Love and kindness are the very basis of society. If we lose these feelings, society will face tremendous difficulties; the survival of humanity will be endangered. - Dalai Lama
I get a kick out of being an outsider constantly. It allows me to be creative. - Bill Hicks
The status quo sucks. - George Carlin
“If the fool would persist in his folly, he would become wise.” – William Blake
Going into a bank to take free food and drink without being a Member. I scored moist cookies, enough coffee, tea, and sugar packets for the road. Would you get freebies like this to survive and thrive in an urban environment? The grub was sitting on a platter near the window on Commercial St. Of course that’s my calories. You can get free suckers at financial institutions too. Plus, visit a Tire Center, or Hardware Store for free popcorn to go. Coming soon on HD video – see all of the free product samples I took from Health Food Stores.
I’ve been managing Cougar Crossing Campground in The Willamette National Forest, while living in my Volkswagen Vanagon. Plus, running Terwilliger Hot Spring in Oregon. That has kept me busy enough, but with Spring and Summer, come baby making, and mice are no exception. I have assassinated 18 mice in three weeks, using this Five Gallon Bucket Peanut Butter Trap, and a few traditional spring loaded wooden Victor Brand weapons. Watch the HD Survival Bros Video Production below to see exactly how to build your own mouse deathtrap.
Keep the critters out of your house, and vehicle by using this hunting method. It’s a simple, and easy solution, to a disgusting problem. I hate killing anything living, but NOW they won’t be damaging my car, tent, etc. and eating my food! I lost a few Pop Tarts folks. To make this project at home:
1. Spread Peanut Butter around the inside edge of the large plastic bucket, just down from lip
2. Place stick running up to the top, overhanging so the mice fall inside after looking for a meal
3. Fill bucket with 3 – 4 inches of water
4. Wait overnight for animals to become trapped, and die
5. Dispose of dead rodents properly with gloves, bury if possible a foot underground
Don’t call me PETA. I love animals, and drowning is a peaceful way to go right? Continue reading for more helpful information about mouse removal and solutions from personal experience.
I asked around for more mice control tips and tricks, and here’s what my friends came up with. Rats dislike pure mint oil extract. Place a few drops on a cotton ball, and put it where you’ve seen animals to keep them out. Also, try putting dryer sheets in the holes of your car or house. The mice won’t want to pass through these smelly spots. Steel wool (not thin) set in car air vents is a deterrent too, allegedly. Play with these things if you have a rodent issue. I think it’s good stuff to know, so I’m taking the time to share for my fellow Survival Bros.
Manager’s Campground Spot #1 on The McKenzie River
The most mice I’ve captured in a night was four! They are getting thinned out quick, but I expect them in waves all Summer. I also decapitated some poor, innocent slugs, when they set off the lever on my traps. It takes time setting up multiple devices. I’ve spent 30 minutes many nights smearing peanut butter, and setting them in all the right spots. Which for me, would be small game trails, near holes, or by my vehicle. In addition, a pal told me dumping sugar away from your camping spot will keep various critters out of your outdoor gear.
You can also try low tech scare tactics on the mice. When I first heard them scampering around my Vanagon, I didn’t have traps in place. So I make a bunch of intimidating noises. I was hissing, growling, barking, and clapping. That didn’t work, and neither did playing music. I should have tried Nickelback. Shaking the van side to side wasn’t and effective deterrent either. The mice are too smart. I swear they are tuned into my brain waves, and attack my living quarters as soon as I start to fall asleep.
1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Vandwelling Project for Survival Bros
Later I peed on my rig to make it seem like a big animal lives there, and to serve as a warning. If I wasn’t deathly allergic to evil cats, I’d get one to stand watch. Where’s an owl when you need one? I have tried it all folks. And the 5 gallon peanut butter bucket trap as seen HERE works best. Good luck. More soon. Please comment, like, and share this blog post with friends. You’re the best.
Owl Kills Squirrel and Poses for Cameron McKirdy’s Camera
I’ve been on the hunt at local thrift shops for a bargain. After scouring the Eugene/Springfield, Oregon area I hauled in fresh gear, and saved a wad of money buying items second hand. However, most of the swag mentioned in this HD video production is new. I’ve been popping tags. I hope to use these pieces backpacking, vandwelling, and as essential Every Day Carry items.
I found a new pair of Nike Special Field Boots or SFB at St. Vinnie’s. They retail online for $140 or more, if you can locate your size. I had hoped they were size 12’s when I spotted them on display. It was my lucky day, because they were a match for me. The desert tan kicks had been marked $29.99, but were half off that day. I got the shoes for $14.99! I’ve been wanting this exact pair of 8 inch high military style boots. Here’s the male equivalent of girls wearing Uggs in public. I get lots of compliments on them. No I haven’t served, but I train with soldiers.
I lost one of my all black Mechanix M-PACT Covert gloves bouncing around town celebrating New Years. So, now I’m breaking in another pair of work gloves that I had for backup. I like wearing them while biking, or even driving my Volkswagen Vanagon. This brightly colored safety wear is men’s size Large. Newer versions fit even better. I also like that they dry out quickly in the sun.
Here’s my other videos on thrift store shopping. I’ve found some treasures, and I look forward to going back into the city to discover what else I can’t live without. Thanks for supporting the blog. Visit again shortly. I have lots of wacky videos in the works. Have a great Spring Break, and Summer!
The BAN 420 car license plate is still available – $50,000 Or Best Offer
Email me about anything at thesurvivalbros@gmail.com
Survival Bros gets 26 different free samples in his local Costco shopping center on HD video. This total number doesn’t reflect when Cam swooped up multiple trial bites of the same item. You’re allowed to take more than one, as long as it’s on the tray. All of this complementary grub made a full meal, but he is still hungry. Cam didn’t even purchase any stuff, and doesn’t have a Costco membership card. Get access with a Costco Gift Card, then sample up, or buy an inexpensive meal at the food court deli.
Try going at the end of the day for extra samples. They are trying to get rid of the products before closing time. What’s your favorite line from this production? Leave a comment. You can also subscribe at the top left to get free articles delivered to your email inbox. Survival Bros doesn’t Spam, but we do store it just in case. Mmmmm. More crazy adventures coming on this blog. Cheers.
What’s good? Its been a Heaven of a year! Survival Bros has beefed up the website with frequent posts, vivid photos, and new HD video productions. Visit the ARCHIVES for all of the fun, and emergency preparedness news.
Here’s my favorite YouTube videos from 2014, in case you missed the action and adventure:
My #EDC backpack gear for #Survival
Steel Target Shooting Demonstration with Tactical Gypsy
Cameron McKirdy’s LifeProof smartphone case review as seen on The ABC World News with Diane Sawyer
How to get FREE stuff in life
Video of my #vandwelling setup on the Oregon Coast
Checking out William Henry knives at a jewelry store
The perfect vehicle for The Zombie Apocalypse
Exploring World War II bunkers on Tillamook Head near Seaside, OR
Doing yoga with certified instructor Sarah Whisler at the beach
You can’t define Survival Bros, or Cameron McKirdy. There’s no way of knowing what will come in the year 2015. Stay tuned. Thank you for your support of this project. I’ve produced all this for free. Please continue to like, comment, share, and subscribe to us. Let’s make the Survival Bros community even greater in the days to come.
Mocha The Puggle and I love you! (Hiking Saddle Mountain)
Produced by Cameron McKirdy – Survival Bros Founder
As you can see, nobody beats up gear like me. I took the new Kershaw Secret Agent knife to the beach, and put it through a rigorous torture test. I sliced, and stabbed ocean debris washed ashore in Long Beach, Washington.
Flashing the tool with the protective sheath on!
Model Number 4007, the Secret Agent isn’t flashy. It’s functional. The spear point blade has a black-oxide coating for protection against corrosion. Additionally, the surface is non-reflective. So it won’t catch light, or be easy to see. Both sides come sharpened, making it easy to puncture nearly any material. The Secret Agent handled rope, plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, and even a dead jellyfish! After the beating, it was still sharp, and the tip showed little wear. Of course, knives don’t like sand, so I plan to sharpen it for the first time, or I can send it back to the KAI warehouse to get it cleaned up for free. I’ve stopped by Kershaw headquarters in Tualatin, Oregon (South of Portland) before for a hassle free repair, which took less than an hour.
This knife is a favorite in my collection because it’s lightweight at only 3 ounces. The ergonomic handle is glass-filled nylon. It’s well balanced. Fitting securely in my palm, without being too wide. Plus, with a rubberized, textured grip, it’s not going to slip out of my hand. You can wear it on a lanyard, or strapped to your leg. Blade length is perfect, and no joke at 4.4 inches long. The black sheath is quality, with a wide, tight clip. At under $40, the Kershaw Secret Agent knife may be the best value in the industry. Don’t forget Kershaw Knives’ products are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects. Bottom line: The Secret Agent belongs in your Every Day Carry knife rotation. It’s Survival Bros tested and approved. For more HD videos, SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL. Thank you.
Everybody loves a quality photograph. Here’s some of the images I’ve snapped, or uploaded recently, and put on my Instagram account online. Enjoy a sample of the image gallery here on Survival Bros. My favorite new shot is the one of the older vintage Volkswagen bus parked next to mine, or the double rainbow captured on The Prom in Seaside, Oregon.
Survival Bros goes car camping, and cooks food with the new Pinnacle Base Camper Large from GSI Outdoors. The slick gear features their nFORM Destination System, offering a nesting design for compact storage. Watch in HD video as I show you how it works, and clean it with ease.
The camp cookware is top quality. Each item is designed for hard use, and extended durability. The Teflon coating on the two pots, and large skillet is abrasion resistant, so harmful chemicals won’t be scratched off into food. Plus, the metal is proven to distribute heat evenly, for quick cooking. You can see in the vlog how my food is boiling over the entire radius. Also, GSI Outdoors has developed every product they make to be BPA-free. That’s good, because I don’t want my hormones being disrupted. This Washington State based company has the excursion items you need. Carrying around swag from them makes my life much easier, because it does the job, and lasts.
The Base Camper Large is ideal for a group of four, so I intend on using it when I entertain while tenting with friends, or I’m just super hungry. You’ll be glad you got a set like this if you enjoy camping, an preparing meals outdoors. Retail price is $109.95. Visit GSI Outdoors for more info, and check out the Pinnacle Camper set for the ultimate, integrated cooking and eating solution.
The colors! Witness two magical rainbows going into the Pacific Ocean water. Filmed in HD video on the Prom near 12th Ave. in Seaside, Oregon. Produced by http://www.cameronmckirdy.com More fun movies, and van dwelling Vlogs coming soon. The Volkswagen Vanagon is still putting around. Thanks for visiting my website. Have you ever seen a double rainbow in person? It was awesom. I love The Universe.
Car camping is one of my favorite blog topics. I hope you find it interesting too. Here’s a checklist of my top foods to store in your vehicle. Many items instantly turn into grub by adding hot water. I got ideas for the perfect van dwelling foods by watching YouTube videos of Thru Hikers packing for their long distance trips. Search for Pacific Crest Trail aka PCT, or Appalachian Trail Backpackers online.
Ziplock bags are a trusted way to keep organized. You can even write on the outside with a permanent pen to label things. Plus, plastic sacks maintain some protection from water, rats, an other elements. Let me know if you have any questions about my setup. Add several gallons of distilled and spring water (not pictured), and I’m ready to go off the grid for weeks. I’m stocked up on:
Honey with ginseng, bee pollen, and royal jelly
Drinks: water, aloe water, coconut beverages, teas, fruit juices
Soups in cans to heat and serve, and powdered packets
Protein Powder, plus various green powders (wheat grass)
Pasta Sides, and Dishes like Top Ramen
Dehydrated Food such as Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals (Apple Crisp is my favorite)
Fruit: Fresh Produce like apples and bananas, also fruit strips, bottles, and cans
Nuts and Seeds like Almond and Hemp
Granola Bars, and Oatmeal
Instant Coffee, instant milk
Condiments: Packets of butter, salsa, pepper, salt, raw sugar, mayonnaise, ketchup, and everything else Free and Holy
Canned meats: Flavored tuna, Spam, Chicken Salad with crackers
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 