Posts Tagged ‘car’

Driving VW Van in a Rainstorm with Tips for Bad Weather Travel

Posted: May 22, 2016 in Automobiles, blogger, Cold Weather, highway, Storms, Van Dwelling, vlog, VW Vanagon, water
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Cameron McKirdy drives his vehicle, a 1986 Volkswagen Vangon in gross, extremely dangerous Winter weather conditions near the beach in Seaside, Oregon.  

Survival Bros Tips for driving in rain:

  1.  Turn your lights on
  2.  Obey traffic laws
  3.  Allow extra time and distance between yourself and other cars
  4.  Have good windshield wiper blades and/or Rain-X the front
  5. Take your time (go slower), plus let people in (merge), and people to cross the road
  6. Avoid distractions like filming, texting while driving, and singing to music in your car

Please try NOT to soaking pedestrians with enormous puddles near sidewalks!

More on http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com  Please show your support for our #vlog and SUBSCRIBE now on YouTube!  Cheers from #survivalbros #preppers

driving in rain

Water on the road and windshield clearly reduce visibility while driving

Build a Mouse Trap with a 5 Gallon Bucket and Peanut Butter to Kill

Posted: May 29, 2015 in Automobiles, Emergencies, Health & Nutrition, Pets/Animals
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy

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

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

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 http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com

Owl Kills Squirrel and Poses for Cameron McKirdy’s Camera

Check out http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com for more Art, Video, and Fun! 

 

 

Top Free Food Condiment Packets – Complimentary Sauce Kit Items

Posted: February 25, 2015 in Backpacking, Cooking, Everyday Carry (EDC), Freebies, Frugality, Gear, HD Videos, Photos, Scavenging, Van Dwelling
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy

Learn which individual servings or samples of condiments, and sauce you can find for free. Do some urban scavenging like me. Stockpile packets of ketchup, salsa, candy, and more items for storage. My favorite package seen in the video is the lemon juice. I forgot to mention it. You can find just about any free food packet out there. I have a secret sauce floating around my van somewhere from Burger King. I think I eat out more for condiments than the fast food itself.

Having these sauces, and sugars, etc. on hand saves money. Take food packets like the ones shown on your next camping trip for extra spice, or flavor in your meal. Get free condiments as seen on Survival Bros at restaurants, and convenience stores. If something isn’t priced, it must be available to take.

Do you stockpile packets like I do? I feel like such a rebel when my pockets are full, and I’ve made a clean getaway with the loot.

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Free Condiments Food Kit by Survival Bros – An Alternative News Community

See also http://www.cameronmckirdy.com

Car Camping Food Items Listed with Photo

Posted: October 23, 2014 in Automobiles, Backpacking, Everyday Carry (EDC), Gear, Health & Nutrition
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By Cameron McKirdy

car camping food listCar 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

 

Rest Area Car Camping at Dismal Nitch in Washington State

Posted: September 11, 2014 in Automobiles, Frugality, Fun!, HD Videos, VW Vanagon
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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

Lewis and Clark Bronze Sculpture at Dismal Nitch Park in Washington State

Visit the official website for more info, and history by clicking here!

Walmart Parking Lot Car Camping Experience in Eugene Oregon

Posted: August 5, 2014 in Adventures, Automobiles, Comedy and Art, Frugality, Fun!, VW Vanagon
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Recently I camped in a Walmart parking lot on West 11th in Eugene, Oregon.  In this HD video you’ll get the scoop on what it’s like to do some urban stealth camping in my 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL.  It was noisy, and the space is well lit, but in general, I got great rest.  It feels good to be somewhere, and not have to pay for the experience.  This was a fun experiment, and I’d recommend it to any Survival Bros. out there.  Staying at Walmart for free beats dropping hundreds for a night in a hotel.  Would you try this?  Live simple my friends.  More videos about my summer road trip coming soon.  Thanks for visiting my blog!  Peace and love.

Have you visited People Of WalMart yet?  Click this.

Off The Grid Camping in a Volkswagon Vanagon

Posted: May 18, 2014 in 26, Adventures, Automobiles, RV, VW Vanagon
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By Cameron McKirdy

I’ve had my hippie van for a week, and have burned through tanks of petrol.  I’ve found several spots to crash out for a night or longer that are free places to stay, and I’m willing to share this and more with you today – only on Survival Bros.

The first type of location I scouted out are places open 24 hours to the public.  There aren’t many in small towns, but large grocery stores are a good start.   Be on the look out for other campers, and recreation vehicles at the far end of parking lots.  If you had to spend a night car camping in city limits, this isn’t a bad choice, because you probably won’t be hassled.  Don’t forget you can always post up, and get some ZZZ’s at Rest Stops.  I spent a night this week the parked at one.  You’ll have access to the bathroom at all hours, trash, and potable water (in some cases).  

Camping in a van solo can be lonesome.  So I made an effort to hangout with other preppers, this time way outside of the city.  The VW van, which I’ve named Shaggy, has been mobbing hard, so I felt comfortable driving to BLM land in the Clatsop Country Forest.  I have AAA towing up to 100 miles, so I have no fear going off the grid.  However, I still had cell phone service in the mountains, thanks to a well-placed tower.  Two bros of mine led me to Lost Lake this week for a getaway.  It’s stocked with thousands of trout begging to be plucked from the depths.  I watched my buddies fish for a few hours, while I played with the dog, and poured drinks.  I brought rum, and sparkling cider.  The Martinelli’s was an excellent chaser.

Camping at the lake, or in the parking lot is prohibited, so we made our own spot down another gravel road.  The lookout was spectacular.  Below you can see a valley, and the Nehalem river.  Which you can watch me and my Dad raft by clicking this link to YouTube.  The fish were cooked on a spit for an hour or so, and tasted delicious.  I wanted to take a bite out of the side of a raw fish, but I will save the sushi for when I’m being trendy in town.  Wasabi, soy sauce, and ginger are a must anyways.

Nehalem River viewpoint

I didn’t feel like waiting for food to cook, so I grabbed two bags of Mountain House food, and heated water on my portable butane camp stove.  It took four minutes to get it boiling.  Then I opened the food pouches, and dumped the water right in.  I resealed the grub, and in eight minutes I was ready to chow down.  Now normally I would share, or save some of a feast this size, but I went beast mode, and devoured both bags.  I combined the Mountain House biscuit and gravy meal, with scrambled eggs and bacon.  It was terrific!  I forgot to pack utensils though, so I used a six inch blade to carefully shovel calories into my face.  In case you are wondering, the knife I used is called the COAST F611.  It’s a survival tool I’ve been playing around with a lot lately, and I like it.

Camping food bag

mountain house meals

eating with Coast F611

trout fishing

 Dinner is served!  Even our dog got some fish.

fish on spit

Fire looking cool.

Pabst Beer can cup

Tactical Gypsy made his own coffee cup in the morning from a beer can.

VW Vanagon GL 1986

Shaggy the VW Vanagon is a tank, and handled the gravel roads like a boss. 

Roscoe Dog

In the A.M. my two bros, the mutt, and I went back to the lake.   I was busy getting fishing tips, journaling for fun, and doing basic breathing and stretching techniques.  I love my yoga!   We walked a trail skirting the water, and attempted to hook more gilled vertebrates.  The fish were teasing us.  Jumping out of the water and splashing near us.  We did see one breach the surface and smack into a floating log.  That was funny.  Not amusing was the dog getting all muddy and wet, then coming right up to me to shake off.  Of all the places.  I almost took a swim, but decided to save that for another time.  I didn’t need a bath that bad.  Besides, have you ever seen a clean hippie?  More from the road soon friends.  Best wishes. 

Lost Lake Fishing

 

 

Buying A 1986 VW Vanagon GL for Camping

Posted: May 13, 2014 in Adventures, Automobiles, Beach, Everyday Carry (EDC), VW Vanagon
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By Cameron McKirdy

I bought myself a dirty hippy van.  Last week I took a gamble on a vintage Volkswagon Vanagon.  I was her knight in shining armor.  Her my companion for the open road.  The adventure is on.

Take a look at how I found her in Hammond, Oregon.  Plopped in a mud puddle.  Unloved.  Covered in bright green duct tape.  My baby started right up, and I went for a test drive.  The seller had to move immediately, so I scored the van for less than it’s worth – just $1,300.

0505142040

Don’t duct tape your car kids.  It sounds cool, but it’s NOT.  I’ve spent four plus hours peeling tape off of the paint, and getting the goo removed with citrus cleaner.  There’s still disgusting residue on it.  Plus, there was some water underneath.

duct tape van

Look at it!  Cleaning this should be a form of torture.  My finger tips hurt. 

van towShe broke down on day two.  Blew a hose and a belt.  It cost $65 cash to get her towed across town to a trusted mechanic.  

Yesterday I had to introduce my baby to Seaside Oregon’s finest surfing destination, The Cove.  I shot this HD video walk around, and filmed the interior.  I have lots of work to do, but at least the VW is clean.  I scrubbed the carpets and upholstery, and they came out fresh, exceeding my expectations.  Thanks to my Dad for helping gut her.  It was a big job, but now the Vanagon is in acceptable camping condition.  What should I name the Volkswagon?  Lots more soon.  Comment if you like.  Best wishes.

 

Having My Car Broken Into and Stuff Stolen with Tips

Posted: January 5, 2014 in Automobiles, Emergencies, Everyday Carry (EDC), Gear, SB Tips
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By Katnip

2013 Chevy Camaro

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!

Using Alternative Modes Of Transportation – From Hitchhiking To Busing

Posted: December 13, 2012 in Adventures, Comedy and Art, SB Tips
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A few years ago I gave up my Cadillac. It was a waste of money to operate, and I love being active anyways. This blog is about my use of alternative transportation, while surviving on the Oregon Coast.

Riding my mountain bike has been option #1. It’s way cheaper to use than a car. I’ve had to repair my Mongoose several times, but at least I can do some of the work. It’s not like a computerized vehicle, where I have no chance of fixing it. I’ve saved thousands of dollars by not driving, and haven’t had to get a real job. It’s allowed me to do things like run this blog, and avoid the rat race entirely.

I also love walking. I have rain gear and an umbrella, so I don’t have an excuse to not get outside. If course Oregonians don’t actually use umbrellas, but I know how to. The key for me is being comfortable moving around outdoors. I have a variety of shoes for the job, including boots for mud, sandals for the beach, and light running kicks too. Plus, I make sure to have rain gear on hand, or at least an emergency rain poncho just in case. I walk many miles each week. It keeps me loose, and strong.

This summer I also made a point to hitchhike. I walked along Highway 101 for a few hours before someone finally swooped me. The trick is to find a place where drivers can pull off the road, and staying in that open area. The gentleman that picked me up told me about his days thumbing on the road. He told me to bring toilet paper or I’d be sorry. Hitchhiking isn’t a viable option really. You can’t rely on others like that, especially if your in a hurry. But it was fun trying, and I will get around that way again for the hell if it.

I’ve been riding the bus at least once a week too. It’s great because in December you can donate a can of grub to the food bank for a free pass. Most riders have been taking advantage of that offer, unless they already have a monthly bus pass. You meet all sorts of people on the bus. Some want to borrow my phone, while others feel like talking the entire trip while I listen to music. Still, I like riding the bus. It’s a giant carpool, and less damaging to the environment than if everyone drove a car.

I have said cars are for lazy people. I think that’s true, especially if you never use your own power to get around town. We sit so much as it is anyways. I will own a vehicle again, but there’s no hurry. I’m more free without one. Less is more. Good luck getting to your destination over the holidays. Remember there’s more than one way to get there. I have Rollerblades too. Lol. Peace.
– Cameron McKirdy

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