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
Check out the contents of a Blessing Bag made by Girl Scouts for Homeless People. Please share this video! Send this to a friend, and add it to your own YouTube Playlist. I hope you consider making kits like this for vandwellers in your area. The less fortunate could use your help as Winter approaches. #vanlife
Thanks for visiting our blog. More on the way from Oregon.
Cameron McKirdy from Survival Bros gives you a tour of his vehicle, and explains why he uses the gear he has. Living in a van allows him to be more free, and not answer to a Boss. He can nap, or go thrifting when he wants to. It’s a challenging lifestyle, but vandwelling can be done, if you’re creative, and easy-going. #vanlife
Would you live in a van? You get to travel more, and save some money. Going places may help you meet new people, and get different perspectives. Don’t be afraid to chat, and share with strangers. Subscribe on YouTube, and follow us on Twitter! More posts soon. Thanks for stopping by our blog.
Survival Bros on YouTube from a farm in Oregon State
Watch and learn how to get a free home, vehicle, or abandoned trailer like this one I found. It was left on a back road in Oregon. If someone doesn’t claim it by the posted time on the public notice, then it will be towed and impounded. To get a free house, etc. just call the Sheriff and tell the police it’s yours now, and you will be taking responsibility of ownership.
I could put this on a friend’s property, or pay only $35 per month to store it locally. Decisions…Decisions…and here I am blogging about it.
Watch Cam’s new #vandwelling #experience for Survival Bros . com
Preparedness Expert Cameron McKirdy from #SurvivalBros lists his gear items for living in a 1994 Chevy 20 van and tent camping. He is on tour in Oregon, and making new videos for viewers. Subscribe to our channel for travel vlogs, and more #vanlife living ideas. Comments are appreciated.
The 1986 VW Vanagon runs into a problem on the commute to a Lifeguard training program in #Oregon My car just won’t stop honking due to cold weather. So odd. Please comment if you know how this car trouble issue can be fixed! Thanks for visiting our preparedness blog #survivalbros Follow by entering your email address above on the left side of the page. You’ll get all of the articles sent directly to your inbox, no spam, and we won’t give away your info. Thanks.
Come back often for #vandwelling updates and adventures in the wild.
Screenshot from the video. My RPM gauge is the only instrument that works in the VW Vanagon! I can’t figure out how to reset the clock either. Plus, the odometer and speedometer are broken, so I go the the GPS unit for more information on my drive sometimes. The van needs some love. My heater fan went out last summer, but will require taking off the dash.
Please like, comment, and share this vlog post with your friends. The Survival Bros community is really growing, and taking off – because of your help and support.
A survivalist and cancer fighter answers my questions about his unique ride. This electric trike gets 240 miles per gallon of gas. Talk about frugality and wellness wrapped in one man’s mission to live! The cyclist is always moving his legs, and getting a workout while going down the road. He had this tricycle loaded with groceries, and clean laundry. It could easily haul over 100 pounds of gear. What do you think of this survival mobile? More on the #survivalbros YouTube Channel. Subscribe today to watch all the HD video adventures for free online. Thanks for the support.
Feel free to leave a comment or word of encouragement for this man
The highlight of the The Fremont Solstice Fair was a naked bike ride by Solstice Cyclists
Watch a terrible bicycle accident by a nude rider at the Finish Line. People were quick to respond, and encouraging. Fortunately, the painted nudist was wearing a helmet. It protected her head for sure. The wings didn’t do much.
Would you paint your junk and parade downtown? This event made me want to live at a nudist colony. There were several organizations trying to lure me to their campground. It’s on my to-do list. I will be vandwelling in my Volkswagen van, forget pitching a tent there.
Beautiful painted Goddess smiling for us at Gas Works Park in Seattle, Washington
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
Watch our new HD video production to get ideas of easy meals you can create while living in your vehicle. I’ve been sleeping in my 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL, or vandwelling for eight months straight now. Being out there, and doing IT, teaches you what it takes to plan for a long road trip. However, maybe this blog post will inspire you to do more car camping. It’s been an amazing experience, and my pleasure to share with you. I’m so glad I’ve been able to see more of the Pacific Northwest while I’m young, wild, and free. Now I just need to find more stickers to paste on my VW Bus.
Many food suggestions shown in the YouTube video are also ideal for backpacking, because they are ready instantly with hot water. Other dishes, or side meals are fully prepared for consumption as is, such as the individually wrapped granola bars. I also eat plenty of fresh organic fruit, and drink spring or distilled water. No tap.
Tip: Use different sizes of Ziploc bags to store food items in, and label each kit with a permanent pen. You can compact the plastic storage sacks, and take most of the air out of them, so they are almost vacuum sealed, and take up minimal space. Then put the locked baggies in larger bins, or the pockets of your Everyday Carry backpack for safekeeping.
1986 VW Vanagon getting it done
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