The restoration work is hands-on and deeply rewarding, as I patch up weak spots and reinforce the structure with care. The sounds of the forest surround me—birds, rustling leaves, and distant animal calls add to the peaceful yet wild atmosphere. As I work, wildlife becomes part of the experience, and later on, my motion camera captures stunning footage of a moose and a wild boar passing by in the night.
After finishing the repairs, I prepare a comforting duck and mushroom dinner on my small stove inside the cabin. Sitting quietly, surrounded by nature and the simple warmth of the fire, I am reminded why I chose this off-grid lifestyle. This moment of solitude and self-reliance is both humbling and energizing.
By the end of my 24-hour stay, the cabin feels revived and ready to face another season. This project was more than maintenance—it was a reconnection with the forest and a renewed commitment to preserving this wilderness refuge. The video captures the beauty, challenges, and profound peace of living simply and skillfully in the wild.
