By Cameron McKirdy
Two of my close friends have shot themselves in the head in separate recent tragedies. Another failed in his suicide attempt. Not good. Not cool. If you need help, get some. Talk to your friends, family, or call prevention experts like The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. People are available 24/7. You can work through your problems. You are LOVED! Please like and share this post if you agree. Thanks.
By Cameron McKirdy (1/1)
Horns are hot in PDX right now! That’s what I heard from a friend, so when I saw a pair at a pawn shop in my hood, I snagged them. This post is about trading for goodies, and trying to hustle at clothing resale shops in Portland, OR.
First, let me tell you about these horns. I wanted them, so I tried to find something I didn’t want, of some value, to swap at the pawn shop. I traded a motorcycle jacket, iPod shuffle, and $20 for the pointy pair. Once acquired, I drove to Portlandia to make a deal. My homie had athletic shorts for me, and desperately wanted a set of horns to accent her fashionable pad. She loved them, mounting them on her wall above the couch. I bet they stay there collecting dust until she can find something better to trade for. That’s her business. I was pumped on the gear I got, and am wearing as I blog now. It was a fun, and solid trade for all.
I also mobbed to a few clothing resale shops where you can buy, sell, and trade. The Red Light Clothing Exchange on Hawthorne Blvd was full of wacky, tacky, junk. Apparently my clothing was too good to accept. They want crap, not new threads. I should have brought in my ripped, and stained stuff instead, and thrown it in the mud before. And I’m not one to judge, but their use of a B.O. air freshener wasn’t appreciated. The lady evaluating my clothing was a snob. She looked it all over quickly, and threw it back at me, saying “these aren’t for us.” That was it. No have a nice day. She walked away. I guess kindness isn’t trendy over there. Next.
Finally, I tried my luck with Buffalo Exchange on W Burnside St. I’ve dealt with them in the past, and sold some Nike Oregon Duck gear for a little. They had better looking women, and clothing there. I perused. They offered me $15 in trade, or $10 and some change cash for three shirts. I took the money and ran. I knew I wouldn’t get offered much at these resale places, but I thought it would be interesting to try. A learning experience for sure. I’m better off donating old clothes, or selling it online, so I don’t have to waste time and $. Nothing sucks more than paying $5 for parking every spot you go to in Portland. You should never have to pay to park. But I’m an idealist.
Survival Bros hit up Voodoo Donuts – The Magic is in the Hole!!
Produced by Cameron McKirdy
Another day, another hustle. I picked up this vintage Univega mountain bike at a garage sale I found on Craigslist. I wasn’t planning on going to any sales that day, because I was having my own. But the post said there were 100 bicycles for sale, so I had to peep it. This one caught my eye. It’s black, my fav, and had nice big tires on it. Plus, I was pleased that the rear rack came with. I’ve been wanting a hardtail bike, so I can put side bags full of survival gear on it, and possibly a motor. I think this whip is an excellent candidate for a motorized conversion. Now I’m hunting for the right kit on eBay to make it happen.
The lady at the garage sale had this gem priced at $80. Not happening. I pointed out the busted up seat, and said I’d have to replace it. She didn’t want to budge, but I explained it would help me out, because I don’t have a car. So she caved, and took my two crispy 20’s. I was pumped, and felt fortunate for the come up. I thanked her, checked out the rest of her crap, and bounced back to my sale. A hustlers work is never done.
It’s cool finding old stuff at Goodwill, pawn shops, and estate sales. It gives you the chance to learn about products you didn’t know about. Turns out, this brand was one of the first to develop mountain bikes. Very cool. If you know more about Univega, or have other ideas to improve this, please share. Thanks for visiting Survival Bros.
Produced by Cameron McKirdy
My dad and I just got back to the Oregon Coast, after a 4 day trip playing on the McKenzie River and the trail. First we geared up, and hit the rapids with the Oregon Whitewater Association. A group of 70 extreme outdoor enthusiasts floated 14 miles down the river. The water was brutally cold, at only 47 degrees. I fell off our cataraft for the first time after we smashed into a log along the bank. I didn’t have time to be fearful. I was just trying to catch my breath from the shock of the water, and keep my legs up as I floated down. Of course, I had a class 3 life jacket on. I swam to the back of the boat, but didn’t like being where I couldn’t see the rocks ahead of me. Plus, I didn’t want to get trapped under the massive military grade raft. So I separated from the craft, and tried to swim to shore, but the water was moving too fast, and nobody there could help me. I swam to the side of the raft, and was barely able to climb back on. I had to quickly jump off the river bottom to boost myself up. I was fatigued, and just wanted to sit down and assess my injuries. I hit my knee on a rock, and bloodied by shin up. I was only in the river for a few minutes, but it wouldn’t have been long before my body started shutting down, and hypothermia set in. It was intense.
I had my iPhone 4S in my pocket with a LifeProof case on when I went overboard. It worked. No water got in thankfully. In my other pocket I was carrying the new Coast DX335 rescue knife. It stayed clipped on, but luckily I didn’t have to use it. You’d be surprised how many people die on the river getting tangled in ropes. Below is a funny clip I took with the LifeProof case on my cell. It took great video, and you can hear my dad yelling at me to put it away. He thought it was going to get splashed, or fall in as we hit the drop in the rapids. Also below is an HD video review of the Coast Products knife. I will update this blog as I get media online. I used my GoPro Hero 3 Black camera to record my treacherous mountain bike ride down the McKenzie River Trail. That will be up soon. Thanks for visiting Survival Bros. Follow us on Twitter, Youtube, and join the community on Facebook. Peace.
Produced by Cameron McKirdy
In this HD video I test a brand new blade from Kershaw Knives out of Tualatin, Oregon. I hiked with it in my pocket near the crater of Mt. St. Helens, from the Johnston Ridge Observatory. This park is a National Monument, and a true American treasure. The Junkyard Dog 2.2 is also a gem. It’s a rigid manual opening knife, loaded with style. It’s bold, from the slick pocket clip, to the textured black G10 handle. Kershaw thought of everything. It comes with a protective zippered pouch too, which will keep the sand and dirt out of it, and save it from hard falls. My favorite part of the design is the way it opens. The flipper on the top is easy to grip with one finger, and flick open, and into a locked position. The liner lock is also the beefiest I’ve ever seen. It’s no joke. The blade isn’t closing unless you deliberately push the lock to the side.
Overall, the Junkyard Dog 2.2 is easy to handle, and use. I recommend it fully. I like it’s aggressive design. Plus, for a folder, it has a thick and wide blade. It must also be mentioned that the blade is made of composite steel. It’s quality engineering, boasting both D2 steel, and high-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless on the spine. The Junkyard Dog 2.2 can take any beating you dish out. Survival Bros has even battoned it with wood to cut kindling for a fire. It has sliced through every material I’ve tried; duct tape, rope, fabric, tree branches, elk meat, and more. If you’re looking for a bigger EDC knife, this one is epic. The JYD 2 retails for $149.95. The version tested is Model 1725CB. More reviews soon. I’d appreciate your comments. Thanks!
Produced by Cameron McKirdy
When you are in the field, your gear has to work. That’s why I pack the best in my bag. I’ve been testing both the Dukjug, and H2O Lite bottles from GSI Outdoors, featured in the HD video review above. I hiked out to Cape Falcon in Oswald West State Park. This Oregon State Park is wondrous, with vast ocean views, and wide waterfalls. The trail was muddy though, but I live to get dirty. It’s 2.10 miles to Cape Falcon from the parking lot on Highway 101. So it took about 45 minutes to get to where I filmed the product review.
The Dukjug is my favorite bottle. It’s stainless steel, and holds 1 liter. The design is fun, and colorful. It’s covered in peace signs, and funky tye dye, so this container fits my hippie personality. GSI Outdoors makes other designs of this jug too, and even a plastic version, all of which are BPA-free. Their Dukjug is unique, because it stores duct tape under the rubber band on the outside. Of course every prepper should have extra tape on hand just in case. I’d use this bottle for hot liquids, and mixing up drinks, like instant coffee or tea. It has a wide lid, so you can store anything inside, even food. The Dukjug tips the scales at 10.1 oz, and retails for $19.95. That’s a value, because unless you drop it off a cliff, it will last a lifetime.
The H2O Lite is super handy to have around. It’s collapsible, and weighs next to nothing, only 0.9 oz. I can just roll it up, and shove it in my backpack. It takes up virtually no space. I like that you can write on it, and date it. Plus, it has a cool cap so it doesn’t leak. When you want a cold drink, just pop the top, and squirt it in your pie hole. Graduations are marked on the back too, which could help with cooking when you need to use a precise amount of water. GSI Outdoors makes smaller versions as well. I would want to bring one of those on my shorter day trips when I’m going ultralight. If you need quality camping gear, look no further than this American company. They have a huge product line you have to check out. More reviews soon. Thanks for visiting Survival Bros. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog. Peace and love.
Produced by Cameron McKirdy
My bro known as “Tactical Gypsy” sent me these delicious pictures to blog about. He loves his elk. You can see all the spices and flavorings used to produce the glorious nuggets. Half of the loaves are spicy, half mild. Both varieties went well with pepper jack cheese, sharp cheddar, and even brie on crackers. Most of these will be stored in the freezer tonight, the others gifts.
Here’s the recipe:
8 LBS Elk burger
1/2 cup Morton’s Tender Quick. Mix well & let sit overnight in fridge.
Add… 1 1/2 TBSP Coarse pepper, 1 1/2 TBSP Garlic powder, 1 1/2 TBSP Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, 1 TBSP Mustard seed, 1 Tsp Cayenne pepper, 3 TBSP Liquid smoke…. MIX well!
Make 8 rolls/loaves. Put on broiler pan & bake 4Hrs @ 250* turning 1/4 turn every 1/2 Hr. Make sure internal heat gets to 150*.
Cool to room temp before wrapping and freezing.
By Cameron McKirdy
I’ve been busy hustling. I haven’t been working out like I should. It’s time to make a change. In 6 weeks I plan to lose just 40 pounds!
I’m 6 foot, 240lbs. This is the heaviest I’ve been. I don’t feel fat, but I could look and feel better. So I’m launching a Survival Bros training camp. I will kick my own ass. I’ll be mountain biking, running, swimming, hiking, balln, and making sweet love. ;^].
This is the before picture.
I will keep you posted on my progress. It’s going to be hardcore. I will also take my diet seriously, eating raw fruits and vegetables, while juicing plenty. Plus, I will eat mainly high protein foods like: salmon, chicken, turkey, rice protein powder, and more. I intend to avoid high-fat grub, and sugary substances. It’s gonna be a long road. Join me. Check back soon, and set your own goals. I believe in you.
Update: I did some heavy detoxing today. Sweating can be one of the best feelings. I helped a friend move all morning. It was intense. I stayed hydrated though, drinking coconut water, pomegranate juice, and spring water. Later I savored a hot bubble bath in minerals with essential oils and extracts, including juniper and menthol. Then I took a nap. Tomorrow I will track down some green tea to help flush more toxins from my body. I’m also going to be looking for a new gym. I may have found one with an infrared sauna. I’m going to hit that hard, and cycle through hydrotherapy by showering in brutally cold water after enduring the heat. I can’t wait.
In addition to eating better, and hard training, I’m taking superfoods, and supplements. Here’s a picture of what I have on hand this week. I will add more to this cocktail soon.
Subscribe to Survival Bros. We have enormous plans for the blog in the near future. I got a GoPro HD Hero 3 Black Edition camera to record my adventures in a first person point of view. I just tested it by filming a mountain bike ride in rain showers on Highway 101. It was mounted on my head. Video coming!
Update #2: I’ve been taking care of myself. I hit another sauna this week. After heating the rocks for an hour, I got the room up to 200 degrees! It was crazy hot. I did some serious detoxing, and hit ice cold showers in between rounds. It felt amazing. I’m sure I cut a few pounds. I was so relaxed after. Nothing was bothering me.
I’ve been training very hard. I got back into lifting weights. I gain muscle easy, but I figured with cardio mixed in I’d begin losing pounds. But I actually gained 6 lbs! It didn’t make sense. Something was wrong. I should have started this mission with a detox kit from the health food store. I came to the conclusion I was constipated. I should be lighter, and feeling better. I did some research, and found that all the antacids I’ve been munching are the culprit.
So this morning I tried bisacodyl for the first time. And I may have over done it. I took 3 pills throughout the day. I’ve pooped 8 times already! That’s a personal best. Graphic I know, but I could have posted a picture. Honestly, I’m exhausted. I’m pounding water and eating healthy. I juiced too. And I threw in a little extra psyllium into my H2O for good measure. Now the weight loss begins. It just got real.
In other news, I’m still looking for a new gym. I’ve been hitting up every one in town for a free trial. The YMCA gave me 7 free passes. Another fitness center offered a free week to workout. I may never pay for a gym. There’s nothing natural about exercising in a health club anyways. I’d rather hike. I’m climbing Mount St. Helens tomorrow. I will film it for you. Next, I’m going to call around and get some free tanning in. A little won’t hurt my pasty butt.
Update #3: Well, I ended up gaining weight. I worked out a lot more, and packed on muscle. Who cares? I like being a heavyweight. However, I am gearing up, and training for a new challenge. In a month my dad and I will be backpacking about 16 miles per day, for 4 days, on the famous Eagle Creek Trail in Oregon. To prepare I’m stepping up my cardio training, and working on my flexibility. I will hike Mt. St. Helens again, and Saddle Mountain soon. Plus, I’m doing yoga, and other low impact training, like cycling. I’m just going to mix it up, and stay loose. I will lose weight rapidly when I get on that treadmill. I just scored a FREE 30 trial membership at another local gym, so it’s on. More on my preps for the next big adventure soon. %^D.
Produced by Cameron McKirdy
It’s not easy to set the alarm for 5:30 AM. But the prospect of free food was too alluring. My bro and I geared up, and went down to the beach in Seaside OR, right off of Avenue U. There were swarms of foragers looking for clam shows. The dimples in the sand were everywhere. We got our limit of 15 razor clams in about 30 minutes. Mission successful! We will be back soon. I hope my video entertains, and informs. We had fun shooting it. Maybe next time Survival Bros will show you how we cook the squirmy grub. Thanks for visiting this blog. Comments are always appreciated. Happy hunting. Peace and love.
This is just under the limit for 2 people with licenses.
I just rode an ebike for the first time! I love it. It hauled. And with dual disc brakes, I stopped on a dime. I priced models at Electric & Folding Bikes Northwest www.ebikesnw.com They start at around $1,000. I want to charge an electric bike with my Powertraveller solar panels. I’m looking at some designs from Currie Tech for Survival Bros, because me and my people are going places. That will be the day. Have a good one. Thanks for visiting the Survival Bros blog.
Cameron McKirdy at Columbia Scooters in Portland OR www.columbiascooters.com
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 