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This is the story of a remote log cabin in Alaska built by a man’s sons, friends, and family, all in honor of him. You see, the man you see in the wool cap, on the ATV, he was the one who was going to build this very cabin, on his very land.
But just two weeks after he purchased the land, he became paralyzed. This was in 1980. Then, twenty years later, his sons, their friends, and family, all got together and built the cabin he had always imagined and dreamed of.
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Here’s what it looked like in 2000:
In 2005, he was helicoptered to the site so that he could see it.
Video Story: Enjoy Below
Watch below and see how they:
- Took down the logs
- Transported them to the construction site
- Peeled them
- Dug to prepare for the foundation
- Build the flooring
- Do the cuts on the logs to build walls
- Roofing
…and more. All while they had a bunch of fun, too. Not to say that it was always fun and games (there were a few injuries.. and even fire).
They even built a garage to go along with the cabin to use for storage, etc.
Caution: some foul language and footage of injuries.
VIDEO – Alaska Remote Cabin
ATVs to Help Transport Logs that They Took Down On-Site
Later on, they Expanded the Cabin to Make Room for Friends/Family
Interior Shot (Fireplace)
Group of Friends/Family Building it Together
Looks like they’re having fun to me.
Looks like the dream still came true, didn’t it?
These memories, oh, they’ll last more than just a lifetime.
What beautiful log cabins!
VIDEO – They Built Dad’s Dream Log Cabin
Original story/video on YouTube.
It’s was all possible thanks to John Sutherland, Jake Sutherland, Jeff Sutherland, Jhan Haddeland, Aaron Haddeland, Jeff Texley, Mitch Phillips, Zac Lemke, Michael B. Hayes, Isaac Tucker, Charonne Sutherland, Matt Russell, Steve Smith, Dave Clark, Isaac Herriott, June Virardi, Lily Sutherland, Griz Sutherland, Anna Sutherland, Marc Stephens, Jimmy Conant, Joe Borg, Hans Peter-Tobler, “Slick” Durr, Dagwood, John Smith, and Becky Smith for their help and involvement.
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Alex
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I thoroughly enjoyed that….!! Is the cabin still being lived in…?
it is one the best one you ever hade like real good
Thanks Gary
Awesome story and love the cabin.
🙂
Totally awesome..! I have been dreaming of adventure for so long and I think I have gotten twice more the inspiration of getting into a project that I have been trying to put together for the past 6 years, by watching some people who let nothing stand in there way… Love the movie and hope to share my experiences with ya’ll some day.. But all in all this movie had brought back to me the reason why I started my dream in the first place.. Keep building and keep your dreams alive….!
Thanks Zack, glad it sparked some inspiration in you!
Loved the video – but it seems the place is now in disrepair. What a shame. It was so well made and made with love.
There are two cabins. The one built in 1972 is the one you may be thinking is in “disrepair”. The cabin built in 2000 by the Sutherland boys and their friends is still in fantastic shape.
It’s very sad, inspire of achieving this dream for their Dad one brother Jeff Sutherland has turned against his brother Jake and is keeping jake away from their Dad.
Thats something to be proud of. What loving sons! Beautiful place made out of love.
A truly beautiful story with loving sons and family. you are truly blessed.
Thankyou for sharing your inspiring story.
Still an inspiring story this time around. The black and white photo above, of the Father and two sons, I find quite haunting and timeless.
Thanks Alex for the rerun.
The best story so far. Wonderful.
Very nice cabin design and craftsmanship. I love the creative selection and use of the distorted trees for the entry porch columns. That column use adds interest and joy-factor to the entire project.
Bark-free logs are the way to go.
The homes lived are beautiful because they have a piece of our heart, here is explained the charm of love, because what love is like, and everything return….
So true, Gabriella!