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
Are you a natural scavenger like me? I often dream about prepping for disasters by roaming the streets, searching for anything I can use; pens, paperclips, tape, food, water, First Aid supplies. It’s crazy how much people in America through away. Lots of items in the trash are still good, another man’s treasure.
I made a pit stop at Goodwin Park at 1172 Necanicum, on the corner of 12th in Seaside, Oregon. When I got out of my Volkswagen Vanagon, I noticed I had rolled over eight AAA, and AA batteries. So I did the natural thing, and busted out my HD camera for a vlog rant. Turns out these energy sources were still full of life. They must have fallen out of someone’s vehicle or bag. I swooped them up, and put them in my EDC backpack for storage. I have many flashlights, and headlamps that could use these batteries later.
What have you scavenged around town or in the woods? It’s always fun to find stuff you can use, especially money. But don’t get too attached to anything, because you could lose it also. Like the time when I recently found $20 on the ground, put it in my pocket, only to realized it fell out of my jacket before I could blow it!
The colors! Witness two magical rainbows going into the Pacific Ocean water. Filmed in HD video on the Prom near 12th Ave. in Seaside, Oregon. Produced by http://www.cameronmckirdy.com More fun movies, and van dwelling Vlogs coming soon. The Volkswagen Vanagon is still putting around. Thanks for visiting my website. Have you ever seen a double rainbow in person? It was awesom. I love The Universe.
Survival Bros sleeps in a 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon GL, down by the Columbia River for free. You can stay at in the Safeway parking lot in Astoria, Oregon at no cost, and you won’t be hassled for being there, according an employee running the gas station. I was polite, and purchased distilled water in the store anyways. Find out if the sea lions drove me crazy from all the noise. I kept imagining the loud animals being destroyed by killer whales, great white sharks, and nuclear war heads. However, if your cruising the Oregon Coast, keep this location in mind so you don’t have to pay to live, or for a view. I love the car camping lifestyle. If you can stay mobile, and explore The World, why do anything else? More van dwelling videos in High Definition coming soon. Thanks for liking, and commenting ahead of time. Cheers!
My RV parked next to other travelers stationed at Safeway in Astoria, OR
An hour East of Eugene, the McKenzie River Recreational Trail waits to be conquered. A 26 mile path skirts the cold, rippling waterway. It’s one of America’s premier destinations for bikers, and hikers. Outdoor enthusiasts can also be spotted during the summer on the water in rafts of all shapes and sizes. Survival Bros floated it. However, here’s what’s its like to attack the upper part of the wilderness trail on my bicycle.
The 1986 Volkswagen Vanagon is locked. Bike is ready. God bless my vintage Univega Alpina Pro mountain bike. It’s a hardtail with tire liners for extra protection, so I shouldn’t have trouble pummeling porous lava rocks. This will be my first ride with it off of pavement, or graveled logging roads. Exciting. Water, check. Mechanix gloves, yes. 3M safety shades, on. Let’s crush this.
And I’m off. Going downhill mostly, to Clearwater Lake from the top of the trail. I will have to fill my stainless steel water bottle at the campground. Problem is, it’s hard to know what’s undrinkable, and what’s potable with all the well pumps around. I may have to take a chance, because I’m not buying water. I’m looking forward to adding 2 packets of Airborne Plus Energy into my drink for flavor, vitamins, and minerals.
The plan is to tackle the challenging section of course around the lake first, then take an easy trail back uphill to my vehicle. OK, get centered. Where are you? In the moment. Faster!!!
Root! Pop the front wheel over, and peddle. Good. Lean into this corner. Branch…We’re bushwacking today. Alright, NOW break. Shift weight back, coming off the seat. Who put this tree down here? Ever heard of a chainsaw? Pick up your bike. Thankfully, it’s lightweight, full chromoly frame. I’m so happy I invested in tuning this vintage ride up. The guys at Canyonview Cyclery took care of me. This is the video I produced at their shop after the Univega was restored to glory.
There’s the edge of the water at Clear Lake. I’ve never seen water so pristine. I bet I could drink straight from the lake. Ducks do it. I almost hit one fowl in my way. Move mallard. Already, I’ve narrowly avoided about 10 chipmunks, and a large rabbit too. I’ve seen squirrels try to take on bikes before. They ended up in the spokes without a head. That would ruin my day. I need a bell on this bike of mine to signal wildlife.
Now comes the hard part. Negotiating lava rock fields on two wheels. But I’ve been here before. Only I came from the opposite direction last time. I’m going to have to push it up this long hill. It feels great to get off my butt, and work other muscle groups. I like my new bicycle handle bar ends. Now I have more hand positions, and can really pull myself up steep inclines.
I’m flying. Let’s not forget our 5 D’s of mountain biking: dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge! Corner! Hard left. Leaning into it, and looking where I want to go. Holy guacamole. I almost sailed into the lake. The canoers would have liked to see that. I’d rather not be fishing. This is what I came to do.
Bump. My nuts. Watch the nuts. You’re going to need those. Oh God, I have to split between a root, and a rock going fast. No room for error. Arrghhh. Made it. But that took all of my upper body strength. I haven’t screamed that loud since…oh, let’s keep it PG. I’m dumping sweat. This is my hell workout. Put it all on the line. Gasp. Exhale. Breath. Sigh. Focused. A few more miles of rocky road, and then a less technical section to savor. The McKenzie River Recreational Trail is damn tough. No wonder it’s one of the World’s most celebrated biking areas. I can do this. Finish strong. I’m the man. BEAST MODE!
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.
Survival Bros hunts for urban treasure at local thrift stores around town in Eugene, Oregon. Cameron McKirdy must have been to eight shops that day. All of the searching paid off, wouldn’t you say? Thanks for watching another HD video production. Please subscribe today via email! Happy hunting Survival Bros. More on http://www.cameronmckirdy.com
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.
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
Survival Bros brings you another great product review in HD video. The ElliptiGO 11R is excellent for climbing mountains, and can go where any road bike can travel. I was lucky enough to catch a professional competitor at the RV park to review the outdoor racing elliptical cycle. Special thanks to the veteran that made time to share his experience with us all. I’d love to hear what you have to say on this product. Please comment if you own and ElliptiGO, or why you want one. At $3,500 for the racing model, I don’t know that I’ll be getting an elliptical cycle, but one can dream. Personally, I think this would be an excellent full body workout, and perfect for rehabilitation from an injury. It’s comfortable, smooth, but kind of heavy at 39 pounds. I will have to schedule a test ride at a dealer near me soon. Watch out Portland!
Survival Bros by Cameron McKirdy 