Shortly after building our off grid cabin on MN/Canadian border. I built a 10' X 16' bunk house (same size as Thoreau's cabin) with wood stove, pull out couch, bunk, cook stove, table, etc.. It is also well stocked with food, it's own wood supply, blankets, cookware, etc., It is 2 X 6 construction and well insulated. It is comfortable and livable in the dead of winter, and as long as needed to rebuilt in case of a catastrophe like that. Plus it is a great location for secondary storage, solitude, reading, and for our guests during bigger gatherings and hunting camps.
Sounds like he had a good idea but was not really prepared for what he was to encounter. Good for him that he could survive but I don't believe all that he was saying. Like water and pee freezing in just a few minutes a short distance from the stove.
