Posts Tagged ‘news’

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!

Winning a Game Show on ABC

Posted: June 12, 2014 in Adventures, Comedy and Art, Instincts, Technology, Television
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By Cameron McKirdy

cam-game-show-close

 Follow your instincts and win at life!

I love game shows.  I’ve always wanted to host one, or play others on TV.  A new program called Let’s Ask America gave me the chance to claim $50,000.  Using a webcam and Skype I played from my apartment, and represented for my city of Seaside, Oregon.  The episode I starred in aired on my 30th birthday.  It was the best gift ever.  I dominated the competition, and maintained a lead the entire game.  One by one I picked off the challengers.  I attribute all of my success to following my instincts.  I went with my gut.  Even though we were playing before a live studio audience in Hollywood, I kept my cool.  I racked up $6,600 heading into the final question.  I decided to bank $5k, and risk $1,600 which could be doubled.  I guessed the correct answer and screamed in joy.   My total winnings ended up being $8,200!  The crowd went wild, and I ran my mouth.  The host Kevin Pereira asked what I would do with the money and I said, “Well Kev, shout out to William Blake and da Vinci, but I think I’m the greatest artist of all time.  So I’m going to buy some Art supplies, and get my ideas out there.”  The Daily Astorian wrote an article on my victory.  Here’s the two clips the show has uploaded on their YouTube channel.  

The Ultimate Survival Shelter in The Woods

Posted: June 6, 2014 in Adventures, Backpacking, Shelter
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By Cameron McKirdy

This week Survival Bros went hiking in the woods near Cannon Beach, Oregon to kill and eat a bunny.  We saw, but didn’t catch the animal, so we explored the forest near logging roads.  To my shock we stumbled upon a massive survival shelter made from tarps, logs, cordage, and more.  There was even a 4-person tent inside, and the shack had a clean tarp floor.  The place was loaded with camping gear, and everything you’d need to be self-sufficient in the outdoors for a long time.  Watch the HD video to see how it was built, and what’s stored on the site.  Join the Survival Bros community on YouTube, and SUBSCRIBE TODAY!  It’s free of charge.  

 

Best Tarp Shelter in Woods

The best tarp shelter we’ve ever seen in the woods

Saddle Mountain Summit Back to Back Days Challenge

Posted: May 31, 2014 in Adventures, Backpacking, Fun!, HD Videos, Survival Bros Challenges
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By Cameron McKirdy

I’m always challenging myself.  That’s why I decided hiking Saddle Mountain in Oregon on consecutive days would be a hardcore mission.  I camped out a night, took photos, cooked, and rested in the VW Vanagon often.  Besides achieving my goal, and reaching the summit back to back, I also met some cool people.  There’s so many beautiful girls from Portland that make this day hike, it’s ridiculous.  I gave them all a hard time about being tourists.  I’m from Seaside, a local, and don’t look so out of place.  

Take a look at the picture galleries I created for each day.  The wildflowers were exploding, and made the hike much more pleasant.  Plus, they gave me a chance to stop, breath, stretch, and take in their sweetness.  I also spent time creating a video of Humbug Mountain.  It offers a marvelous view point, and is only .2 miles off the main Saddle Mountain trail.  So are you up for the Survival Bros challenge?  Can you hike to the summit twice in two days, or maybe twice in one day?  Somebody will take me up on this.  Let us know.  Good luck!  Tons more soon, only on Survival Bros.

Day One Gallery

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 Day Two Hiking

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A Great Goodwill Find Plus Thift Store Shopping Tips

Posted: May 8, 2014 in Adventures, Frugality, Fun!, Gear, Giving Back, HD Videos
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By Cameron McKirdy

1.  Check which color tag is 50% off that week when you walk in the door.

2.  See if the item works.  Plug it in.  Check for missing parts, or if it’s damaged.

3.  If you find something unique – RESEARCH IT on the spot with your smartphone.

  • Search Amazon and eBay
  • Scan the barcode with your phone’s camera

4.  Pull the trigger.  If you haven’t seen it before, BUY IT.  Your item may be a good investment because it’s rare.

Finally, keep the treasure for yourself, give it away to someone deserving, or sell it for a profit online or in person.

Here’s another sweet Goodwill find I scored this week, and show you on video.  It’s a rare Valterra skateboard from 1986!  It shreds.  

I found this road bike at Goodwill too, and now it’s a Bug Out Bike ready in case of emergencies.  I got new tires for it, and purchased a BOB Yak trailer to haul gear down the road with ease.  

Don’t forget to donate stuff you don’t need to charity.  I’ve seen Goodwill do good things in the community, and employee people that need assistance.  You’ll get a tax credit too just for being so kind.  Thanks for reading, and doing your part.  Peace from Survival Bros.

goodwill-logoGood luck treasure hunting at Goodwill and beyond!  Expect epic finds.

Univega Alpina Pro Mountain Bike Restored to Glory

Posted: March 8, 2014 in Bikes, Gear, HD Videos
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros has a bug out bike tuned up and ready for camping this summer. I will produce another HD video on this vintage bicycle when all the bags are on, and the project is complete. Here’s a previous post on finding the Univega at a garage sale last summer.

Mens Univega Bicycle Repairs

Before the repairs

Univega Alpina Pro Bike

After being tuned up, restored to like new condition, and cleaned properly

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Seaside Oregon Estuary – The End of The World Destruction

Posted: February 2, 2014 in Adventures, Beach, HD Videos, Public Service Announcement
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Produced by Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros checks out the eroding beach, and efforts to save the sewer plant in Seaside, OR.  The city has put up a small rock wall, but that hasn’t seemed to help much.  Look at all the trees that have been swept away into the water.  A running trail has also been destroyed due to Mother Nature.  Thanks for visiting.  Please subscribe to our YouTube channel to get all the updates.

Read The Daily Astorian newspaper article on this urgent issue here.

Survival Bros Logo Cool Grey

Elk Jerky Recipe with Pictures

Posted: January 24, 2014 in Adventures, Cooking, Grub, Photos
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By Cameron McKirdy

Former Marine Tactical Gypsy has an exclusive Survival Bros blog and new elk jerky recipe for you.  He hunts in Oregon with seven other buddies, and no matter how much they kill, they split the meat evenly so nobody is left out.  This season his hunting party terminated five bulls, producing around 225 pounds of meat each.  He has used the animal for sausage, country fried steaks, and thick jerky strips.  His favorite cut is the back strap, which runs on each side of the spine.  It’s the most tender part, and is amazing in a stew of vegetables and spices.  Simmer that on a low boil for awhile, and you have a man meal sure to satisfy.  Tactical Gypsy also told me he likes to pan sear the meat first, to lock in the juice.

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To produce scrumptious elk jerky he cut slabs 1/4th of an inch thick, because they shrink.  His recipe calls for six or seven pounds of flesh, so he ends up with big nuggets to feast on.  Each hunk is approximately 4″ x 1″ wide.  The marinade calls for 4 1/2 cups of soy sauce, with plenty of Worcestershire depending on personal preference.  Mix in 1 pound of brown sugar, then a 8 oz. bottle of hickory liquid smoke flavoring.  Soak the elk in a bowl, or deep pan, and refrigerate for 12 hours..  After that, use a colander to run off the marinade.  Next, lay out the strips on the dehydrator trays evenly, with bigger pieces going on the bottom.  Sprinkle on coarse black pepper, turn the machine on high, and let her rip.  Check back every few hours, and rotate the racks as needed.  In 12 additional hours you’ll have a stash of jerky to devour, and give out to your friends.  Tactical Gypsy, if you are reading this, please save me a nug or two.  Survival Bros will have more blogs soon.  Check back often.  Likes, shares, and comments are appreciated.

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Releasing a Rescued Duck at Lake Sacajawea in Longview Washington

Posted: October 13, 2013 in Adventures, Fun!, Parks, Pets/Animals
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy

Survival Bros decided to help a previously abandoned shelter pup out, and take him for a walk around Lake Sacajawea in Longview, Washington today.  Charlie spends way too much time in his concrete kennel, and was aching for attention, and exercise. The shelter is completely full of dogs right now, and would like to get some adopted out immediately.  Stop by or give them a ring if you need a buddy.

 When we got to The Humane Society of Cowlitz County they asked if we would release a wild, rescued duck too.  I’m a University of Oregon Duck, so of course I helped out.  We put the female in a crate, and drove to it’s home on the water.  She followed us for a ways down the path, but eventually settled in, and got regrouped.  All in a good days work.

Preparing For An Oregon Coast Storm – Safety Checklist

Posted: September 28, 2013 in Beach, Emergencies, Gear, Public Service Announcement
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Produced By Cameron McKirdy

The first nasty storm of the season is underway on the Oregon Coast.  The wind is bending trees, and flooding is a possibility.  I’m surprised the power is still on.  Seaside, OR is expected to have gusts up to 80 miles per hour!  Have a survival kit together, and an emergency plan for your family.  Here’s a checklist of supplies to gather just in case of a disaster.

– Water (A gallon per person per day for a minimum of 3 days.)

– Fuel AKA gas for cooking, and dry wood for fire

– Food (Stores could close for days without electricity.  Don’t buy perishable goods that need to be refrigerated.  Think fruit.)

– Candles

– Flashlights and headlamps with fresh batteries

– Blankets

– Shelter (It’s probably a good idea to stay inside, so you don’t get wet and sick.)

– Emergency Weather Radio

– Toys for kids, and treats for pets, because they will be scared in a super storm

– First Aid

– Gas (Fill up your vehicle in case there’s a rush for fuel, and you can’t get some later.)

– Books (Maybe ones on emergency planning.  We don’t want you to lose your mind without TV.)

– Whistle to signal for help

– Multi-tool and Wrench to turn off water, etc.

– Moist wipes, and garbage bags for sanitation and personal hygiene

– Local maps

– Manual Can Opener

– Generator and/or solar charger for electrical devices

– Cash/Silver/Barter Items

– Rain Gear/Warm clothes

– Prescription Medications

– Lighter and waterproof matches

– Paper and Pen for notes, and more checklists

– Communications: Cell Phones with chargers, and two-way radios

With all or most of these things you should be good to go, and ready for a super storm bringing flooding.  If you can think of any other handy items, please leave your suggestions in the comment section.  Thanks, and wish us Oregonians good luck this weekend.  It’s
going to be a wild one.  Peace and love from Survival Bros. 

Here’s a link to the live webcam in Seaside, OR on The Lanai at The Cove so you can checkout the current conditions.

There’s no flooding on Highway 101 right now, but high tide isn’t until this evening.

seaside odot cam

seaside odot floodingIt looks like Highway 101 is starting to flood!  Be careful out there.

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