Arctic Homestead: 10 years living off the Alaskan wilderness
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- čas přidán 8. 10. 2022
- Jenna and David Jonas have spent most of their lives living off the land. At 17, David built a cabin in the woods of Vermont without power tools and lived there for two years, learning to track animals, identify trees, plants and birds, and to navigate.
He’d paddled thousands of miles in hand-built birch bark canoes and lived for months off wild foods alone when he met his neighbor Jenna (she lived across the creek from his cabin in a “treehouse” dwelling), who’d been exploring the interior of Alaska for few years by boat, ski, dogsled, bike, and foot.
In 2012, they found an ad on Craigslist for private land surrounded by state forest on a bluff above the Tanana River. They saw the potential for year-round food sources and bought the raw land, first living in a wall-tent. After two years on the land, they spent 3 weeks building a more permanent earthlodge: digging deep into the hill to take advantage of the relative warmth of the earth, using plentiful spruce trunks to line the home, covering it in sod for insulation and facing it due south for passive solar gain.
Two years later, they began building a traditional log cabin using hand tools (such as a gin pole for a crane). It took them 3 years to complete (building only before freeze-up), but was ready in time for the arrival of their daughter.
The couple hunt, forage or grow most all of their food. They built a smokehouse to cure the meat and fish, and an underground root cellar to preserve their produce and potatoes throughout the year.
In 2014, they began to share their experience with others, using their experience as wilderness guides, they offer stays in their original earthlodge (the Sun Lodge) or in traditional handmade canvas wall tents for days of dog sledding, aurora viewing, winter camping, ice fishing, snowshoeing, skiing and crafting (making your own wooden spoons). Their goal is to offer guests at their hand-built wilderness homestead “a deeper, more authentic experience of Alaska, one that is not centered solely on sublime landscapes and plastic accouterments, but rather the real products, people, and lifeways that make our lives in the north rich and meaningful.”
Alaska Homestead Adventures alaskahomesteadadventures.com/
Drone footage: Jeff Sousa • Alaska 2020 Birthday Trip
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/hand... - Jak na to + styl
I'm disabled and stuck in bed now. Watched every moment and soaked up this wonderful way of living. God bless you for sharing your home and journey with us. I truly felt like I tagged along with you and escaped my room for awhile!
stay strong, the greatest journey is always inside our mind !!
@@francesco5581 Yes, it truly is! Blessings my friend!!
God bless you and your struggle.
❤ from Ireland ☘️
Blessings! I understand too well.
Care to chat sometime .. . being immobile can be neutralized if one by has at least as symbolic contact, with the outside world ! 🤗🇺🇸
lol, they are probably happier, healthier, and more satisfied with their lives than 99% of people living "modern" lives.
They also work harder than most. Coming from a farm, this is not a life for most. I can't imagine the increased difficulty in the Alaskan north. But I'm happy they are happy, that's awesome. I wish this kind of living was as good as it feels in a short documentary. But boy that is a life for the hard, motivated, brave, and easily entertained.
@@nonzerosum8943 Lmao what are you talking about? That place barely cost them anything, and they bought the land back when prices were better than they are now. Did you not watch them point blank show cutting down the wood themselves and saying how they sourced everything they made within a 10 mile radius? Did you not see them procuring all their own food on their own?
You didn't even watch the video I swear
NonZeroSum. The couple in this video pointed out several times how cheap it was to build where they are. The small cabin….. one thousand bucks?!!!!!!! After everything they said about how little they spent, you pipe up with “Most people couldn’t afford this???? It’s like you were totally oblivious to everything that was said! Bizarre!
@@nonzerosum8943 your comment was childish and brainless so it warranted an lmao
Oh you damn skippy they are I know I would be I would be happier there than I am where I'm at now and that's for sure and I'm happy here but sure be happier there LOL
I wish I could run away to some place like these people immediately. I am very proud of these people. Being able to build something and then also survive are great skills!
I find your life style fascinating. Humble, idealistic, and yet healthy. Your food storage area is fabulous, your baby is living a terrific life and he will have so many beautiful memories.
I'm pretty jealous. My 11 year old is so picky with food and their baby is really enjoying nature's bounty 😄
We had the privilege of staying with David and Jenna last March, sledding with their amazing dogs, and meeting their beautiful daughter Celia. We even experienced the wonder of the Northern Lights while we were there. Awesome and delightful people.
Are they on workaway?
make me remember one of those old books in high school about wolf or hybrid with dog helping and living with human in the wild north.
I can sense joy in Janah’s voice☺️
How fortunate you can do that. What a dream.
@@ShaareiZoharDaas That's exactly what I wondered....
I am 21 and was disabled from a pharmaceutical injury when I was 20. I never got to this place in life, even though I was working towards it, but this makes me happy hearing stories like this, but also sad as I never really got to live much of the life I wanted. Still I think it’s amazing to see some people out there living my idea of the dream ❤️
No worry lots people's not able to dear to live life this because of rate race
Stay strong you can still make it!!
Working towards it at 30 here
I had a severe Pharmaceutical injury last year . I thought I might die at first the pain was so bad. Robbed me of my mobility for almost a year. The dr.'s didn't know how to help me so I prayed for wisdom and began to do my own research on how to recover. I am finally well enough to drive again and start my own physical therapy . I'm sharing all of this to encourage you not to give up on recovering and realizing your dreams. I am only 51 years old and I was not ready to live a life of imobility. You are less than half my age so I hope you feel the same way and use it to motivate yourself to hopfully recover.
3 years ago both of my knees hurt so bad, I couldn't walk very far without pain,so I visited doctor he told me if I stop walking the problem will getting worse, so I spent 1 hour every day walking around city block so now I feel 80% better.
@@TheSeedsower107 what do you mean by "pharmaceutical injury"?
When your child ( children ) will see this videos I'm sure they will appreciate the work and dedication of your work 🤗
What a gorgeous video. The silence. The envelope of starting and ending with a silent drone wide shot. Her calm narrating voice. This life is the antidote to modern living which appears to leave most people deeply unhappy. I’m sold. Thank you!
This is not the antidote, any hunter gatherer group or Eskimos leave this way of life the first chance they get or they incorporate all the modernity they can get such as sugar, flour, tea, tin can foods and clothing of all sorts thus the use of drones here and everything else modern or convenient they can get. I've lived it so please don't be fooled by this noble romanticism.
No it is not, if everyone moved out to alaska(which tons of californians are doing and they need to STOP), then Alaska would no longer be what it is; same goes for all the other off grid places in this country. The cure to modern living is to realize that we should have stopped "advancing" 30 years ago and the only way to fix it is to go at least that far back in how you live as todays living is an empty shell devoid of any happiness or common characteristics of a fulfilling life. It's all hands off, unskilled, remote interactions; nobody does any of their own house repairs anymore, nobody fixes their own electronics anymore, everyone just trashes stuff and gets new things or pays someone else to do it for them
I spent a summer in Alaska a few years ago. IT was amazing. I cannot tell you how many people I met who came on vacation and never went home. LOTS! It is a magical place. The video was beautifully done, I agree.
@@victorkreig6089 That was a great comment!!!
@@victorkreig6089 I absolutely second this comment.
I am not completely off grid living in a city center these days, but doing all my repair- and maintenance work myself, did that ever since I started living alone (moved out from my parents' home at 17), changed from their centrally heated home to woodstove and woodburner boiler, first car was 23 years old when I got it for removing it from where it was in the way, built tiny homes on wheels when no one even knew yet what that was, lived on boats, in former coaches, in cabins, attics and garages wherever I came to, and always heard the same phrases about "why You do that?" and "why not getting a new, more modern car/motorbike/circular saw/planer/oven/stove/lathe/ milling machine/washing machine/whatever instead of repairing the old trash ....?"
People do not cherish what they have because things built trashy are too cheap and consumerism is too deeply engraved into our society to leave it behind for many people, plus fatherless households often create sons completely unable to even saw a piece of wood in half, let alone repair an engine, change brakepads or the oil including filters - they do never see it done. Plus: You aren't allowed to do car-repairs on the street anymore in many places, You aren't allowed to repair Your own heating systems in many places because "dangerous" or "emissions", You aren't even allowed to work with used/salvaged materials when building: windows, doors, wall materials and so on are mandatory in so many places (in Europe) that there is hardly room left to really bring distance between You and the consumerism most of the others want and governments need (because IVA/VAT). There are places less rigide and less problematic for crazy loners building their own stuff, but it's getting more complicated by the year.
Brave folks. I admire the courage to live in the wild. Blessings to all of them.
*Plus it looks like Ikea inside their cabin!*
@@1nvisible1 Lots of blond pine. Kind of Danish modern and I have always liked that look. I'm a Nielsen.
Ikr, they have big glass windows in their cabin, is that safe? knowing should be bears around
@@damianw5861 Bears don't bother you unless you constantly leave food that can give off smells in the area, and they have a smokehouse so that isn't really an issue. Bears like wolves are territorial but they accept new inhabitants as long as they mostly stay in their own area
@@victorkreig6089 How do you know you're stepping into their territory? Before it's too late that is.
Thanks for your video. A good thing is that no engine sound, no CO2. Pure natural life with healthiest atmosphere.
My wife and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED LOVED WATCHING THIS VIDEO!!!!
Both of their voices are calm and flow in a relaxed and peaceful manner. The woods does that to a person. It makes you calm and peaceful.
I live offgrid in Appalachia and it’s so refreshing to see others live as authentic as possible, reduce their consumption, build valuable skills, and enjoy the simplicity. What inspiration to see them do this.
Lot of people do it all over this country, thankfully few of them put it out on the internet, otherwise it would be killed off by californians and urbanites trying to recapture it and ruining the wonderful rural and wilderness areas we have
You're not only not alone, you are at the front. Godspeed!
Очень понравилось видео. У нас в России тоже есть такие люди. Советую Вам посмотреть канал Advoko MAKES (или Адвокат Егоров). Я думаю этот канал Вам понравится.
Scott S. I'm quite jealous, I truly wish I could do this. I've often dreamt of living off grid, working hard for a natural life. I think leaving my kids behind would be really hard, but then again I've never really had that kind of opportunity, feeling stuck. Blessings to you.
You make Alaskans proud. Hard work and loving it. Bless your sweet family.
This couple are amazing. Most people have no comprehension of the hard work they’ve put in and how challenging the environment is where they are.
That's why they are a strong couple. 🙏
I think most people can see its pretty tough living. Its a beautiful couple
@broncotrolly yes, we can - but seeing and actually doing it are two different things. When everything is done for you in a city (plumbing, heating) you really have no idea how time consuming it is to do all the daily tasks required here - until you do it! all the best from the mountains of Australia
@broncotrolly yes, we can - but seeing and actually doing it are two different things. When everything is done for you in a city (plumbing, heating) you really have no idea how time consuming it is to do all the daily tasks required here - until you do it! all the best from the mountains of Australia
This is their full time job producing food and maintaining their home, hauling water. There is no way you could go to town with a full time job and get everything done at the homestead too!
I had the pleasure of visiting Alaska in 2021, before tourist season (April) and before the cruise ships/vacation industry restarted. It's the most beautiful place I've been, and I've traveled to almost 40 countries on 5 continents.
Watching this family makes me want to return again. I'd love to see the aurora's borealis in the winter. I wish them well.
It’s incredible how wealthy this family is without any actual “money” affecting their lives. They truly have riches beyond most people wildest dreams through blood sweat and tears of their own. Sooo awesome to see life so fulfilled
They are living a great life for sure, but making a hunk of "real money". I would guess this channel alone is generating high 5 figures if not 6.
@@mdrew44628 I didn’t see where they had a CZcams channel? This channel that covers them isn’t theirs, so I don’t think they’re getting paid
@@8cylinderstolife737 you are right. I mistakenly thought that they were the ones that owned the channel. I now see that Kirsten was just telling their story. They do have a business though called Alaskan Adventures, but I think that it probably doesn't generate lots of income. It sounds like most people watching these types of channels would find one of their packages quite a good trip.
@@mdrew44628 It looks like they might make a decent income with their business of hosting adventures/trips now. They worked hard to do. It’s very expensive to the average person though. Hopefully the people that do get the chance to experience it really appreciate the experience of a lifetime!
They are broke not poor with the added bonus of being rich in self worth and knowledge of nature
If you ever built cabins before you know what an incredible work ethic, skill and endurance these people have! Nothing short of spectacular! And what a way to live in tune with nature - a real power couple!
Building a house on your own/maybe with the help of a friend from time to time , is a lot of work and thought , a simple sentence in your plans like dig the footing can be six months of shoveling over two years in your spare time because you have to support your family to , putting the foundation in can be one summer of hauling stone the next placing it , on a lighter side when you get older you will look at some of those stones and think how did i carry that
@@pl7868 Exactly! I‘ve built some cabins in a rural part of Sweden and it took so much time, just doing the same manual labor for hours and hours. But it’s so rewarding at the end… standing there, knowing you built a little house is some of the best feelings in the world.
The ending shot of combining her quote "... going backwards." while the drone shot pulls out to reveal the little kingdom they've built - sweet touch.
Living in a isolated place has made you sooo resourceful..everything from building your home to growing food that lasts till next summer..the fish are abundant..it has taken so much hard work that has rewarded you well…inviting others to share this amazing place must take their breath away..thankyou for sharing your life..go well..❤
This video is testament to the *_real_* value of a platform like CZcams! . . .
Thanks to Kirsten, Jenna and David for letting us tag along and broaden our perspectives! . . .
Greetings from 🇳🇴🙏
I was born in Alaska in 1952 (Still just a territory) on our homestead in Hormer. Hunting, trapping and growing a garden was just another day. We lost everything in 1964 after the "Good Friday" earthquake and moved to Florida. Talk about a change in life! In later years I lived in western Montana, but it wasn't Alaska.
Thank you for your videos. Through you I relive a simpler time.
A lot has changed up here since then, I haven't lived here my whole life, but imagine it was better all those years ago.
Wow uncle Ray.sounds like you have alot of great stories to tell.
Alaska to florida wow❤
I love it. Congratulations. I retired at 29 to live a simple life in Cambodia. I picked up a one bedroom condo in a beautiful community that includes a pool,gym,and restaurant for next to nothing by buying it before they finished building it.The real estate company didn’t have enough money to finish the project so they were practically giving the units away out of desperation. I had to wait for 5 years to move in, but it was worth it. I have a strict budget of 700$ a month which i make double that in residual income from my investments. with my condo paid off this amount affords me a beautiful.. even luxurious lifestyle here when in the states i would have had to work for 20-30 more years. Its not for everyone but Its all about what makes you happy.
Takes a special person and mate to be alone. I love being alone. So much so, my friends call me a recluse.
But I enjoy knitting, reading, my art, baking cooking, etc
Yes, that's what was meant. The simple life. Peace, contentment, lots of time for each other. 😊
I would bet that a lot of time is spent working to maintain this lifestyle . They would enjoy each other’s company while working towards a common goal of survival. That can be truly bonding and this couple appears very compatible.
Every time I watch your videos I ask myself WTF am I still doing in the city? This family has a lot of knowledge. Much respect to them.
A wonderful life for the young and healthy ones
I was just in Alaska and marveled at the spirit of its people. What a majestic wonderland. This video is a fabulous presentation of living life to the absolute fullest.
Needed to see this today. What a comfort to see this way of life. Thank you🤍 I'm "trapped" for now in the most densely populated country in Europe...dreaming of cold weather and the smell of hardwood and pine.
Plan your escape, it might take time and effort but you can do it ❤👍💪
@@jimmyjohnny3779 thank you for the encouragement. stay wild!🍁
Monaco?
Same Elle, same!!!
For the last few days I’ve looked up at my Canadian flag 🇨🇦 blowing in the wind above my humble 3 acre property. It is lonely at times. Thoughts of those who couldn’t be here have made me feel grateful and I have much hope for all of the people who feel stuck. I do wish all the best no matter what that is ❤️
Oh, BTW... that is one sweet log cabin. Jenna and David Jonas are true builders. Great job.
I loved watching this. It is a taste of how our pioneering great grandparents and grandparents lived. My Grandpa and his family emigrated to Canada in 1904, when he was 6 years old. They had to live pretty much the way these young people live. The homestead still is in the family, but most of the original buildings are gone now.
That's cool.
Very very resourceful couple. We all could learn from their lifestyle. It just seems dangerous extreme isolated conditions in the winter. I’m sitting outside now at 50 degrees and watching this chills my bones. Kudos to them.
At the age of 20 I've envisioned that life, dreamed about that landscape, fauna and flora... odd for a Portuguese guy that grew in a Portuguese city. And now, at the age of 50 I realize I missed something so big that can't be put to words. That said, all young people that feel the call, just go! Don't overthink it! Go!
Hope you guys all the best. Cheers from Portugal
A nice and practical addition to the house would be an airlock as in a small additional “room/ hallway” build against the front door so you can kick of your boots and hang your jacket to go into the house without getting a cold draft/ mud or snow. But especially leaving out the cold from having to open up the front door bringing the cold outside straight into your house.
Thanks for the suggestion! In our original design the bluff cabin did have an added "arctic entry" but we haven't gotten around to it yet. On the (very long) list of projects though for the good reasons you mentioned!
You guys are living the dream... you look so happy. living life the way it is supposed to be. Good luck out there.
I can't imagine feeding all of those large dogs everyday off of what could be hunted or caught....Amazing !!!....You have a beautiful home...in a beautiful location.
Very simple life, but also very hard life. Everything you do must be done to support and maintain your life. I grew up on a farm in Northern Michigan and we did everything ourselves to include using Belgium horses for logging and farming. You live to survive and survive to live. This is one of the reasons life spans for the pioneers were so short and families were so large. Modern advances and technology have greatly helped enhance and sustain our livelihood. I lived in Alaska for two years as a young man and loved every minute of it. I am 60 now and in good health but even I would be hesitant to return to such a challenging lifestyle without the many modern conveniences we enjoy. However with the way everything is going in our world today it’s a good thing to have the knowledge and experience to be able to live off the land with just the basics. We wish you a long and happy life.
I agree with you. I also have many of the skills to live completely independent of modern convenience, but there is that trade off that you mentioned: simplicity for back-breaking work. But I think that this kind of life can be lived nearer a road to hospitals and such.
I read a book about 40 years ago by the world famous archaeologist, Dr Richard Leakey. In his parents are famous for finding Lucy, the first modern human.
He describes the archaeological research showing that human life expectancy increased from the earliest humans until just before humans started staying in one place and herding animals.
After humans figured out how to not have to be hunter-gatherers because they could eat their animal herds, humans figured out farming.
Humans were hunter-gatherers for at least 200,000 and maybe 400,000 years before we settled down in one place. During the height of the hunter-gatherer period, human life expectancy was about 70 years. The death rate for infants and young children was higher than it is today in the wealthy countries. But the death rate for infants and young children while we were hunter-gatherers was much lower than the first 10,000 years after we figure out how to stay in one place.
Society is about to collapse, these will be the people who survive.
💪🏽🙌🏽 Best sledding hill in Alaska 😅 Jenna and David (and Celia!) are the most humble, kind, humorous and loving people I have ever met. This mini documentary captures them perfectly ❤
What a display of creativity, craftmanship, and passion for living an alternative lifestyle. Thank you for inviting us in.
Don't you guys have to worry about the wild animals like wolves an bears ,i noticed that you guys are not carrying any fire arms to protect yourselves,and what do you guys do if you get sick. I really enjoyed your great video. The peace you guys have and the freedom. I hope you guys make more ,i really enjoyed watching it.Thank you so much.
If you create your own world, I guess, you're in your own heaven. It is so beautiful to see people living in to the wild, in harmony with nature
I'm so glad that there are people who have the instinct & ability to build sturdy structures in the Northern most remote parts of the country to make their lives. This is something to be proud of creating, years of planning & work. I'm sure that I have little understanding of what it costs them. But I pray that God will continue to prosper them.
It's honestly not that expensive, dunno what the land cost because don't know exactly when they bought it and prices can lux a lot but more or less doesn't seem like they've spent more than 15 grand give or take, they make most of what they need so it's mostly just time that they spend
@@victorkreig6089 I'm actually thinking more of the personal cost of living their lifestyle. The years of planning & work. Financial is a part of that cost, but they've invested way more than money.
@@jewelssylva3738 personal cost is really dependent on how close they were to their family and friends. Doubt they would have done it though if they were extremely attached
Lol the babies hair in the boat in the beginning of the video. That feeling of the wind in your hair is pure love.
This was how my grandparents used to live. She was growing her own wheat and grinding it on their stone mill then keeping it in huge cley pots that she made herself. That lifestyle fits to our nature actually. Good for soul and body.
This video just gave me an inexplicable level of happiness. What a beautiful family livin’ in a beautiful home in the beautiful country.
Yes me too
Resilience, creativity, perseverance and a willingness to go out and just try... WOW. Amazing way to live.
Bless you all... What a wonderful way to bring up your children.... You get to enjoy our world the best way possible 🤗❤️🙏🏻
One word for y'all:
"ENVY"!!!!!
I'm a 66 yr old female n would LOVEEEE to live like y'all. The homestead is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
Amazing! It looks like they studied everything from the past and utilized the best of them. I'm glad you shared this.
That's an interesting viewpoint. Being a resident of Alaska, nothing in this video seemed old-fashioned or outdated. They have running water in the middle of nowhere; they are living in a modern cabin! Also, there are only 3 of them in such a large space. Many families of 10 can live in much smaller cabins.
@@susankugelmann6775 interesting. As a Scandinavian I'm curious why they don't seem to ski or have a sauna, is that not a thing in Alaska? In Northern Scandinavia long distamce skiing and wood burning sauna are entirely essential to this way of life. You don't see a whole lot of snowshoes but people grow up on cross country skiis (and often make their own if they live like this), it's fast and light weight compared to dog sledding which is great if you need a vehicle, but getting around on foot is a fast principle in northern living. The sauna is not just essential for proper hygien but for spiritual health too. Cold emersion and extremely relaxing heat, you rarely find a Finnish home without one.
This has me crying, my soul yearns for this freedom. Thank you both for this.
I used to live in an Alaskan village on the Yukon. There were about 300 people maybe. Many of these ways of living were used even in a remote village where you could fly in and out of (weather permitting of course)! This brought back lots of great memories! 👍
What village? I used to live in Ruby
I could never have lived like this, but I admire and respect those that can.
That small child is so happy!!! At the start, they were traveling with the dogs pulling the lead and the baby was transfixed!! No, "Mommy when are we going to get there" or Dad, I gotta go the bathroom"!! They seem to have a wonderful life. Hard work and lots of love!!!!
I loved your videos! I really never want them to finish! Thank you for the honor you give this families, and the very beautiful experience you bring us with every one of your productions! I hope you never stop producing! Take care!
Off grid “simplicity” in a remote location with an extreme cold climate with babies is sooooo hard…. I’ve done some similar things, still doing some of it, baby 3 on the way. Good luck to them!
Amazing. What a wonderful experience they are affording their beautiful child. They are an inspiration, they didn’t like the hustle and bustle of the world, so they changed things! The happiness just radiates from them, and I don’t mean through their smiles. I bet even on challenging days, the light still emulates from their bodies. Their aura is different to mine, they have a definite light, and I’m not being kooky.
No, you're not being kooky. In Ayurveda, this glow is called Ojas, and the closer you live to the Laws of Nature, the stronger Ojas glows. These people live without junk food, fast food and processed food and of course are in tune with the seasons and it shows.
I am just so astonished at what they have accomplished. My jaw kept dropping over and over.
I am astonished that there is absolutely no dirt in the cabin, not even a smudge after living there for 7 years and burning wood. I have my doubts
This is the best video of yours by far! This shows so much more than people living in a tiny home on a trailer. It shows a different lifestyle! This was very entertaining and enjoyable. The descriptions were top notch!
I agree. It was purely about them, and (no offense intended) no distracting people on the sides filming themselves filming. I love that they try to make everything themselves and are content as well.
I lived in a cabin in Alaska as I worked for a sled dog trainer - yes it is a serious "different lifestyle" haha - Just south of Denali!! too bad Alaska is heating up so much faster than the rest of the planet - the Crab harvest just got Cancelled !! Huge news.
@@voidisyinyangvoidisyinyang885 it's not though, everything that far north is, standard fluctuations in the poles, the coldest places feel it first and always in the north first.
@@victorkreig6089 I correspond regularly with oceanographer Ph.D. Jim Massa Science Channel on youtube - he lives in Alaska and has his career research based there. Also see "Arctic - news" blogspot for further details or Peter Wadhams who shared his office with Stephen Hawking. Wadhams went to the arctic 50 times to study the ice. His book "Farewell to Ice" is a good source. Have fun learning! hahaha.
@@annwithaplan9766 someone else is filming
You definitely gave a beautiful portrayal of life off the grid. You and your husband are skilled, organized and well versed in off-grid survival. Can you do another video showing the other side of this life choice? It’s easy to romanticize this life while sitting in a warm home with electricity. My cousin and her husband and three kids are living in a similar fashion in northern British Columbia. It is beautiful but dangerous at the same time. They have been through hardships, especially dealing with Mother Nature.
I saw a video like this, where everyone in the little community helps each other when needed or they would all freeze or starve. The guy had a hard time getting his furnace to light as it was so cold outside and the propane was to cold or something. He knew exactly what to do to get his hoses worked out and get the furnace lit. I would have made sure I had an emergency wood stove or safe indoor kerosene stove or something. It seemed once their trailer or house got warm then the hoses and pipes heated up and everything was ok.
They do not live off grid. They have electricity.
@@lucyterrier7905 Yes . . . from solar panels. They have their own grid.
You’re overall health, mental health…must be phenomenal. ❤ I feel healthier just watching this 😂 sending good health and joy to you all
Excellent log work! I'm an old Alaskan, spent decades in the bush. The happiest people I've ever met anywhere in world live in the bush. Beautiful video! Thank You.
Man you guys are really stepping it up with how varied the locations that you shoot videos at. It's honestly starting to feel like a never ending tv show lol cuz your filming is awesome too
No shots of Kirsten or kids or hubby running around in the wilds of "laska, so I'd say the protagonists shot this video and Kirsten just edited into one of her usual masterpieces.....
Yep, as much as we wish they could have visited, this was made by email collaboration. Kirsten is pretty incredible. She edited a few years of disparate videos and photos with very minimal descriptions and she somehow did it perfectly!
No it's better than a tv show because there isn't any self aggrandizing or bs hgtv/diy/ikea catalog facades it's all practical stuff made for living instead of just reselling endlessly to people with kneejerk reactions
@@victorkreig6089 oh my! Well the way she does laundry is the same way my mother did laundry. And my mother use to hate it. She was so happy when she could afford a wash machine. As for me, I'd love to go back to a simpler time in life. This planet is slowly being ruined by greed.
@@joycedominguez1828 it would be better to do it intermittently
Think one month automated washing machine next month old fashioned way
Keep you grounded while also reminding you that advancements should be appreciated by seeing what it advanced as opposed to just reading about it
I would definitely change my life for this in a heart beat..
I am so impressed by this family. They live a hard life but are truly happy and it shows!
Hi Kirsten. Wonderful, as always but her story telling took me right in. When it was over, I forgot for a moment, that I was watching a video. You always find the best people, and life stories.
I spent over a decade working the Kuskokwim, Yukon, Kobuk and Noatak rivers and the one scent that invokes memories of Alaska for me is burning a Pic Coil.
This is so great to watch. 👏🏻 My dad built our log house that I grew up in, in Kenai, Alaska. It was so unique. I hope it’s still there, so I can show my son. 🙌🏻
This type of life shows how beautiful it is to live a human, non-mechanized, family centered life. You are never bored or unfulfilled because everything you do has so much purpose
As they dry, vertical logs will shrink over time, and then the wind will whistle through. After a day of dogsledding, I spent a night in a cabin in Algonquin Park that had vertical logs... it was a record breaking minus 42.2 degrees, and the wind was blowing through the cabin. All of our food froze solid overnight. Glad to see that Jenna and David Jonas have a horizontal log cabin now. Have a warm winter. Hugs.
That child is going to have such memories! I'm impressed by your skills; especially the log cabin construction. Very well done!
They made so much money off this video they now live in a high rise in NY
The more simple humans try to make life the more complicated and over the top it gets. Love this.
Growing up like this your children are going to be geniuses! Watching mom skin logs and garden and basket weave at a very young age must be way better than setting them in front of a television lol
You are definitely NOT going backwards. The amount of perseverence, patience, problem solving, and engenuity that living off grid requires, creates self sufficient humans that can survive pretty much anything that comes their way. Kudos to you and your family.
Your little one seems so happy enjoying boat rides and nibbling on berries.
Thank you for taking us on this journey.
P.S. Be careful with sharp tools around your child. The pointy instrument next to him while he was playing with the home made basket brought back memories of Loius Braille's biography. In a second...it just takes one second.
Be well.
She's a little girl and her name is Celia, I believe. I read a comment by someone who actually met this beautiful family. I agree with you about sharp pointy objects. I think Celia is older now and doing just fine.
@@kamivelasquez3119 You are so kind to clarify and also let me know an update. For that I am grateful. Thank you. 😊❣️ I would have replied sooner, but I just received a notification today.
Be well.
Our families plagued with cancer..etc. this is so scary to me! Glad they have each other. I have not seen where the dogs sleep. Goes to show I am more negative than I realized…this is a dream, but the older we get, the less we can think well. God bless everyone in life’s endeavors!
Thank you, Kirsten, for presenting another spectacular example of unique buildings & lifestyles that human beings are capable of creating in this vast world. I certainly admire & respect this couple.
I envy their life, I'm glad there are people like this that share their happiness
These folks are very tough and skilled! Most people would freak out with the challenges of their lifestyle!
💖 I absolutely LOVE this channel so much. I have not missed not having a TV for a number of years now and never knew that streaming CZcams would become the joyful experience that it is because of creators like this. This episode is so masterfully done -- no fluff, no music distraction. It is pure, unadulterated gold. The only downside? It makes watching other channels a bit more difficult after being so accustomed to this.
Thank you, Kirsten, for sharing another wonderfully and respectfully presented life.
Очень понравилось видео. У нас в России тоже есть такие люди. Советую Вам посмотреть канал Advoko MAKES (или Адвокат Егоров ). Я думаю этот канал Вам понравится.
Yes! I love that Kirsten does not do the music. I find that so distracting. Instead, the cinematography speaks for itself.
Dynamic Duo living off grid living a very healthy sustainable life 💜 They are enjoying and reaping the rewards of their hard work gardening, building and enjoying nature. 💜💜💜💜💜
You people are very hard working and I salute you for your effort and hardship to live in wildest and loneliest part of Earth. God bless you!
Aww, the doggies even helped to haul wood to build their home too! 🐕🐕🐕💙
Oh wow......... these two are blimmin' amazing!! I have lived remotely....... but never to this extent! YES...... there ARE young people still willing to learn and forward on their learning and skills! PROUD of them BIG TIME - love from Australia!
WOW... ALWAYS AMAZING DOCUMENTARIES KIRSTEN. ITS SO KOOL TO SEE THESE FOLKS ADAPT, AND THRIVE, THEN FIND A WAY TO GENERATE AN INCOME FROM THEIR ADAPTATION... HOME RUN! WISH I WAS YOUNGER TO GET FARTHER FROM SOCIETIES DEPENDENCY. I REALLY HAVE NO DESIRE TO BE PART OF THE MODERN SOCIETY.
Awe! I am amazed! Can't keep from watching this video over and over! Wonderful young people! And such a darling baby!! God bless you all!!
Wow. Everything you guys built is impressive. But the cabin ya'll are living in in now is absolutely beautiful!
And I love how soft and sweet your voice is when you are giving the tour of your cabin. You guys seem truly content.
I wish I had more likes to give. Thanks for posting Kirsten!
Seems like a hard but beautiful life, with the benefit of everyday being bring your kid to work day. On a side note, as an old Vermonter it blew my mind to see anyone tapping any tree other than a Maple, but damned if mead isn't an excellent reason to.
Dunno what's so hard about it, it's basic work
@@victorkreig6089 If it's so basic then stop wasting time commenting on CZcams when you could be doing it yourself.
@@fryeday why would I move to Alaska?
Just because you're lazy and lack basic knowledge doesn't mean you need to lash out.
I like where and how I live and I'm not moving, I have lived the exact same way they have before, it isn't hard or challenging; you're just lazy and weren't raised with any decent foundation
@@victorkreig6089 lol did you see the size of those logs, not so easy I’d say
@@rowannadon7668 they have a chainsaw, pretty easy
wow, what a lucky kid! also a sled dog ride looks more fun than any theme park ride.
God bless you... you have each other... You couldn't pay me in this life or the next to travel the path you're on... my goodness... And Alaska to boot...my my my... I'm shivering just thinking about it...NO-O-O THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!🙋🌹
Most of my adult life I’ve wanted to move to Alaska and live on my own completely off the grid. This family’s life is so rich in experiences I’m glad they’re sharing with others.
They're really living the pioneer lifestyle and in Alaska no less. Everyone involved seems so fulfilled from the Child to the Dogs and back to the homesteaders themselves. Good for them and us for having been witness to this alien lifestyle.
So inspiring for a man like me 77 a childhood in the central Cascades in Washington. Then wilderness was not populated. Beautiful valleys with steep mountain sides had not been bought up by developers advantaging the low prices of mining claims decades old. The mountain goat populations summering at the bottom of snow fields in alpine Asian aesthetic rock gardens where ran off by ski resorts leaving the animals and fauna wiped out. Our family 1934 beautiful cabin on the south fork of the Snoqualmie River went with it. My grand father and his two boys skied the framing Timbers to the sight in slings. Such a sorrowful reality. So, thank you for rekindling my spirit in what you’ve done.
You guys are a perfect example for how life should be for all.
Love your life style and attitude
Mind blown. I couldn't stop watching this. It was so interesting and beautiful. Have to be knowledgeable in so many things.
It makes your heart yearn. I'm currently 33, camping every other weekend, and stashing away money to buy livable land. We've over complicated our lives so much that despite having more in it we end up having less substance. I was born to be a mountain man but for the time being I shall slave away in a concrete cell.
Bravo. Living off grid is not for everyone. It takes a special person to do it. In 1980 I moved back to a small village in Southern Italy where power was not on 27/7. In he summer the water shut off at 1000 and tuned back on at 1600. After growing up in a city of 2million people it was a big adjustment. We stayed five years and then in the towel. Not because we did not like it, but my girls would have to go away to boarding school for high school. So we retuned to Canada to keep the family together.
Extraordinary. What PRACTICAL people, I am impressed by their ingenuity. Its heartwarming to know there are people of this ilk still out there. Respect, new friends I have not met yet. (ps: some of the artifacts they use such as the gin pole and the beast of burden assistance thing carrying those buckets are flat out brilliant)
Amazing! Alaska was where I thought about going after the Vietnam War .. but the Virgin Islands won for four years. Southwestern Arkansas has been my home since 1980 .. love it here!
Thank you for your service!🇺🇸
@@cindyboard7816 .. as a drafted conscientious objector .. I was a medic with specialty in orthopedics .. so I didn't serve to slaughter innocent people for big US corporations.
@@MerwinARTist To each his own… my apologies
@@cindyboard7816 Those who don't study their history are doomed .. not the government sponsored history written by the true terrorists of the world .. that's why they never ask old men to go to war .. they've seen too much blood.
You mentioned your Grandmother said you were going backwards. I would say not. Just going forward in a more fulfilling and sustainable way. Now, a run on that epic sled ride down your trail in the winter! That would be the icing on the cake! Thanks for sharing your families life with us! So awesome! :)
Ok, that's the best opening scene ever - your hubby, you, & then your precious child!! I just found y'all - subscribed!! 👍♥️👍
Where did you learn all these skills? Did you guys grow up on a farm? Engineers? Carpenters, etc....? You two are very talented.
they connect with source
Probably learned from family that have similar lifestyles and or carpentry
@@sinsemilla9876 now that’s the right answer!!