By Cam
Soak in the healing waters, and try the different natural cascading pools at Cougar Hot Spring in the Willamette National Forest. It’s $7 per person for a day pass, and you can’t be there after dark. Share this HD 60fps video shot with GoPro Hero7 Black camera for Survival Bros. Filmed after this recreational area was closed for a year due to fire damage. Located in Oregon, near the McKenzie River. See you there!
Welcome to Survival Bros. Watch this, then keep scroll’n down the blog. Cam has been busy.
Working out with Fighters during Sparring Night in Gearhart, Oregon. Brawl with my Fighter Buddies as we improve ourselves, and develop self-defense skills. Mixed Martial Arts are legit!
Produced by Cameron McKirdy. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE NOW! #mma #boxing #sport #crossfit
SURVIVAL BROS CACHES MORE THAN 10,000 FANS ON YOUTUBE CHANNEL!
Contact cam to Host your event in the Pacific Northwest! He has been a Ring Announcer.
camthecuddler@gmail.com
Here’s the Main Event of Beach Brawls in Seaside, Oregon. I emceed the event at the Convention Center. Emanuel Sanchez fights for Bellator now, and is moving up the ranks. What a fight!
Cameron McKirdy produced a new #EDC or Everyday Carry video update! Check out the latest gear Survival Bros uses to stay safe, and be prepared for emergency situations. Many products have multiple uses. For example, you could use the headphone wires as cordage to keep something together. HD video filmed with the new GoPro Hero7 Black camera. It’s just OK. The lens fogged up from the body heat coming off of my hand. I thought this video was ruined, but I’m happy with the post. Making YouTube videos is tough, but rewarding.
Subscribe to us on YouTube! We are so close to 10,000 channel subscribers. Thanks for your support. I hope this blog and project help you. Enjoy the snow show. We are so close to Spring…
Cam carrying his 110 Liter Kelty Backpack up Tillamook Head to the Hiker Cabins in Seaside, OR
Starring Mocha The Puggle with Cameron McKirdy
A pug beagle combination dreams in her sleep, and acts funny on camera in HD video. My pet is 7 years old, brindle, plus great at catching and fetching. Her birthday is on Valentine’s Day. Mocha The Puggle currently helps run the emergency preparedness blog. She loves vandwelling in the Volkswagen Vanagon with her copilot. But believe me, she is a bed hog, regardless of her petite stature.
Subscribe for more animal, and nature videos on this YouTube Channel. Thanks! Check out my other blog here: http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com
Mocha The Puggle has climbed Saddle Mountain in Oregon. Have you?
By Cameron McKirdy
A pug beagle combination dreams in her sleep, and acts funny on camera in HD video. My pet is seven years old, brindle, plus great at catching and fetching. Her birthday is on Valentine’s Day. Mocha The Puggle currently helps run the emergency preparedness blog Survival Bros. She does this for fun, and isn’t a paid contributor. Subscribe to this website via email for updates sent directly to your inbox.
For more animal, and nature videos use you YouTube account to follow our channel here. Thanks!
Mocha beat after hiking to the Saddle Mountain Summit in Oregon
By Cameron McKirdy
Scary GoPro Black High-Definition video footage at Devil’s Cauldron from Survival Bros. Shot with my HD Head Camera on, while walking above a rocky cliff near the Oregon Coast Trail. This state long hiking trail follows the shore, and includes sections on paved Highway 101. These cliffs are close to the Neahkahnie Mountain trail head. More GoPro videos coming soon on this blog. Exciting, I know!
Be safe outdoors. And remember, it didn’t happen unless there’s video proof of it. Email me at thesurvivalbros@gmail.com if you have questions, comments, or would like to share an article/something you’ve produced. I’m always looking for EDC pictures. So let’s see the pocket dumps, and which items you find useful daily. Thanks.
Map of Oswald West State Park in Oregon
By Cameron McKirdy
An hour East of Eugene, the McKenzie River Recreational Trail waits to be conquered. A 26 mile path skirts the cold, rippling waterway. It’s one of America’s premier destinations for bikers, and hikers. Outdoor enthusiasts can also be spotted during the summer on the water in rafts of all shapes and sizes. Survival Bros floated it. However, here’s what’s its like to attack the upper part of the wilderness trail on my bicycle.
The 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon is locked. Bike is ready. God bless my vintage Univega Alpina Pro mountain bike. It’s a hardtail with tire liners for extra protection, so I shouldn’t have trouble pummeling porous lava rocks. This will be my first ride with it off of pavement, or graveled logging roads. Exciting. Water, check. Mechanix gloves, yes. 3M safety shades, on. Let’s crush this.
And I’m off. Going downhill mostly, to Clearwater Lake from the top of the trail. I will have to fill my stainless steel water bottle at the campground. Problem is, it’s hard to know what’s undrinkable, and what’s potable with all the well pumps around. I may have to take a chance, because I’m not buying water. I’m looking forward to adding 2 packets of Airborne Plus Energy into my drink for flavor, vitamins, and minerals.
The plan is to tackle the challenging section of course around the lake first, then take an easy trail back uphill to my vehicle. OK, get centered. Where are you? In the moment. Faster!!!
Root! Pop the front wheel over, and peddle. Good. Lean into this corner. Branch…We’re bushwacking today. Alright, NOW break. Shift weight back, coming off the seat. Who put this tree down here? Ever heard of a chainsaw? Pick up your bike. Thankfully, it’s lightweight, full chromoly frame. I’m so happy I invested in tuning this vintage ride up. The guys at Canyonview Cyclery took care of me. This is the video I produced at their shop after the Univega was restored to glory.
There’s the edge of the water at Clear Lake. I’ve never seen water so pristine. I bet I could drink straight from the lake. Ducks do it. I almost hit one fowl in my way. Move mallard. Already, I’ve narrowly avoided about 10 chipmunks, and a large rabbit too. I’ve seen squirrels try to take on bikes before. They ended up in the spokes without a head. That would ruin my day. I need a bell on this bike of mine to signal wildlife.
Now comes the hard part. Negotiating lava rock fields on two wheels. But I’ve been here before. Only I came from the opposite direction last time. I’m going to have to push it up this long hill. It feels great to get off my butt, and work other muscle groups. I like my new bicycle handle bar ends. Now I have more hand positions, and can really pull myself up steep inclines.
I’m flying. Let’s not forget our 5 D’s of mountain biking: dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge! Corner! Hard left. Leaning into it, and looking where I want to go. Holy guacamole. I almost sailed into the lake. The canoers would have liked to see that. I’d rather not be fishing. This is what I came to do.
Bump. My nuts. Watch the nuts. You’re going to need those. Oh God, I have to split between a root, and a rock going fast. No room for error. Arrghhh. Made it. But that took all of my upper body strength. I haven’t screamed that loud since…oh, let’s keep it PG. I’m dumping sweat. This is my hell workout. Put it all on the line. Gasp. Exhale. Breath. Sigh. Focused. A few more miles of rocky road, and then a less technical section to savor. The McKenzie River Recreational Trail is damn tough. No wonder it’s one of the World’s most celebrated biking areas. I can do this. Finish strong. I’m the man. BEAST MODE!
Map courtesty of the USDA – Link to info on the McKenzie River National Recreational Trail
Watch an exciting video I produced with my GoPro Black Head Camera mounted during another ride here.
I’m lucky I didn’t break my leg!
By Cameron McKirdy
Survival Bros followers know I’ve been on the road all summer in my 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL. It’s ran strong for months straight. I will do a big summer review blog soon, but here’s a van update shot recently on my travels around the Pacific Northwest. Scope out the rest area known as Dismal Nitch. This Washington State Park is a historic location, because The Lewis and Clark Expedition ran into trouble here, and were pinned against the rocks for six grueling days. Harsh winds, and brutal rain pounded The Corps. of Discovery along the mighty Columbia River over 200 years ago.
My overnight stay was much more pleasurable. I was sheltered in my VW bus, protected from the elements. I took advantage of the facilities by dumping my trash, washing my hands and teeth, and cooking on a covered picnic table in grass. Dismal Nitch in WA also features a trail, informative maps, plus plaques about Lewis and Clark. As mentioned in my HD video, you can stay parked for up to 8 hours, but overnight camping, and tenting are not allowed. So keep a low profile, and pick up after yourself. This is an excellent destination for car campers, and travelers on a budget, or just wanting to get away from the static of the city.
I’ve spent the night in my vehicle here maybe six times this summer, and each trip has been a positive experience, and memorable. So it’s Survival Bros tested, and approved. Visit, because it’s probably the only rest area you’ll ever want to take a picture at. Snap a selfie, and post it on Facebook, because I also got great cell phone reception out there. The view of Astoria, and the bountiful river is astonishing, and extremely relaxing. The only cons are lots of lighting in the parking lot, possibly affecting sleepers negatively. The road noise is also noticeable, but luckily the highway is not heavily used. Thanks for supporting my blog! Feel free to comment, like, and share on social networks. Peace and love from the road less traveled.
Lewis and Clark Bronze Sculpture at Dismal Nitch Park in Washington State
Visit the official website for more info, and history by clicking here!
By Katnip
How the Grinch stole MY Christmas. Two days after Christmas my beautiful, 2013 Chevrolet Camaro was a victim of crime. I thought I lived in one of the safer apartment complexes here in town. My bedroom is directly over the top of my carport on the second floor. I have a direct view of my car from the window. While I was sleeping, these thieves somehow managed to unlock my car without the alarm going off. (Apparently they make remotes to do so these days…thanks hackers of the world.) Why they chose MY car I will never know. One would naturally assume that a brand new car like mine would have a perfect lock and touchy alarm on it like Fort Knox. Well, my precious vehicle wasn’t well protected.
I’ve had my previous car broke in to before, and seen my things rummaged through. I’ve felt what it’s like to have your documents strung all over your car, and find your gear M.I.A. It’s awful. I should have taken the extra precaution like I have every other night and removed my valuables from the vehicle before locking her up for the night. I didn’t. I did have EVERYTHING out of sight. If you were to walk past my car, you couldn’t tell it’s a daily driver. I know better than to leave valuables out for prying eyes. I thought my stuff would be safe for one more night. Here’s a list of things I am kicking myself for, prepare to cringe:
– Canon Rebel EOS DSLR Camera with Lens, accessories, LowePro Camera Bag, and Cameron’s beloved camera tripod.
– iPhone 4S with car charger
– TomTom GPS with car charger
– Tool Box (Wrenches, Screw Drivers, Ratchets, etc)
– Jumper Cables
-My prized Bug Out Bag (As mentioned and pictured in this previous post) Now I will create a new Everyday Carry bag with emergency supplies, and bring it inside no matter what.
In addition, who knows if they could steal my identity, as I had some sensitive documents in the glove compartment that they rummaged through too.
I’ve since taken proper measures to protect myself since, and hopefully regain my property again. I would like to share these tips with you so this same thing doesn’t happen to you.
– Keep ALL valuables in your home. Don’t take the chance like I did and assume that things are safe in the trunk and out the vision of creepers.
– Download the “Find Your iPhone” application and TURN ON YOUR LOCATION! (I had previously turned the location off the day prior because I felt it was nuking my battery. Dumbest thing I’ve ever done, because I had this app on my smart phone, and because I turned the location off, it wouldn’t lead me or the local police to where my possessions were.)
– If you find yourself in this predicament of having your things stolen from you, contact your local police department, file a police report. Note: They wouldn’t come out, and recommended I fill one out online.
– Write a list of the items that were stolen from you, with serial numbers if available, and take this list in to the second hand shops, cellular stores, and local pawn shops.
– Contact your phone provider and register your phone as “Lost or Stolen.” If someone is dumb enough to try to activate the phone, the provider should confiscate the cell immediately and turn it over to either the police department or contact you to let you know your device had turned up.
– Scour all outlets of items for sale, such as eBay, Craigslist, Facebook sale pages, etc. Eventually, your stuff may turn up on one of those.
– Keep receipts of ALL expensive purchases that you have in your possession, my home owners insurance wouldn’t cover the items stolen from my car at my apartment, as I didn’t have proper sales receipts for these items….(They were gifts.) Things can’t be replaced if insurance can’t prove you never had them to begin with.
I can recommend from personal experience that having your stuff stolen is not a pleasant thing to have happen. It detracts from valuable time I could have spent using my nice things to make my life easier. If you’re a car thief, I would like to leave you with this final note: You should be ashamed of yourself. Work hard for your money so you can purchase quality belongings for yourself. Why steal from others that have actually earned their way in life? Karma is a bitch. Happy Travels!
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 