Hey Friends, I’m back with another blog post from Oregon, USA. Read about my travels to New York City in a fresh news article on SURVIVAL BROS. I competed against famous YouTuber Eric “Badlands Chugs” Booker in a Lemonade Chugoff for Major League Eating and Nathan’s Famous in Brooklyn, NY. Even with a weather delay we pulled off the show. Here’s more about my trip to America’s Playground.
By Cameron Consumption McKirdy
My dad and I have been planning this one for awhile. We hiked half of the Ramona Loop and lots more on Mount Hood in Oregon. It was brutal. The hike was almost 18 grueling miles. We crossed the Sandy River several times, and were on the epic Pacific Crest Trail.
First I will list the gear in my day pack. I rocked a black Kelty day bag with a new U.S.M.C approved 3 liter Camelbak hydration system. I recently got that at a Navy Exchange. Here was my checklist: compass with whistle, emergency poncho, Mylar blanket, Bear Grylls Gerber Ultimate Survival kit, Moleskin plus padding, Coleman biodegradable eipes, caffeine pills, lighter, various fruit and nut bars, GoPro Hero 3 Black on my head, Panasonic TS4 digital camera, Vibrams, Coast LED flashlight with with white and red light, extra socks, Chapstick with SPF, cash, mace pen, Coast Rapid Response 3.0 knife, 12 hour glow stick, Tillamook County turkey jerky, natural bug spray, and hand warmers. My backpack was on the heavy side with all the extra stuff. It weighed maybe 25 pounds.
To begin we hiked from our spot at Lost Creek campground. It was an easy climb along the Sandy river. We crossed it on a temporary wood bridge to get to Ramona Falls. I’d never been there. It was spectacular, and massive.
Along the way I spotted several types of mushrooms popping up. Unfortunately, king boletes are a few months away from harvest. I did find out at the Ranger Station that they only give out 20 mushroom collecting permits per day, and commercial hunting is not permitted. Amanita Muscarias are in season. But of course those are hallucinogenic and poisonous. I found a few russulas too. In addition, I identified and tried huckleberries. They aren’t my fav, but were better than nothing when I ran out of aqua.
We met lots of people on the trail. Most were on day hikes like us. The route from Timberline Lodge to Ramona Falls was popular. I wish we did that, because our hike sucked. We were mobbing hardcore for 10 hours straight. We only had a few brief breaks, just long enough to catch our breath, check the map, and grab a snack.
I wore new waterproof Columbia boots. They held up, and had lots of cushioning. My tall Nike Dri-Fit training socks helped too. They were dry at the end of the day, and shielded my legs as we bushwhacked the unpopular, overgrown trail. We almost didn’t make it back before nightfall! It was getting dark quickly in the forest. So we had to book it all day. I was dumping buckets of sweat. I went through my entire 3L hydration pack, plus 1.5 coconut waters.
The pain of hiking that much basically nonstop was draining. My feet hurt, knees ached, and balls were sore. Women complain about childbirth, but try hiking with a big pair. I stretched along the way, but my hamstrings were tight. If you plan on doing a trek like this, bring pain killers just in case. I will be sore tomorrow, but didn’t cramp up or anything. I managed.
It will be a day or so before I get back to civilization, and can upload pictures and HD video. I got great shots of the canyon, mountain, and river. The highlight of the day was when pops and I used sticks and hiking poles to cross the rapid Sandy river. It had a path of loose rocks and wet logs. We made it across fine, but my dad realized he left his boots across the river. I got a good laugh in and filmed him tip toeing to safety. So he had to cross 3 times then. He changed into sandals, and me the Vibrams, so we didn’t get our boots wet. More soon. Thanks for visiting the Survival Bros blog.
Dad crossing the Sandy River for the 4th time. He won’t leave his boots behind in the future.
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.
By Cameron McKirdy
I’ve been busy hustling. I haven’t been working out like I should. It’s time to make a change. In 6 weeks I plan to lose just 40 pounds!
I’m 6 foot, 240lbs. This is the heaviest I’ve been. I don’t feel fat, but I could look and feel better. So I’m launching a Survival Bros training camp. I will kick my own ass. I’ll be mountain biking, running, swimming, hiking, balln, and making sweet love. ;^].
This is the before picture.
I will keep you posted on my progress. It’s going to be hardcore. I will also take my diet seriously, eating raw fruits and vegetables, while juicing plenty. Plus, I will eat mainly high protein foods like: salmon, chicken, turkey, rice protein powder, and more. I intend to avoid high-fat grub, and sugary substances. It’s gonna be a long road. Join me. Check back soon, and set your own goals. I believe in you.
Update: I did some heavy detoxing today. Sweating can be one of the best feelings. I helped a friend move all morning. It was intense. I stayed hydrated though, drinking coconut water, pomegranate juice, and spring water. Later I savored a hot bubble bath in minerals with essential oils and extracts, including juniper and menthol. Then I took a nap. Tomorrow I will track down some green tea to help flush more toxins from my body. I’m also going to be looking for a new gym. I may have found one with an infrared sauna. I’m going to hit that hard, and cycle through hydrotherapy by showering in brutally cold water after enduring the heat. I can’t wait.
In addition to eating better, and hard training, I’m taking superfoods, and supplements. Here’s a picture of what I have on hand this week. I will add more to this cocktail soon.
Subscribe to Survival Bros. We have enormous plans for the blog in the near future. I got a GoPro HD Hero 3 Black Edition camera to record my adventures in a first person point of view. I just tested it by filming a mountain bike ride in rain showers on Highway 101. It was mounted on my head. Video coming!
Update #2: I’ve been taking care of myself. I hit another sauna this week. After heating the rocks for an hour, I got the room up to 200 degrees! It was crazy hot. I did some serious detoxing, and hit ice cold showers in between rounds. It felt amazing. I’m sure I cut a few pounds. I was so relaxed after. Nothing was bothering me.
I’ve been training very hard. I got back into lifting weights. I gain muscle easy, but I figured with cardio mixed in I’d begin losing pounds. But I actually gained 6 lbs! It didn’t make sense. Something was wrong. I should have started this mission with a detox kit from the health food store. I came to the conclusion I was constipated. I should be lighter, and feeling better. I did some research, and found that all the antacids I’ve been munching are the culprit.
So this morning I tried bisacodyl for the first time. And I may have over done it. I took 3 pills throughout the day. I’ve pooped 8 times already! That’s a personal best. Graphic I know, but I could have posted a picture. Honestly, I’m exhausted. I’m pounding water and eating healthy. I juiced too. And I threw in a little extra psyllium into my H2O for good measure. Now the weight loss begins. It just got real.
In other news, I’m still looking for a new gym. I’ve been hitting up every one in town for a free trial. The YMCA gave me 7 free passes. Another fitness center offered a free week to workout. I may never pay for a gym. There’s nothing natural about exercising in a health club anyways. I’d rather hike. I’m climbing Mount St. Helens tomorrow. I will film it for you. Next, I’m going to call around and get some free tanning in. A little won’t hurt my pasty butt.
Update #3: Well, I ended up gaining weight. I worked out a lot more, and packed on muscle. Who cares? I like being a heavyweight. However, I am gearing up, and training for a new challenge. In a month my dad and I will be backpacking about 16 miles per day, for 4 days, on the famous Eagle Creek Trail in Oregon. To prepare I’m stepping up my cardio training, and working on my flexibility. I will hike Mt. St. Helens again, and Saddle Mountain soon. Plus, I’m doing yoga, and other low impact training, like cycling. I’m just going to mix it up, and stay loose. I will lose weight rapidly when I get on that treadmill. I just scored a FREE 30 trial membership at another local gym, so it’s on. More on my preps for the next big adventure soon. %^D.
Produced by Cameron McKirdy
It’s not easy to set the alarm for 5:30 AM. But the prospect of free food was too alluring. My bro and I geared up, and went down to the beach in Seaside OR, right off of Avenue U. There were swarms of foragers looking for clam shows. The dimples in the sand were everywhere. We got our limit of 15 razor clams in about 30 minutes. Mission successful! We will be back soon. Maybe next time Survival Bros will show you how we cook the squirmy grub. Thanks for visiting this blog. Comments are always appreciated. Happy hunting. Peace and love.
This is just under the limit for 2 people with licenses.
I just rode an ebike for the first time! I love it. It hauled. And with dual disc brakes, I stopped on a dime. I priced models at Electric & Folding Bikes Northwest www.ebikesnw.com They start at around $1,000. I want to charge an electric bike with my Powertraveller solar panels. I’m looking at some designs from Currie Tech for Survival Bros, because me and my people are going places. That will be the day. Have a good one. Thanks for visiting the Survival Bros blog.
Cameron McKirdy at Columbia Scooters in Portland OR www.columbiascooters.com
Chael Sonnen and Survival Bros founder Cameron McKirdy
This is motivation, and a tribute. Chael Sonnen has worked extremely hard to get to the top of the UFC. He believes in himself. And he makes people better. Be a fighter. Be bold. Be yourself. Just be. I met The Champ at some amateur fights in Washington we were promoting. He is hilarious. If we meet again, I’m challenging him to a thumb wrestling match.
Produced by Cameron McKirdy
I was on a mission today. It was too sunny not to train hard. I got a good sweat going.
It’s Spring Break! My hometown Seaside Oregon was full of life. The bumper cars, and mini golf course were finally open. The smell of freshly dipped corn dogs in the air. But I biked by, and checked out the action on the beach. I didn’t stay long. I was going for speed and distance today.
I did stop for a raw Synergy kombucha, and found a new green one with chunky chia seeds. It was dank. Slightly sweet. It’s full of healthy bacteria and blue-green algae. It’s an energizer. The convenience store also offered free reverse osmosis filtered water. I filled 2 big bottles, and packed them up to the gravel logging roads.
It was a great day, bursting with sun. I rocked out, and flew down the mountain. I had it to myself. I used the Nike+ GPS iPhone app to track my route and progress. I check Google maps a few times to make sure I didn’t take a dead end. A few of the hills were monstrous, and needed to be walked up, but I like mixing up riding with hiking.
With a few water breaks, and stops for a picture, I went 10.7 miles in 1 hour 50 minutes. I figured the loop would take 3 hours. It was a solid training session. I only laid the bike down once trying to muscle over a down tree. I slammed some protein when I rolled out of the woods and got home, just before darkness fell. I wish you were there, but you may have slowed me up. ;^].
By Cameron McKirdy
I’m so sore. I hiked from Seaside to the Hiker’s Cabins on Tillamook Head. It’s just under four miles, but it took nearly two hours. Then the next morning I hiked back, and walked a few more for good measure.
My 55L backpack weighed at least 40 pounds. And I almost wore 5lb ankle weights too. My Dad tagged along. He had hiking poles, which I tried. They took some of the strain off my legs, and gave me a good arm workout. The trail was nasty. So muddy. Dad said it was the worst time of the year to climb there, which made it the best for me. I wanted a challenge.
We had to climb over a few downed trees, but besides mud, the trail was well kept. It was never ending though. My Dad kept asking if we were there yet, like me on our road trips growing up. He said, “if I was on a treadmill, we would be there already.” Yeah. Working out in a gym is nothing like real life.
There were a couple lookouts over the Pacific Ocean, but it was foggy, and rainy. The canopy from the trees sheltered us some, but I was still soaked. I didn’t take any pictures going there, I knew it was going to be sunny the following day. Once we got to the log cabins, I was on my own. I changed clothes, and got my bed ready.
I used a new sleeping system. I just bought a gortex camo bivy, so that was my outer layer. I also brought my Coleman mummy style sleeping bag rated down to 25 degrees. Then I had a mummy shaped inflatable insulated sleeping pad. It was 2.5 inches thick! Comfortable, but next time I want to use one that’s lower profile, so my face has more clearance. It was a tight fit. I’m a big dude, so sleeping in a bivy bag was a little claustrophobic at first.
I passed out super early. 6PM. I was tired, and just trying to stay warm in my bag. I woke up once, just to say hi to the mice in the bunk above me. They checked out my stuff, left their mark, and bounced. I was stoked in the morning when I popped my head out and saw daylight. I couldn’t wait to hike back to Seaside. The sun was shining, and I could see the end of the ocean.
On the trek back I snapped the pictures you see below. It’s a magical place, eager to be explored. I buried an emergency cache up there, full of food, water purification tablets, matches and more. Maybe someday I will have to flee the city, and retrieve it. On hikes like this you are forced to make decisions. Take the long route around the mud pit, or charge it. I went right through the mess usually. Foolishly I tried to take a shortcut down a slick, rocky hill once. I slipped, and tried to plant my heels in the bank, but couldn’t stop. I slid on my butt, until I snatched a root. No blood. I didn’t take a picture of the slide either, I kept charging.
Four miles later, I made it from the cabins to The Cove in Seaside, OR. I walked through the city, and got some strange looks with my backpack on. That and my backside was covered in mud. I made it home, showered, and passed out. I loved every second of the adventure. It was brutal, but I enjoy training hard. Hike Tillamook Head if you can, it’s part of the majestic Oregon Coast Trail. Now where’s the ice?
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 