Building an Outhouse at Our Remote Alaskan Cabin
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- Опубликовано: 9 авг 2022
- Summer is far too short in Alaska, we take advantage of the valuable season and break in the weather to build a much needed outhouse at our remote lakeside cabin. And as always, good food, nature and the dogs were an integral part of the adventure.
We appreciate you tagging along for our Alaskan adventure 😀
Thank you for watching and supporting our channel! 💙
- Eric & Arielle Illia
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Everyone who’s had 100+ temperatures for the last two months snickering at Eric saying “ it’s supposed to be hot, like 75 degrees”.
75 is nice fall weather down here 😂
Does that outhouse in Alaska smell?
I do love how you two live in a remote off-grid cabin, and have *another* more remote off-grid cabin.
Right? It's like hey let's live off grid and show people how nice and enjoyable it can be. Then they go even further out to and show it's hard but enjoyable as well
Hello Folks,
Want you to know that this 82-year-old Man loves your video,s you two are very lucky to have each other!
My 9 year old son started watching this video with me, because he loves building things. He was so into it for the whole 45 minutes, and afterwards I repeated your channel name to him and he says "I'm going to add them to my subscribe list!" He's a super picky eater, but when he watched you fry up the halibut, he was like "omg I want that right now!!!" lol
Not in a million years would I have thought that I would enjoy watching an outhouse being built lol but I sure did! It turned out awesome! Those views of the still water were soooo beautiful. Thanks again for sharing your adventures.
Nice to see you have great taste in paint! Solar lights to the outhouse would be an idea. Hang on on the outside of the outhouse to take in with you too.
Good show, seems to be pretty authentic. No staged cutie patootie stuff in the woods. Just real living.
I don’t know who watching this has ever been through an off grid journey but I’m just over a year into my own & let me tell you that the sheer luxury of being able to have a comfortable outhouse experience is NOT to be underestimated ! 😂 it’s so important & it’s one of the things I love about living a more simple life is just figuring out the basics of self care & this really is one of the basics that makes all the difference to quality of life ☺️ Anyway great job, you’re both an inspiration ❤️ Also, who else is excited about moose hunting uploads that might be coming?? 😁
I never thought I’d get excited about watching an outhouse being built! Lol
Exactly, I’ve been waiting for this one
SAME ❤️
Right there with you!
😁
Wonder so many women are so excited?
Is there anything Eric CAN'T do?!?!?? You two make such a great team!!! It's fun to watch!!
It's always a good day when Justin Beaver makes an appearance!
Children
Anyone can do it, just thinking and determination and hard work.
@@AndriiMuliar How do you know he can't have children? Just curious.
@@josephw.8882 I was complimenting him and the fact that he actually DOES all of the things that he does. It's impressive. I know too many men that wouldn't do (or care to learn) most of what he does...sadly.
I never knew how lazy I was until I started watching you folks! At the height of my motivational self I still thought a run to the lumber yard and a weekend building a gate was a monstrous task!
We had one of those showers in the late 80s, early 90s, for my in-laws hunting cabin in the mountains of North Central PA. It was a blessing to have, but never got warmer than just to take the chill off the ice cold spring water.
Your outhouse is fabulous. You should clip magazine pictures to put all over the walls inside, and maybe keep a couple magazines for reading. We took an old large metal coffee can, turned it bottom up, and put a small knob on it, to use to cover the roll of toilet paper, to prevent mice from stealing it to use to make a nest. Did you put a vent hole at the back, lower wall, to vent fumes. We used wire and made a door out of it, appx 12-18 inches square, to be able to access the back to pour lime into the hole, to help with the odor and to help prevent flies. Ashe, from the wood stove helps break down the waste. I suggest putting a good amount of cold ashes on the waste, followed by some lime, to help with the odor and flies. I'm sure you're aware of what to use. It's a suggestion to new outhouse users😵🤭. We store a bag of lime in the rafters of the outhouse, to use at the end of each visit..
Be sure the wire door is secure. When I was 8 months pregnant, I went in the night, to use the outhouse, and I lifted the toilet lid and was turning to sit down, and a possum, that got inside and was on a ledge in the hole, scurried around and fell in the "pit"! I did a 50-yard dash faster than any Olympian could hope for! We were wondering who was more scared, but I think I won, since I never did use the outhouse, until morning light!
Having confronted a seemingly innocent possum with a rake (to push it along from our POOL shed, for which it damn near yanked it out of my hands with its teeth/bite) -- I would NEVER want to see one in an OUTHOUSE! I'd be using a flashlight to look down the hole from that point forward!
Nice work! I would recommend a spring at the bottom of the door as well. As it ages, the bottom of the door will likely start to warp outward without the same tension. Just a suggestion.
A lot of hard work but it turned out awesome. Bandit swimming was so sweet - he seems to always be up for a good time. New meaning for a "Behr" in the woods. Couldn't resist.
Happiness is a ~45 minute video from my favorite RUclips couple!
Way back in 1993, I took a white water rafting trip down the Grand Canyon. I brought a solar shower bag with me. Every morning I filled it up with river water, which was bloody cold!! and tied it on the front of our rubber raft. And every evening, I had a lovely warm - even hot - shower. Everyone envied me, as they jumped in and out of the frigid Colorado river trying to get clean from the sweaty exertions of the day without freezing their tushies off!! Wonderful invention!
God it’s a pleasure to see you again and you Arielle, what great help you are to Eric‘s ability to do most anything. Both make the greatest team ever. Keep it up my lovely friends and stay safe.
Filming is absolutely awesome. Thank you.
Great job on the outhouse. My favorite was the toilet paper holder.
Dogs are like,who needs an outhouse?😁🐺🦊
Ok, so I even enjoy watching you build a crazy outhouse. You two have a way of adding a little class to your projects! Thanks for giving Bo and Bandit some air time!!!
A few things I thought while watching this:
You guys are perfectly matched. You work so well together and enjoy the same things.
That has to be the sturdiest outhouse ever! It's as sturdy as the cabin 😁
You could be professional photographers. The footage you get of the scenery is just amazing.
The practice squat when you were scoping out the spot was priceless! You guys truly have a great channel and I thank you for sharing.
Solar showers are wonderfull, no energy apart from a bit of sunlight, they need nothing else.
For the Z on the outhose, altough the backplate is a sheet of plywood, nomally the lower end of the Z should be at a hinge, so that it supports the weight of the outerparts on the top.
Great project though.
What a beautiful little retreat, I mean the cabin, but yeah the outhouse too. It is absolutely beautiful out there, y’all did a wonderful job on the outhouse. These videos could really be small movies with the picture quality, the cinematography, and the editing, they are outstanding. You guys take care, be safe, be kind. Thanks for sharing the video with us, Jimmy
I can picture in my mind when you two are in the twilight of your years,sitting by the fireplace watching this amazing footage of a life most of us would love to live . Looking forward to the future.
But they will have no kids to care for them.
Great project, make’s your time at the cabin much more comfortable. I think maybe the next project could be a roof over the deck, that way you could work with out getting wet. 👍
And screen it in to get away from the insects
I love loons so much. They make such cool sounds!
I love how you show all those side stories that develop in the video (the mushrooms, the shower, the dogs), all while still keeping the main topic in focus. The outhouse looks great!
Seriously the best content on the internet. You wonderful folks are killing it.
A little heads up, you might want to lean a sheet of plywood in front of the door come winter. I had problems with mine where I couldn’t open the door due to thawing and melting snow over a long period of time.
I never imagined Alaska being so vibrant and beautiful, but you've changed my mind. You have a beautiful setting there and make the most of every day!
As always you do a thorough job in everything you guys do. If I can make one suggestion… lining all 4 internal sides of the seating area with leftover metal roofing, extra polyurethane sheeting, or even thick greenhouse plastic to a depth of 3 feet,will prevent spray back and contamination of your wood frame. It will also prevent acidic wood root and mold from contaminated wood rot.
Y’all did a great job, but I never expected any less from you two building the outhouse, you’ve made a palace for comfort, now you’ll enjoy your trips even more. I just enjoy being with y’all on your outings, y’all make it so enjoyable. Viewing 11/29/22
Yay! Can't wait to see! I'll leave my normal comment when done watching.
Love that trip to the cabin
Never realized that watching someone build an outhouse was that interesting. You guys are just amazing with your building skills. Love your channel. Thanks for the editing work and sharing it with us.
Eric, those drone shots made me feel like I was watching a National Geographic program! Honestly, those were so beautiful, especially the lake, or river with a sunrise, etc.
And, you two are a dynamite team!! You can do anything!! I do admire you both individually, and as a team. Your outhouse is fabulous!!
Love going to the cabin and watching y’all create your second home. Love to you both! ♥️🙏🏼♥️
Whoa that view of the pink sky, moon and mountains 🥰 Beautiful!
Never thought I'd be excited about people building an outhouse lol. You guys make everything fun. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. I appreciate it. 👍
Eric you did an amazing job on the outhouse. The stain make it a beautiful color and the color is perfect for the woody area. Like I said a while back, Eric you are The Jack of All Trades Lumberjack with your helper Arielle The Lumberjill. The two of you work so good together to get the job done. Thanks for sharing. Have a safe trip home 🏡.
Absolute AWESOME job! That outhouse will stand for many, many years. Loved seeing ‘Slappy’ the beaver 🦫👏
great job on the outhouse. Don't forget heavy lock on outside so bears don't try to get in drawn by smell. I didn't' see any space around the roof where a wasp could get in and build a nest. really enjoy watching you two interact. Ariel has you well trained . you listen well🙂🙂🙂
I love how you harvest your own timber to supply your needs. Great example of sustainability!! Cheers Linda
Alaskan residents are able to collect 25 cords of wood per year legally. As long as it's for personal use. Alaska is awesome
Eric is really an all-rounder, wonderful ideas and great work done
I must throw in that Ariel contributes just as much time & energy, research & great ideas into their lives! They're both living their good life to the fullest!!!!
Very cool video! You may want to put in a splash guard on the inside front panel of the sitting platform in your new outhouse. It will keep the wood from rotting from "pee" splash. Also if you keep a bucket of wood chips, sawdust or woodstove ashes in the outhouse, you can toss in a cupful after each use. It will keep the odors down. That "hot water" bag is a great way to take a "remote" shower! You 2 kiddos work good together and we ♥️ watching what you are up to! Until your next video ~~~ Stay safe, healthy and happy! 🐕 🐕 🍄 🍄🍄
Great Job on that outhouse, it looks like it's going to be there for a while. You might think about adding a fine wire/plastic mesh onto the outhouse between the roof and the walls to keep the flying critters to a minimum inside the outhouse.
@Aaron: yah I was thinking about that. Also, the plywood with the seat,could use supports on each side near the hole. When Eric sat on it, there was a lot of movement of the plywood. Overtime it may crack, and they could fall butt first in the hole.
Stay safe, stay sane, stay Strong
I remember my Grandparent's outhouse in Mississippi. It had corn cobs and a Sears & Roebuck catalog to use as toilet paper. Years later they used newspapers for the toilet paper. There was a bag of lime and a scoop to scoop the lime. The lime help with flies and smell. It also has a moon shape cut into the door. That was a long time ago.
I’m from the Magnolia State as well and I’m 62 years old. When I tell my kids I was 13 years old before we had indoor plumbing they think I’m putting them on. We took a bath in #3 wash tubs and had an out house and a well for water which I still have the well till this day and a lot of good memories growing up in the South. Always enjoy this channel it reminds me so much about my child hood and all the good things in my life. Cheers everyone and God Bless.
@@tomgraham2987 was it a hand pump well. We had one of those also. Yes, I love this channel also. They are living the dream!
Best channel hands down. People don't know what they're missing!!! 🙏❤️🙏
I love it! You guys are the modern day Adam and Eve, living in the garden of Eden! It's a beautiful thing to watch. Keep up the good work.
44:22 what an absolutely beautiful catch of the scenery, like that's one of the most colorful "this is alaska" photos I've ever seen. The editing actually made me a little emotional the music and the cabin aesthetic just seemed to peaceful and I really like to view the filming through your guys eyes as in whats meaningful and whats a memory to you. Thanks for including the viewers on this trip cause it was honestly amazing. Foraging those berries must feel like your kids in a candy shop. And then to wrap it up with fishing. The solar shower was way cool, we'll probably have to invest in one too for camping.
Rain or shine always had to get things done before winter. The Loon is so cool! And the outhouse is Awesome! I know who to get if I need an outhouse built. Lol
Be careful with the solar shower bag; they tend to rip along the weak point- which is the handle. Look for a parachute cord carrier -- usually they're for 5/6 gallon carboys-- but you can hang the solar bag in the tote instead of stressing the solar bag's handle.
Loved the FLINTSTONE's QUITTING TIME WHISTLE -- when Eric called it to GO FISHING!
What a great way to end my day with one of your podcasts
I'm so excited about the outhouse. Can you believe it?
A throne fit for a Queen & King ! Lol As a kid my aunt & uncle owned 80+ areas and we kids dug a hole for new outhouse and we kids( ages of my sister and 2 cousins was12-17) with help from uncle & and my dad we moved the outhouse building to new location and then us kids had to shovel lime in to old hole and we covered it up.We did a lot out there and we got use of their as they called it their farm when ever we wanted to.But it was more fun having our cousins and we'd stay out there on weekend and our summer & winter vacations.Hard work but it was easier at 14 for me then.
Nice outhouse. Next step: permanent solar shower outside the cabin. Just looks like you had a wonderful time there - and thank you for the mixed content including the meals with your garden produce. Just wondered if you can create a 'mushroom pile' out of some rotting logs and spread spores to have your own mushroom store right beside the cabin?
Thank you for the warm memories, my late wife and I used to go camping and fishing all the time
My late Veteran husband as well.💔
@@sherryllynnjones7077 God bless you sister and know that with the Father all things are possible, we will be with our loved ones again in Heaven
I lost my Maine Coon named Jack, this week, he looked like Hunter, and this video really helped me feel better. Thanks, y’all for the relaxation and nature. ❤️🐯🌈🌟
😢sorry. We love our pets
It's been a hard week for furry family members. Lost our cat that was a big fluffy grey just like their black cat.
She was 18 and we'd had her for 15 years.
They're really part of your family.
I love how that even though their boys are really getting up there in age, they still find ways to take them along as much as they can.
They are amazing stewards of their land and animals.
I love the show about your life. I like how good you are to your dogs;😊 I can't believe there the same age.
I get.a kick out of your note: "Previously on Simple Living Alaska." Linking "episodes" together is "just like" what Netflix does ! I'll tell ya. You guys are definitely operating "in the Big Time" with your work. You all just make me smile every time. Thank you. Aand a NEW OUTHOUSE ! Wow. Just great.
Great job!!! I wish I had a little of your energy and determination.
Dreaming of a place like yours. Accessible with a float plane or boat...Perfect. Another great video to enjoy. And realizing less than half a year til your next calendar. Screen wire next time.
I love old Bo’s little appearances. Makes me smile every video.
Very cool outhouse! I'm reminded of helping a friend build a cabin and outhouse in Kapowsin, Western Washington in the 1970s. He sourced the roof and siding
from first growth cedar stumps on the Olympic Peninsula. He purchased 30" long bolts which we hand split into cedar shakes. The framing was dead standing
4-6" fir poles, which we hand shaved the bark off of. The 4'X6' structure was built on skids so he could move it when the hole was filled. A 1'X3' window above the
door was was stained glass made by his wife. The TP holder was a white tail deer spike antler. He also made a magazine holder for his quiet moments.
Everything about this channel is beautiful and comforting ❤️. You guys are phenomenal! Great team!
I grew up using one of those solar showers. They're absolutely heavenly when you've been out in the woods for a week.
Wow I thought we were poor
I love hearing Arielle chattering along with Eric, her self confidence and sweet support. it's so endearing!
I was thinking how I love hearing ERIC chattering along with Arielle, his self-confidence and sweet support. So adorable!
You will have the cabin like the Ritz by the time you are done. Looked great and strong. Enjoy your videos so much. Be safe till next time..
Alaska...a feast for my eyes and a balm to my soul. Great team work.
Your sitter looks great, good job kids! Really enjoyed all the rest of this vid too. Thank you for sharing with us.
The flavor of the boletus intensifies when dried. Grind them up the dried boletus and use to flavor different sour and meat dishes. When the cap is extra buggy, break the cap up and scatter about. You will get more boletus by doing so.
To weather proof the wood of the outhouse, or any wood, mix 2/3rds raw linseed oil with 1/3rd turpentine and spray the wood by using a hand pump pressure sprayer. Cleanup the hand-pump sprayer with turpentine then soapy water. The hand-pump sprayer is good for applying stains also.
Alaska looks great...in the summer
I'm not surprised you got the outhouse built (and so much more) over the three days you were there. You did so much prep and pre-planning. Much of the timber you'd already cut to size and assembling the floor and wall frames on the deck was a great idea - nice flat surface to work on. I was a little concerned that you might struggle to get the roof on as it was the heaviest unit of all but you slid it up there no problem. What a great job! But the real secret of your success is teamwork - you work together really well.
And I love that you put those surplus 2x4's under the bed "for future projects". Always thinking ahead! Great video, loved it!
glad to see you got away from all the homestead stuff, that has to be done. So nice to have a place you can unwine. Outhouse looks great.
🥰🥰🥰 the loon 🥰🥰🥰
1987 me would never ever ever think that 2022 me would be saving a RUclips video of an outhouse build for Saturday night viewing.
It’s so cool that apart from the pressure treated wood you were able to mill your own wood for this project. I can’t imagine using an outhouse just for your cabin getaways let alone for your every day life even in your Alaskan winters!!! I think I am officially a wuss because I would at least need an indoor toilet and shower, I think, if I did ever move off grid. 😜
Dang you guys made putting the roof up look so easy! Well done!!
Lol so relatable when ariel tested the view before digging. Very important!
What wonderful meals and wonderful life.
Thank you so much for your videos. I want you to know just how much they are appreciated by my husband and me. God bless you both. P.S. What a good looking outhouse!
Spring summer autumn or winter Alaska is amazing, what a wonderful life you lead❤❤
Now that's a crapper to be proud of. God bless
Fantastic job on the outhouse it looks great and y’all did it without a set of plans just your own. Great bonus getting the mushrooms and the fish. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next video you 2 Rock. Love 💕 y’all!
Awesome outhouse!
Only on your videos would one say what a good job you did building a rest room building!
Good job! We have a similar outhouse south of you. A couple of suggestions: 1) Bears will be attracted to the 'sweet' smells coming from it. So, you might put a lock on the door so they can' get in and chew things up. That is also good so a bear cub can't fall in and not get out. 2) Putting a 55 gallon drum in the hole, with holes punched in the bottom, will keep the sides from caving in and extend the life of the pit. A drum also makes the pit easier to clean out when that time comes.
I love how patient you guys are with each other. Your videos are such a great break from going to work 40 hours a week in suburbia 👍
Thank you guys for a wonderful video. Eric, is there anything you can’t build? Next project is a small table for the deck to eat and cook with. Really love your lifestyle. Best of everything to you both. ❤️💕🪵🐟🤗
When I have watched similar videos I don't remember any of them talking about.....relief. This is the first one. Good to see some people aren't shying away from this.
Yep .... those sunshowers work like a charm. I used mine extensively on my camping trips to the mountains of Utah. Every morning before I headed out to do some fishing, I would set out my sunshower. By mid-morning the water was perfect, and if it wasn't I could always top it off with water I heated up. That is one sturdy outhouse you guys built .... very nice. Take care Eric & Arielle ... great to see you guys were able to get up that river .... your last trip was a doozy!😄👍🏻✌🏻
Yes finally 😁 that turned out amazing. Everytime you post the Arial views I instantly want to move there.
Good evening my friends and thank you for sharing your adventures
In the immortal words of my Grandpa Joe, “That’s damn fine outhouse.” Awesome score on the Porcinis!! What a great find. 🍄
Gorgeous setting. What a place to fashion a life living like Adam and Eve.
Wow! The energy you two have!
The outhouse turned out great. What a treat with all the berries. Thanks for sharing with us.
I could listen to those loons on repeat for HOURS!
Great planning and construction on the outhouse. My grandparents had a "Roosevelt Privy" built during the recession by pubic works employees. It was a work of art with black walnut seat. Your privy is also elegant. Your teamwork is amazing. Just spent three weeks in Alaska and now I have a great appreciation for your work and the environment you live in.
Go on line and get yourself a sears and Roebuck catalog to hang in outhouse and tie some corn cobs together just like the old days
Beautiful build!And yes,those portable solar hot shower are surprisingly nice to use.
You two have accomplished so much this year and it's not over yet!!!!
“Out House”! Some people will be wondering what your on about?😂 Your love of life and the bush, It’s just awesome. 🥰
Constantly amazed with how you two work so well together and support each other! You both are living a awesome life! Truly enjoy watching your posts. Plus I really love that you show some of the firearms that you have with you! Hahahaha! Please keep up the great videos!
Hi Guys,
Great job on the build! Love the little peg for the TP.
I will suggest these 3 items to really make it better. a) Get yourselves some metal bug screen and cover those openings at the top. That will help keep out the mosquitoes, and the birds. The skeeters just love outhouse water/moisture. And the birds will infest that thing inside and build nests.
b) I would install a bear proof lock system. Same problem, the bears can and will open the door as it is, and make it a place to rest... trust me, you don't want to open that door and find a cuddly friend like that. You WILL set a new speed record for the hundred yard dash!
c) Put a hook inside to hang your flashlight; or install a solar powered light. You want enough light to see critters, spiders, etc.
The other thought I had was for that wood that you couldn't use for studs... So that you don't have to keep constantly mowing the weeds to the outhouse, perhaps a boardwalk over to the cabin would fill the bill.
If you plan to many more construction projects with plywood, panels, sheetrock, etc. Home Depot has an inexpensive tool for you. It is a panel carry tool:
www.homedepot.com/p/Stanley-Panel-Carry-Orange-93-300K/202262083
Much easier on the back.
Bandit is a water puppy... too cute... he goes out and then goes, "where is it?"
On the solar shower, you could put a quarter turn valve, or foot control valve inline on the hose and not have to worry about using both hands to push/pull to turn the water on and off.
Oh, and the new fireplace looks like it is working really well. Nice even flames...