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
Play ball with the Survival Bros mascot Mocha The Puggle. She is a pug and beagle combo, and contributes often to the blog. This is HD video of her catching and throwing the mini tennis ball back to me. She is the best. Having a pet like a dog around sure boosts moral during tough times. Doesn’t she look fly in the Seattle Seahawks jersey? It’s big, but she likes her gear baggy. More fun productions at http://www.cameronmckirdy.com
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.
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.
Survival Bros Founder Cameron McKirdy goes inside an old American WW2 bunker near the hiker cabins on Tillamook Head. Using a LED headlamp, watch Cam enter the empty fortress. This building housed a radar installation during World War II. The bunkers and cabins are between Ecola State Park, and Seaside, Oregon. There are trails each way. Before your visit, read up on Lewis and Clark’s trip to this beautiful location. Please like, comment, and SUBSCRIBE! Thanks.
Inside the World War II bunker near Ecola State Park on Tillamook head in Oregon
An Ultralight backpacker’s 30 liter bag setup
Cameron McKirdy snaps a selfie on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean
The Tillamook Head Trailhead in Seaside, Oregon
In this classic video production Survival Bros backpacks from Indian Beach to Seaside, Oregon. Cameron McKirdy stops at the cabins to show you his gear, and take a nap before hiking back in the dark. Read our previous blog about the trip HERE.
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.
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.
Look at it! Cleaning this should be a form of torture. My finger tips hurt.
She 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.
Survival Bros is at the beach in Seaside, Oregon testing two Naimakka paracord bands made in Sweden. Each luxurious design features ultra-high grade military standardType III paracord. The special edition Skydivers bracelet in camo green 483 includes an all brass clasp. I can’t wait to rough it up more, and see how the patina develops on the surface. The other bracelet is charcoal, or stealth grey and has a secure screw closure. Both Naimakka products unravel to about 8 feet of cordage, so you’ll have plenty of material to work with during an emergency situation. It feels good to have extra cord on hand. You can use it to build shelter, make knots, or even floss your teeth with the inner strands. And we know you don’t floss everyday! If you’re looking for the a dependable, and gorgeous paracord bracelet then visit http://www.naimakka.com to get your own gear. They ship worldwide for $5. Plus, it will attract attention, and you can strike up a conversation with other preppers. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Watch the latest Naimakka review of two different survival bracelets
Make a statement with this fashionable, yet practical survival swag from Naimakka
Take a look at my new commuter bike called the Giant Sedona. It’s been way more comfortable to cruise in than my hardtail mountain bike. I like being able to ride up high, and adjust the handlebars so I can sit up straight. In the HD video you can see all of the extras I threw on it. Building a bike, although it not from scratch, is still a blast, I purchased new Defender fenders to keep myself fresh, a tiny black bell so I don’t have to scream at all the tourists to move or die, water bottle holders for hydration 24/7, and a big manly basket to hold my wildflowers in (more like edible mushrooms). Andy at Prom Bike Shop in Seaside, Oregon told me this bicycle would be an excellent candidate for a 49cc motor, so I’m thing about that upgrade. It’s a work in progress. I’m just grateful to have a bike that doesn’t destroy me after riding it short distances. I’ve never owned a Giant before, but I’m sure I will be satisfied. Like the satin black color with gold trim? It’s different. You’ll see more videos and blogs featuring this whip soon. Thanks or supporting Survival Bros. The website has been doing great, and our YouTube audience is growing rapidly. So please subscribe to our channel here if you haven’t, or click the link to discover other related fun videos. Peace.
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.
Learn all about the NEW contest from Survival Bros, and Cougar Ridge Knives! Visit, or ship your Altoids Survival Tin Kit to the shop for review at: 3348 Hwy 101 N. Seaside OR 97138 USA Call Rick Smith at (503) 738-9812 for additional details on this giveaway. There’s incredible prizes on the line. Lots more soon, so keep checking back on this blog post. Good luck preppers.
*Good news:
This contest has been extended, and is now running until May 1, 2014. So get those entries in. If you are shipping them, please include money for return postage. Thank you.
Here’s the official rules:
1. All contents must be legal commercially available products. All contents must fit inside an Altoids tin and close. Paracord can be used to wrap the tin.
2. Entry submissions can be returned with provided postage, or pickup within 30 days after the contest end.
3. Contest will run from 3/15/14 – 5/1/14. Entries will be judged on practical use and creativity.
Prizes:
1st Prize – Gerber emergency survival pack valued at $60
2nd Prize – Coast emergency lantern valued at $40
3rd Prize – CRKT Eat’N Tool valued at $8
Survival Bros visits a fine knife shop on the Oregon Coast. Stop by the store when you take a trip to the beach.
Owner Rick Smith tell you how you can create a knife with expert guidance at his shop Cougar Ridge Knives in Gearhart, Oregon.
Starring Tactical Gypsy. A former Marine shares the EDC gear on his person, and in his tactical backpack. Thanks for watching Survival Bros. Please subscribe to us on Youtube for more, and on this blog.
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 