I left my phone in a friends car. I didn’t have their number memorized, so I messaged them on Facebook. No response. Thinking my phone was in the glovebox on silent, I called my number anyway. They picked up, and drove back. That’s why I don’t like wearing shorts without pockets.

If my phone was really lost or damaged, I’d want a list of emergency contacts on me or nearby. Also, if I was ever injured, having these numbers on my person could save my life. So I created a list of people I can trust. Then I copied it.

I rolled up one list, and put it in a small metal geocache bottle. I hung that from my backpack I use everyday. The other contact list is folded up, and tucked behind my black Magpul IPhone 4S case. I will make another list for my wallet, and then a digital copy for my laptop, and backup USB thumb drive. This is just another small preparation that could save the day.

Note: Emergency responders may look in your phone for a contact named I.C.E. (in case of emergency). Store your top contact as ICE.

20130605-205945.jpg
Produced by Cameron McKirdy

Produced by Cameron McKirdy

My bro known as “Tactical Gypsy” sent me these delicious pictures to blog about. He loves his elk. You can see all the spices and flavorings used to produce the glorious nuggets. Half of the loaves are spicy, half mild. Both varieties went well with pepper jack cheese, sharp cheddar, and even brie on crackers. Most of these will be stored in the freezer tonight, the others gifts.

Here’s the recipe:
8 LBS Elk burger
1/2 cup Morton’s Tender Quick. Mix well & let sit overnight in fridge.

Add… 1 1/2 TBSP Coarse pepper, 1 1/2 TBSP Garlic powder, 1 1/2 TBSP Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, 1 TBSP Mustard seed, 1 Tsp Cayenne pepper, 3 TBSP Liquid smoke…. MIX well!

Make 8 rolls/loaves. Put on broiler pan & bake 4Hrs @ 250* turning 1/4 turn every 1/2 Hr. Make sure internal heat gets to 150*.

Cool to room temp before wrapping and freezing.

20130530-185643.jpg

20130612-164215.jpg

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. ;^].

20130524-212841.jpg
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.

20130525-210155.jpg
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!

20130525-231639.jpg
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.

If you haven’t been to the wonderous, massive, Tillamook Cheese Factory, drop the can of Cheez Whiz and go. I went for the free samples, and damn did I score. Plus, I got some epic cheese for later, and fresh jerky for my bug out bag. Pictured below was my lunch; three huge scoops in a chocolate waffle bowl with peanuts including: Grandma’s Cake batter ice cream, Marionberry Pie with chunks of crust, and Mint Chocolate Chip. I nearly died grubbing down on this, but it was heaven. I also snagged free samples of fudge.

20130519-113343.jpg
Tillamook County in Oregon has the best dairy in America. Nobody cares about heifers from Wisconsin. So with that in mind, I pillaged the village! Once at the famous Cheese Factory, I scurried to the self guided cheese sampling line. I grabbed a tooth pick, and began stabbing square chunks. So moist. Flavors dancing on the trampoline that is my tongue. There were 7 scrumptious varieties to try. I made the most out of it, and picked up two of the biggest nuggets in the dish each time. My mouth is bigger than most, so it’s only fair I take more. My favorite may be the smoked garlic and white cheddar cheese. You also have to try the legendary squeaky cheese sold only at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. It makes you sound like a hyper chipmunk when you chew it. I went through the line twice.

20130519-114409.jpg
From upstairs you can watch the cheese-makers create huge 40 pound blocks to package. It’s fascinating. The famous factory was packed with fanatics. It’s a must see in Oregon. Just down the road was a deal on smoked, natural, turkey and beef jerky. This is the perfect food to stockpile for an emergency. It will last awhile, and it’s a good source of protein. I picked up a stick, and a few bags. It was a great price, and tender. Mmmmm. Cheese, jerky, and ice cream. That’s a Survival Bros adventure.

20130519-152002.jpg

20130519-152045.jpg
Produced by Cameron McKirdy

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.

20130429-153714.jpg
This is just under the limit for 2 people with licenses.

20130428-094152.jpg
My bro and I created the dankest bacon elk chili ever! It didn’t last long. We took elk steak hunted locally in the Saddle Mountain Hunting Unit near Cannon Beach, and combined it with bacon ends, and 2 cans of beef chili.

For spices we put in a pinch of paprika, garlic, salt, and cayenne pepper. We had the crispy bacon simmering in Pabst beer. The chili sat on low, covered. The elk was cut into small 1/2 inch squares. Plus, we had to make corn bread as a side.

The result was a hearty meal, that had heat. It was spicy, and smoky. If only we had king bolete mushrooms to add. We saved the bacon fat for other elk cooking adventures. Talk about real grub.

20130404-221002.jpg
You can eat for free at Panera Cares in Portland. If you’ve never heard of this concept, customers can simply order whatever they want, and pay only what they can. I had to test this. I had $5 on me.

20130404-221536.jpg
I had to have their turkey sandwich on fresh focaccia bread. Plus, I hooked up a dark coffee. And my side was a small red apple. The suggested value was $8.88. I put what I had in the wooden donation box. Then I scarfed some epic grub.

If you can’t pay anything for your meal, you are encouraged to work there for an hour. All the employees at the cafe were friendly. Panera Cares is a great opportunity for people to get job experience. It’s a real resource for Portland. I can’t wait to go back. Support this place. 4143 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR Panera Cares

20130401-134630.jpg
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.

20130401-153822.jpg

20130403-212731.jpg
Cameron McKirdy at Columbia Scooters in Portland OR www.columbiascooters.com

20130327-210756.jpg

20130327-210817.jpg
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. ;^].

20130324-205834.jpg