Posts Tagged ‘VW’

By Cam The Cuddler of CuddleLife

cam-hugs-rickCam with Rick McCrank – host of VICELAND’S Abandoned in Astoria, Oregon

Oregonian Cameron McKirdy appears on VICELAND’s “Abandoned.”  It’s a new travel documentary type show featuring deserted places.  I guided the VICE TV crew around our area, and shared my story.  Producers from British Columbia, Canada filmed the host, Professional Skateboarder Rick McCrank and I discussing preparations for a nuclear disaster, and a tsunami.  VICE and I took my Volkswagon van for a ride along the ocean in Long Beach, Washington looking for shelter, plus debris from the 2011 Japanese tsunami.  Over two days we built emergency preparedness kits with ammo boxes to bury in the ground along escape routes, like I have shown on my YouTube Channel called Survival Bros.  We scavenged free health food samples from A Gypsy’s Whimsy, and purchased essential gear items to cache at more stores located in Astoria and Seaside, OR.  The #survival kit I helped McCrank build should help him endure a disaster if he keeps it close by.  I always have my emergency Go-Bag with me.

ON AIR you should see me (Cam The Cuddler) hugging people and chatting about my life as a certified professional cuddler.  Check out his CuddleLife Blog for more information and to read my FAQs.  I offer a platonic touch service, and I’m open to trades and donations.  Typically I get one dollar per minute to care for people.  I believe cuddling is therapeutic, and a fun and safe way to get the positive human touch we all need to survive. 

Email CamTheCuddler@gmail.com to book a free cuddling consultation today!  #hugs #camthecuddler

Watch Abandoned Season 1 Episode 5 #NUCLEARWASTE on Amazon HERE

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Keep’n IT real with @mccranker of VICELAND CANADA


VICELAND camera gear

VICELAND’S HD Camera Gear near Cam’s Volkswagen Vanagon…

 My 1986 VW as seen on the #survivalbros YouTube Channel – SUBSCRIBE

Cam aka Papa Bear sending hugs your way from Seaside,Oregon

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Cameron Cuddling Cuddle Up To Me’s Samantha Hess in Portland, OR

 

By Cameron McKirdy

Attention my fellow Survival Bros: Check our my new vehicle for car camping!  The old 2.1 Liter Volkswagen Vanagon has been sold to a hippie.  This 1994 Chevrolet G-20 van cost $2,000, and has 136,000 miles on it.  I’m hopeful that the Chevy will be much more reliable than the 1986 VW bus I lived in for nearly 2.5 years!  I must have had AAA tow my last ride 13 times to a mechanic or home.

#SurvivalBros is creating a new video series on vandwelling in this RV.  You’re gonna want to see every episode of my travels.  I’m bursting with information, and tips to share about living on the road.  Share this vlog and blog post with friends into #vandwelling   Subscribe today on YouTube HERE!

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Hanging out at “Surfer’s Parking Lot” near The Cove in Seaside, Oregon. Checking the wave conditions and people watching along the coast.

From Cameron McKirdy – 

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.

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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.  

Produced By Cameron McKirdy

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

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

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 http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com

Owl Kills Squirrel and Poses for Cameron McKirdy’s Camera

Check out http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com for more Art, Video, and Fun! 

 

 

Cameron McKirdy was here.

Survival Bros finds a used plastic water bottle full of urine in a Safeway parking lot.  Have you guys gone to the bathroom this way?  I’ve never thrown a refilled container out of my vehicle onto the highway.  That’s just wrong.  And littering will cost you.  Peeing on trees is much more fun.  Hug them before you go potty.

Litter weighing five pounds or less is a class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500. If between five and 500 pounds, class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500, imprisonment up to 30 days, or both.

FACT:  It takes 450 years for a plastic bottle to decompose.  

Leave a comment about this video please.  Thank you for contributing to the Survival Bros Blog.  Cheers.

Produced by Cameron McKirdy http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com

survival bros logoFind Survival Bros on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

 

By Survival Bros President Cameron McKirdy

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

1986 VW Vanagon getting it done

Please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel HERE!  I will follow back if you make similar videos.  Like, comment, and share this blog post with friends. Let us know if you are vandweller, and what your setup looks like.  Visit the Survival Bros HD Videos page above for all of the latest adventures.

Food Kit

Check out my other blog:  http://www.CameronMcKirdy.com

Feel free to email me if you like:  thesurvivalbros@gmail.com

 

By Cameron McKirdy

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.

Follow Survival Bros on Instagram!

insta rainbowsMan walking Seaside, OR Promenade soaks up The Rainbows 

By Cameron McKirdy

car camping food listCar camping is one of my favorite blog topics.  I hope you find it interesting too.  Here’s a checklist of my top foods to store in your vehicle.  Many items instantly turn into grub by adding hot water.  I got ideas for the perfect van dwelling foods by watching YouTube videos of Thru Hikers packing for their long distance trips.  Search for Pacific Crest Trail aka PCT, or Appalachian Trail Backpackers online.

Ziplock bags are a trusted way to keep organized.  You can even write on the outside with a permanent pen to label things.  Plus, plastic sacks maintain some protection from water, rats, an other elements.  Let me know if you have any questions about my setup.  Add several gallons of distilled and spring water (not pictured), and I’m ready to go off the grid for weeks.  I’m stocked up on:

  • Honey with ginseng, bee pollen, and royal jelly
  • Drinks: water, aloe water, coconut beverages, teas, fruit juices
  • Soups in cans to heat and serve, and powdered packets
  • Protein Powder, plus various green powders (wheat grass)
  • Pasta Sides, and Dishes like Top Ramen
  • Dehydrated Food such as Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals (Apple Crisp is my favorite)
  • Fruit: Fresh Produce like apples and bananas, also fruit strips, bottles, and cans
  • Nuts and Seeds like Almond and Hemp
  • Granola Bars, and Oatmeal 
  • Instant Coffee, instant milk
  • Condiments: Packets of butter, salsa, pepper, salt, raw sugar, mayonnaise, ketchup, and everything else Free and Holy
  • Canned meats: Flavored tuna, Spam, Chicken Salad with crackers

 

By Cam

Out of nowhere, my VW Bus is struggling to start.  Everything electrical flickers.  The radio cuts out.  The engine sputters.  Plus, the battery and OXS (oxygen sensor) light came on.  I called Avery’s Air-Cooled in Kelso, WA and they helped me diagnose the problem over the phone.  We figured the issue was a faulty voltage regulator.  Mechanics Jason and Kelly had a $40 Bosch part, and installed the unit for only $29.  But before I got fixed up and back on the road, I was parked on the shoulder of Highway 101, waiting for Classic Towing to get me to another state – Washington.  Thank God for AAA.  I’m on the Premier towing package.  Nothing but the best for my baby.  Funny that I broke down on the way to the repair shop.

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Avery’s Air-Cooled always hooks me up, and keeps my bill low.  And if you have a Volkswagen, chances are they will have the part you need in stock.  Call them to order something at (360) 425-1119  Here’s their website too!   http://www.averysaircooled.com/  I will have to shoot some HD video there soon.  They have tow truck loads of vintage bugs, buses, and beyond.  And if you hang out long enough, you’ll get to see a traveling Art Show as the graffiti passes on the nearby train tracks.  

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Here’s an HD video production I created filming graffiti on trains in Longview, Washington.  Visit Cam’s other YouTube Channel and SUBSCRIBE!

VW Bus 1986 Vanagon

New photo of my 1986 Volkwagen Vanagon at a Rest Area

By Cameron McKirdy

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!

safeway car camping

My RV parked next to other travelers stationed at Safeway in Astoria, OR