Cameron McKirdy from Survival Bros shows you how to gather freebies at a motel. Embrace hoarding, and be the real prepper you can be. Not that I’d do it, but I bet you could walk into any hotel and politely ask for another shampoo, soap, and coffee and you’d get hooked up without being questioned about what room you are staying in. Just saying. I’ve already put my freebies in Ziploc bags for storage. Happy prepping. Please SUBSCRIBE to Survival Bros on YouTube! Thank you.
Produced By Cameron McKirdy
This is one of my favorite meals. It’s light, yet packed with veggies and protein. If you follow the simple recipes below, then you’ll have a hearty meal the entire family will enjoy. My Mom hesitantly gave me her secret cooking instructions to share on Survival Bros. Somebody cook this, and save me a fat slice. Eat up!
Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value.
Oak Whiskey Barrels to be upcycled
Produced By Cameron McKirdy
On my way to the park for some exercise, I noticed a roadside table bursting with bright dahlias. Next to them was a sign painted “FREE FLOWERS.” What a concept! They could have just left a cash box out there with a price. But nope. It wasn’t too good to be true. It was just someone doing a good deed.
I got to talk to the retired man tending his garden. He said it’s easier to give them away. Then he doesn’t have to stay out there, or be mad when someone steals the cash. What can you give away today?
PRODUCED BY CAMERON McKIRDY
WARNING – BLOG IS GRAPHIC, AND MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN.
Survivalism is hardcore. Man has to eat. My bro Tactical Gypsy took matters into his own hands, and seized an opportunity yesterday, killing a wild rabbit and cooking it on a beach bonfire in Oregon. He’s on the Paleo diet, and needs lots of protein to stay lean and healthy. He popped the furry friend with his Glock 40 upon first sight. One bullet put it down. Roger never knew what hit him.
Next, Tactical Gypsy had to clean the cottontail rabbit with the knife shown above. He also removed the cute little feet. It took about 45 minutes to smoke on the fire with some PBR baste. It’s a hearty meal for at least two. To cut up wood, the survivalist and former Marine battoned wood into small chunks with the Coast Products FX350. He is proud to rock this knife as part of this every day carry or EDC. It’s held up remarkably well, considering the tremendous beating Survival Bros has put on it. Great work demonstrating your ability to be self-sufficient Tactical Gypsy. Thanks for the story and picture. Survival Bros salutes you.
If you would like to share a story, photo, or idea with Cameron McKirdy at Survival Bros, please email thesurvivalbros@gmail.com. You’re awesome.
By Cameron McKirdy
What’s good friends? I had to give you a quick update on my new Specialized Road bike. It’s a work in progress. I just picked it up from Goodwill, and started modifying it. First, I had the back wheel straightened, brakes adjusted, and new black handlebar grips put on. Next I attached a front light, back rack with pannier bags, a seat pack, and a black Specialized brand bottle holder. Plus, I acquired a bicycle repair kit, complete with mini tire pump, a set of tools, and more. I have a cargo net that can lockdown even more survival gear on top of the rack. Now I’m ready for the zombie apocalypse!
Let me know how you would modify this ride. I plan on adding a handle bar bag, bell, rear LED lights, toe clips on the pedals, a B.O.B. Yak one-wheeled cargo trailer, and a computer for mileage, etc. I’m not spray painting this one. I like the odd color combo. I want to be highly visible on the road, so I will add 3M reflectors and wear them too. This bike is ideal for taking on long trips, and camping. I love every second riding this emergency preparedness vehicle. It’s fast. Enjoy the pictures.
Update: I put new bags on my Allez. Now I can carry more gear. I will shoot another video when the packs are fully loaded, and I feel like this project is complete.
Produced by Cam McKirdy
Survival Bros collected calories today. It’s summer. Trees and bushes are exploding. Or as my friend Tactical Gypsy said, “the fruit of the earth is popping off. Time to take advantage.”
Gimmie that free grub. I washed, and froze these organic blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries, then tried a sour green apple. I’ll be juicing, and blending them. I even scouted out a bunch of cherry trees in my hood. Keep your eyes open, and get your local edibles while you can.
The Cloudberry. Found in Oregon, but considered a delicacy particularly in Norway.
By Cameron McKirdy (1/1)
Horns are hot in PDX right now! That’s what I heard from a friend, so when I saw a pair at a pawn shop in my hood, I snagged them. This post is about trading for goodies, and trying to hustle at clothing resale shops in Portland, OR.
First, let me tell you about these horns. I wanted them, so I tried to find something I didn’t want, of some value, to swap at the pawn shop. I traded a motorcycle jacket, iPod shuffle, and $20 for the pointy pair. Once acquired, I drove to Portlandia to make a deal. My homie had athletic shorts for me, and desperately wanted a set of horns to accent her fashionable pad. She loved them, mounting them on her wall above the couch. I bet they stay there collecting dust until she can find something better to trade for. That’s her business. I was pumped on the gear I got, and am wearing as I blog now. It was a fun, and solid trade for all.
I also mobbed to a few clothing resale shops where you can buy, sell, and trade. The Red Light Clothing Exchange on Hawthorne Blvd was full of wacky, tacky, junk. Apparently my clothing was too good to accept. They want crap, not new threads. I should have brought in my ripped, and stained stuff instead, and thrown it in the mud before. And I’m not one to judge, but their use of a B.O. air freshener wasn’t appreciated. The lady evaluating my clothing was a snob. She looked it all over quickly, and threw it back at me, saying “these aren’t for us.” That was it. No have a nice day. She walked away. I guess kindness isn’t trendy over there. Next.
Finally, I tried my luck with Buffalo Exchange on W Burnside St. I’ve dealt with them in the past, and sold some Nike Oregon Duck gear for a little. They had better looking women, and clothing there. I perused. They offered me $15 in trade, or $10 and some change cash for three shirts. I took the money and ran. I knew I wouldn’t get offered much at these resale places, but I thought it would be interesting to try. A learning experience for sure. I’m better off donating old clothes, or selling it online, so I don’t have to waste time and $. Nothing sucks more than paying $5 for parking every spot you go to in Portland. You should never have to pay to park. But I’m an idealist.
Survival Bros hit up Voodoo Donuts – The Magic is in the Hole!!
Produced by Cameron McKirdy
Another day, another hustle. I picked up this vintage Univega mountain bike at a garage sale I found on Craigslist. I wasn’t planning on going to any sales that day, because I was having my own. But the post said there were 100 bicycles for sale, so I had to peep it. This one caught my eye. It’s black, my fav, and had nice big tires on it. Plus, I was pleased that the rear rack came with. I’ve been wanting a hardtail bike, so I can put side bags full of survival gear on it, and possibly a motor. I think this whip is an excellent candidate for a motorized conversion. Now I’m hunting for the right kit on eBay to make it happen.
The lady at the garage sale had this gem priced at $80. Not happening. I pointed out the busted up seat, and said I’d have to replace it. She didn’t want to budge, but I explained it would help me out, because I don’t have a car. So she caved, and took my two crispy 20’s. I was pumped, and felt fortunate for the come up. I thanked her, checked out the rest of her crap, and bounced back to my sale. A hustlers work is never done.
It’s cool finding old stuff at Goodwill, pawn shops, and estate sales. It gives you the chance to learn about products you didn’t know about. Turns out, this brand was one of the first to develop mountain bikes. Very cool. If you know more about Univega, or have other ideas to improve this, please share. Thanks for visiting Survival Bros.
I can’t believe what I discovered at Goodwill today. At the thrift store I scored a super rare vintage Specialized Allez Sport racing bicycle! Winning. It took all my hustling skills to acquire it.
I walked around looking for treasure, but couldn’t find anything on the shelves, or in the glass displays. I’m always looking for things to flip. Right when I almost called off the hunt, I went to the back and peered through the doors marked employees only. All I could see were bins, and the bike of my dreams. I’ve been wanting a road bike so I can cruise down the Oregon Coast to hike and camp.
I found an employee, and she said the bike won’t be available until they price it tomorrow. I didn’t accept that. I told her I really need a bike, and I’d like to talk to the manager. He came over, and I said I’d be very grateful if he could sell it to me. So he brought it out, and said I can have it for $24.95! Unbelievable. It’s super clean, and loaded with custom parts. I said deal, and paid the man cash. It was even cheaper because I was in Washington, but showed my Oregon I.D., so I didn’t have to pay sales tax. I rode off into the sunset. I can’t find anything on this ride. If you know something about it, please share. I don’t know the year. If you want it, I can make you a deal.
Update: My local Specialized dealer informed me this is a 1994 Allez Sport. It retailed for $650 new.
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 