Archive for the ‘Photos’ Category

By Cameron McKirdy

I’m all about my freebies.  Maybe you remember all of the product samples I’ve scored, and blogged about in the past.  You can get free stuff easily by requesting trials online, and they will be delivered to you by mail.  When I’m not filling out forms like that, I’m in shops trying to get hook ups.  In Starbucks this week they were sampling out pasteries.  They weren’t on display yet.  The stash was sitting off into the corner on the counter, with a Manager’s note saying “Sample these.”  I politely asked an employee if I could have one of the items.  There was all sorts of muffins, bars, and scones to pick from.  On day one I took the pink cake filled lolly pops with sprinkles.  I didn’t eat them in public.

I went back to the coffee shop for more samples the next day, just in case they were still available.  Really, I just needed the WiFi to upload my previous video.  I scored the squishy coffee cake that day, but didn’t stop there.  I requested 3 honey packets too, since they don’t put those out at all Starbucks locations.  I swiped a few raw sugar packets as well.  Plus, I saw another sign saying I can request a free sample beverage using their coffee pods if I asked.  When I mentioned it, the worker said they haven’t used that set up to brew complimentary cups of fresh java lately, even though the machine, and sample pods where still on the front counter.  I didn’t have time for them to pretend to look for an extension cord, so I took samples for later consumption.

I like to visit the health food store weekly, and my last trip was really worth it.  They always have free tablets of Vitamin C to help yourself to, but there was more.  I found packets of food-grade Diatomaceous Earth, Natural Calm magnesium mixes in three flavors, Barlean’s Greens, one DHA pill, and a bag of tea.  These individually wrapped servings are perfect for my backpacking trips, and the small emergency caches I like to build to prepare for tsunamis.  If I can swoop up all of these freebies, than so can you.  Ask for a nibble when you’re in the food court, or browsing the deli counter at the grocery store.  It’s fun to see what you can get for asking.  Happy hunting Survival Bros.

0911141716These cake pops were amazing!

0912140806bFree coffee cake went well with peanut butter and strawberry jelly

0909141002Product Samples from my local health food store

By Cameron McKirdyIMG_20140914_113202Silver Salmon Being Processed at The East Mooring Basin in Astoria, Oregon

IMG_20140914_114601Sushi grade Coho Fillets

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My buddies needed a lift, and Designated Driver for a fishing trip in Astoria, OR.  I dropped them off at the East Mooring Basin.  You’re suppose to pay to park there.  They we’re on the water for around four hours before they limited out.  The guys ended up with pounds and pounds of fresh fillets.  One man kept the salmon eggs for future fishing bait.  All of the fishermen had plans to either freeze, and smoke the meat shortly.  It was interesting to see the Captain of the boat cut up Coho so efficiently, and discard the waste down properly down a slide.  All he needed was a large fillet, and butcher’s knife made by Victorinox of Switzerland.  I made sure to ask.  He was sharpening the knifes every few fish.  Also pictured is the rowdy sea lions that live there on the docks.  I saw one beast puke on another, and he didn’t flinch.  More blogs coming!  Peace.  victorinox butcher

Get me the 8″ Victorinox Butcher’s Knife for Christmas

By Cameron McKirdy

Former Marine Tactical Gypsy has an exclusive Survival Bros blog and new elk jerky recipe for you.  He hunts in Oregon with seven other buddies, and no matter how much they kill, they split the meat evenly so nobody is left out.  This season his hunting party terminated five bulls, producing around 225 pounds of meat each.  He has used the animal for sausage, country fried steaks, and thick jerky strips.  His favorite cut is the back strap, which runs on each side of the spine.  It’s the most tender part, and is amazing in a stew of vegetables and spices.  Simmer that on a low boil for awhile, and you have a man meal sure to satisfy.  Tactical Gypsy also told me he likes to pan sear the meat first, to lock in the juice.

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To produce scrumptious elk jerky he cut slabs 1/4th of an inch thick, because they shrink.  His recipe calls for six or seven pounds of flesh, so he ends up with big nuggets to feast on.  Each hunk is approximately 4″ x 1″ wide.  The marinade calls for 4 1/2 cups of soy sauce, with plenty of Worcestershire depending on personal preference.  Mix in 1 pound of brown sugar, then a 8 oz. bottle of hickory liquid smoke flavoring.  Soak the elk in a bowl, or deep pan, and refrigerate for 12 hours..  After that, use a colander to run off the marinade.  Next, lay out the strips on the dehydrator trays evenly, with bigger pieces going on the bottom.  Sprinkle on coarse black pepper, turn the machine on high, and let her rip.  Check back every few hours, and rotate the racks as needed.  In 12 additional hours you’ll have a stash of jerky to devour, and give out to your friends.  Tactical Gypsy, if you are reading this, please save me a nug or two.  Survival Bros will have more blogs soon.  Check back often.  Likes, shares, and comments are appreciated.

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Produced By Cameron McKirdy

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End of the World – Seaside, OR