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
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
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.
Out of nowhere, my VW Bus is struggling to start. Everything electrical flickers. The radio cuts out. The engine sputters. Plus, the battery and OXS (oxygen sensor) light came on. I called Avery’s Air-Cooled in Kelso, WA and they helped me diagnose the problem over the phone. We figured the issue was a faulty voltage regulator. Mechanics Jason and Kelly had a $40 Bosch part, and installed the unit for only $29. But before I got fixed up and back on the road, I was parked on the shoulder of Highway 101, waiting for Classic Towing to get me to another state – Washington. Thank God for AAA. I’m on the Premier towing package. Nothing but the best for my baby. Funny that I broke down on the way to the repair shop.
Avery’s Air-Cooled always hooks me up, and keeps my bill low. And if you have a Volkswagen, chances are they will have the part you need in stock. Call them to order something at (360) 425-1119 Here’s their website too! http://www.averysaircooled.com/ I will have to shoot some HD video there soon. They have tow truck loads of vintage bugs, buses, and beyond. And if you hang out long enough, you’ll get to see a traveling Art Show as the graffiti passes on the nearby train tracks.
Mitsubishi Fuso FG 140 4×4 truck spotted in Seaside, Oregon! This emergency preparedness rig has an ideal setup for extreme mobile living, and protection from undead zombies among us. Would you car camp in this monster? It looks comfortable, and well designed. It may be bigger than I’d want for bugging out, and I don’t know about the color, but it’s an excellent truck platform to work from. The Fuso just needs a snorkel if it’s going to spend the winter on the Oregon Coast. I didn’t see a camera system installed either for extra security.
This beast looks like a completely custom job, made to be multi-purpose. There’s few places it couldn’t go on Earth. I’d love to hear what you have to say about this setup in the comment section, or on our YouTube channel. I’m sure this vehicle will be on the road for a long time, baring an unforeseen marauders, or natural disasters, etc. Please SUBSCRIBE to Survival Bros by entering your email on the top left side of the screen! Stay tuned for more emergency preparedness news, because you can’t know what’s around the corner.
Additional HD videos and blog posts can be found on http://www.cameronmckirdy.com Thanks for your support.
A Zombie Aapocalypse Edition 4×4 truck parked in Seaside, Oregon
By Cameron McKirdySilver Salmon Being Processed at The East Mooring Basin in Astoria, Oregon
Sushi grade Coho Fillets
My buddies needed a lift, and Designated Driver for a fishing trip in Astoria, OR. I dropped them off at the East Mooring Basin. You’re suppose to pay to park there. They we’re on the water for around four hours before they limited out. The guys ended up with pounds and pounds of fresh fillets. One man kept the salmon eggs for future fishing bait. All of the fishermen had plans to either freeze, and smoke the meat shortly. It was interesting to see the Captain of the boat cut up Coho so efficiently, and discard the waste down properly down a slide. All he needed was a large fillet, and butcher’s knife made by Victorinox of Switzerland. I made sure to ask. He was sharpening the knifes every few fish. Also pictured is the rowdy sea lions that live there on the docks. I saw one beast puke on another, and he didn’t flinch. More blogs coming! Peace.
Get me the 8″ Victorinox Butcher’s Knife for Christmas
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!
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
Survival Bros hunts for urban treasure at local thrift stores around town in Eugene, Oregon. Cameron McKirdy must have been to eight shops that day. All of the searching paid off, wouldn’t you say? Thanks for watching another HD video production. Please subscribe today via email! Happy hunting Survival Bros. More on http://www.cameronmckirdy.com
Two Killer Whales, or orcas have been spotted migrating North near Cannon Beach in Oregon State. I was enjoying a wet hike from Short Sands Beach at Oswald West State Park out to Cape Falcon when I shot this HD video. When I climbed to the edge of a dangerous cliff near the water of the Pacific Ocean I saw these 2 beautiful beasts approaching on my left. I had to get my LG G2 smart phone out to film, but I was torn between looking at the creatures, and the camera screen. However, I saw plenty of my friends, and got the shot for all of you.
This was possibly the best experience of my life. Orcas (and dolphins) are magical creatures, and probably smarter than humans. I think they wanted to hang out with me. But one slip, and I would have gone tumbling down the mountain side, and become fresh fish food. I was only posted up at the location where I spotted these mammals for a few minutes. After they left, so did I. I’d seen the best, and it was pouring. All of my clothes got soaked when I made my way back through the damp plants. I didn’t mind being cold. I was amped from seeing my wild buddies do their thing. It gave me energy for the journey. Now I don’t ever want to go to a zoo again. It’s not the same. Stay wild!
Here’s more RAW footage I posted on my other YouTube channel
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.
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.
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 
