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
In this HD video, I show you how to get free food samples at any Safeway Grocery Store simply by asking. First stop; The Bakery. I scored a chocolate chip cookie, and a rich brownie with fudge frosting by using little effort. Getting this freebie was child’s play, but the complementary grub isn’t available only for the kids, as you may have thought. I use this method on most of my visits to large retailers. The bakers told me they give out 10-15 trays of 45 count cookies daily. So claim your grub, and don’t let free calories go uneaten. Also of note, The Bakery is on my way from the back of the grocery store, where I check the half off sale items anyways.
Free samples and bargains can be had, even at the most expensive Safeway in America, located in my hometown of Seaside, Oregon. I do this wild stuff to offset the cost of my calorie intake, and for my own sick amusement. I want to get the maximum out of any given situation, like I did in this social experiment. The employees are typically really generous, and don’t mind my request. A friend and I once got three types of no cost cookies for each person asking. So we enjoyed a variety of desserts for free to enjoy while filling my cart. Share your comments below on urban scavenging.In this photo I show off my huge haul of three roast beef pieces after politely requesting to try some red meat at the deli counter. This was enough flesh for a hearty sandwich, but I ate it in store, and even shared some with another shopper! Push the limit, and ask to sample each and every appetizing food type behind the glass. It’s the education you need to become a smarter shopper.
I spent the weekend on the Oregon Coast in Seaside, and had spare time to experiment with a new Art project. First, I dug through a recycling bin for cardboard to create a small handmade sign with a permanent pen. Then I rounded up some fun objects I didn’t need anymore, like a Smokey The Bear keychain whistle. These goods would be available to begin the open bartering. I spread out a towel, and placed the trinkets on The Prom’s concrete path.
With little effort, and few resources, a self-serve system was born. A take one, leave one blanket is a place where an item of any kind can freely be exchanged as you see fit. Share this concept with people in your town. You wouldn’t believe the response. Nearly every biker, and pedestrian stopped their forward progress to figure out what was going on. This open trading system seemed to inspire, confuse, and even make some people greedy.
I may have seen people taking without giving, thinking nobody was looking, but I’m not sure. Others had no issue taking nice items, like a Tree of Life necklace pendant, and replacing it with trash. I found the blanket riddled with wrappers, cardboard scraps, and even half of a marijuana cigarette. Take a close look at the pictures, and you’ll see other small stuff, like a paperclip, pocket change, flower, price tag sticker, and a pile of sand from the beach.
I discretely checked back every few hours for a day, and saw some of the action in person. People generously placed beautiful possessions with little hesitation. There were cool things left behind that I didn’t get a picture of, because I didn’t want to interrupt the process. My favorite moment was when a 12-year old girl named Krystin Crawford set down her hand painted sand dollars. She took a braided piece of grasses someone constructed. The girl enjoyed sharing the Art she made, and getting involved. See her craftsmanship below. The found, and re-purposed shells were adorable. Krystin and her mom came back to the free exchange place the following morning with a positive attitude. Everything had changed. This artist endeavour has restored my faith in humanity once and for all, despite some shady, but acceptable transactions by others.
In conclusion, I will try this social experiment again. I was thrilled to see this interactive art piece evolve rapidly. I saw joy on many of the participants faces. This free trading system can be implemented anywhere, at anytime. Let’s spread the concept, and see the random generousity of others displayed in public. And remember, you’ll usually get more than you give. Leave a comment, or question if you like. Thanks for visiting Survival Bros.
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 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.
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.
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.
The colors! Witness two magical rainbows going into the Pacific Ocean water. Photo taken on the Prom near 12th Ave. in Seaside, Oregon. Produced by http://www.cameronmckirdy.com More fun movies, and van dwelling Vlogs coming soon. I’m still around. Thanks for visiting my website. Have you ever seen a double rainbow in person? It was awesome. I love The Universe.
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
Cameron McKirdy of Survival Bros gets naked, and films the Terwilliger Hot Springs near Cougar Reservoir in Oregon by Blue River. Check out the four natural pools, and the wooden structures. The top pool is now under construction. The natural cave, which was a sauna, and the source of the hot springs is being remodeled by experts. They want it to remain as natural looking as possible. Word on the street is that the first pool will reopen as soon as it’s safe, and stable.
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.
A friend and I once got three types of no cost cookies for each person asking. So we enjoyed a variety of desserts for free to enjoy while filling my cart. Share your comments below on urban scavenging.
In this photo I show off my huge haul of three roast beef pieces after politely requesting to try some red meat at the deli counter. This was enough flesh for a hearty sandwich, but I ate it in store, and even shared some with another shopper! Push the limit, and ask to sample each and every appetizing food type behind the glass. It’s the education you need to become a smarter shopper.
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 