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
Survival Bros at the McMinnville COOP’s Labyrinth and Gardens. Presented by Parkview Community Center. Here’s the address: 325 NE Burnett Rd McMinnville, OR 97128
A labyrinth is reflective space where you can notice changes in your thinking. Perhaps you can look at a situation, and see it in a new light. Find a labyrinth using this locator website. Tell #SurvivalBros what you think about these amazing works of Art. Combining both the best of Philosophy and Nature.
Cameron McKirdy takes another selfie
A deer eats and apple under a tree in the park
Please comment, like, share, and SUBSCRIBE! Thanks for watching our HD video productions. Have a peaceful day. More on http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com
Cameron McKirdy drives his vehicle, a 1986 Volkswagen Vangon in gross, extremely dangerous Winter weather conditions near the beach in Seaside, Oregon.
Survival Bros Tips for driving in rain:
Turn your lights on
Obey traffic laws
Allow extra time and distance between yourself and other cars
Have good windshield wiper blades and/or Rain-X the front
Take your time (go slower), plus let people in (merge), and people to cross the road
Avoid distractions like filming, texting while driving, and singing to music in your car
Please try NOT to soaking pedestrians with enormous puddles near sidewalks!
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
Learn which individual servings or samples of condiments, and sauce you can find for free. Do some urban scavenging like me. Stockpile packets of ketchup, salsa, candy, and more items for storage. My favorite package seen in the video is the lemon juice. I forgot to mention it. You can find just about any free food packet out there. I have a secret sauce floating around my van somewhere from Burger King. I think I eat out more for condiments than the fast food itself.
Having these sauces, and sugars, etc. on hand saves money. Take food packets like the ones shown on your next camping trip for extra spice, or flavor in your meal. Get free condiments as seen on Survival Bros at restaurants, and convenience stores. If something isn’t priced, it must be available to take.
Do you stockpile packets like I do? I feel like such a rebel when my pockets are full, and I’ve made a clean getaway with the loot.
I’m all about my freebies. Maybe you remember all of the product samples I’ve scored, and blogged about in the past. You can get free stuff easily by requesting trials online, and they will be delivered to you by mail. When I’m not filling out forms like that, I’m in shops trying to get hook ups. In Starbucks this week they were sampling out pasteries. They weren’t on display yet. The stash was sitting off into the corner on the counter, with a Manager’s note saying “Sample these.” I politely asked an employee if I could have one of the items. There was all sorts of muffins, bars, and scones to pick from. On day one I took the pink cake filled lolly pops with sprinkles. I didn’t eat them in public.
I went back to the coffee shop for more samples the next day, just in case they were still available. Really, I just needed the WiFi to upload my previous video. I scored the squishy coffee cake that day, but didn’t stop there. I requested 3 honey packets too, since they don’t put those out at all Starbucks locations. I swiped a few raw sugar packets as well. Plus, I saw another sign saying I can request a free sample beverage using their coffee pods if I asked. When I mentioned it, the worker said they haven’t used that set up to brew complimentary cups of fresh java lately, even though the machine, and sample pods where still on the front counter. I didn’t have time for them to pretend to look for an extension cord, so I took samples for later consumption.
I like to visit the health food store weekly, and my last trip was really worth it. They always have free tablets of Vitamin C to help yourself to, but there was more. I found packets of food-grade Diatomaceous Earth, Natural Calm magnesium mixes in three flavors, Barlean’s Greens, one DHA pill, and a bag of tea. These individually wrapped servings are perfect for my backpacking trips, and the small emergency caches I like to build to prepare for tsunamis. If I can swoop up all of these freebies, than so can you. Ask for a nibble when you’re in the food court, or browsing the deli counter at the grocery store. It’s fun to see what you can get for asking. Happy hunting Survival Bros.
These cake pops were amazing!
Free coffee cake went well with peanut butter and strawberry jelly
Recently I camped in a Walmart parking lot on West 11th in Eugene, Oregon. In this HD video you’ll get the scoop on what it’s like to do some urban stealth camping in my 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL. It was noisy, and the space is well lit, but in general, I got great rest. It feels good to be somewhere, and not have to pay for the experience. This was a fun experiment, and I’d recommend it to any Survival Bros. out there. Staying at Walmart for free beats dropping hundreds for a night in a hotel. Would you try this? Live simple my friends. More videos about my summer road trip coming soon. Thanks for visiting my blog! Peace and love.
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.
Good luck treasure hunting at Goodwill and beyond! Expect epic finds.
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.
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 