I keep toying with the idea of adding a “Recommendations” tab to the Ubi Libertas Blog menu. In the almost four years that I’ve been posting here, I’ve suggested websites and YouTube channels that I’ve found useful, for one reason or another, and now it might make sense to gather them on one page.
To be sure, some fall into the category of, “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” The more I read, however — or listened, or watched — the less value they offered.
“The Prepared Homestead” and “Canadian Prepper,” to name two. Both traffic daily in re-hashed SHTF hype, but neither brings much substance to the table.
Anyway, here’s a quick rundown of my current video preferences.
It should be no surprise that Bushradical (northern Michigan, Alaska) continues to be my favorite for quality, entertainment and practical content on the subject of rustic living. Dave Whipple’s style just plain appeals to me.
Off-Grid with Jay & Jen (northern Michigan) chronicles a pair of true amateurs in a trial-and-error, learn-by-doing off-grid build. The videos are on the funky side, amusing and entertaining, and full of lessons (even if I have to dig to find them).
Kyle’s Cabin (northern Minnesota), hosted by a latter-day North Woodsman, is an off-grid homestead (and cabin build) that’s low-key and (to me) inspirational. As much as anything, it illustrates what’s possible without making things seem more difficult than they are.
The Outsider (Ontario) is all about wilderness living, centered around a cabin built by father and son. The father passed away, and the son carries on his legacy. For most of us this is the stuff of dreams and aspirations, but it never loses touch with reality.
We follow An American Homestead, Country Road Cure and, more recently, Woody’s Barndominium, Megan & Woody, all of which originate in Ozarkansas. The local angle is helpful, of course, and all offer practical advice and useful ideas.
Simple Living Alaska (north of Fairbanks) is thousands of miles from Ozarkansas, and what Eric and Arielle do up there is beyond our abilities and our budget, but it’s one of the best channels we watch. The pair’s spirit and perseverance are remarkable and inspiring. Lots of practical advice, too.
Shawn James (northern Ontario) has two channels — one under his name, and My Self Reliance. His content is hands-down the most complete and comprehensive that we consume. He’s a committed homesteader and an accomplished woodsman, and his videos are extremely well-produced.
There are common threads woven throughout those real-world tales of rustic living. Lots of these folks live in a camper while they build (or did while they built). Nothing goes as quickly as expected. Shit breaks. There are setbacks. The rewards are worth the struggle.
If you have the slightest interest in doing what Deb and I are doing, or if you simply want to understand more about it, check out some of these YouTube channels.
We broke our pattern today and did laundry on a Saturday, grabbing bagels at B’s Bakery on the way. The laundromat in Gassville wasn’t busy, so we were in and back out quickly. As we getting ready to take our stuff out of the dryer, a Ford pickup pulled in carrying an IBC tote almost full of water in the bed, along with a length of four-inch PVC pipe.
I asked the driver if he’d just come from Gray Spring. Indeed he had.
We had a friendly conversation while he was loading his laundry into a washer and we were folding ours. I complimented him on his t-shirt, styled subtly like a tourist-trap souvenir and bearing the inscription, “Ruby Ridge 1992,” along with “I will not comply.”
We love it here.
We did gas and curbside pickup at the Flippin Walmart and snagged more groceries at Harps in Yellville. As we drove up our road, Deb spotted something ahead. I brought the truck to a stop, and she snapped this picture:
I rolled forward slowly. She grabbed one more image — this is a tight crop, at full resolution:
Like I said earlier this week, their nonchalance amazes me.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable
#LetsGoBrandon #FJB