Dustin's Book - Chapter Thirteen (#141) — Transcript
Updated: Oct 26
THE PICTURE OF WEALTH · EPISODE 141
Dustin Serviss reads chapter thirteen of his book, “Cold Plunge Blindness,” continuing Theo’s journey through questions about wealth, perspective and the future.
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This transcript was generated from the episode audio and lightly edited for readability. It may contain transcription or speaker-attribution errors. Refer to the recording for exact wording.
Chapters
[00:00:25] Chapter thirteen: Cold Plunge Blindness
[00:01:41] A creek crossing and an unexpected soaking
[00:02:57] A moose and calf in the meadow
[00:04:16] Building a shelter from a different perspective
[00:05:28] Photographing the scene and asking how the idea arose
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Transcript
[00:00:00] Dustin Serviss: Welcome to the picture of wealth or TPAW as we call it. I am your host, Dustin Service.
[00:00:25] Dustin Serviss (reading): As I mentioned in the last chapter, I don't know what the book name is going to be. It was Man's Picture of Wealth. But actually, it's going to be something different. Something more meaningful. Something more true to the text. So, listener, I appreciate you coming along the journey reading the book with me. So, without further ado, chapter thirteen, cold plunge blindness. Fourth contest, eleventh of June twenty nineteen, back at the lodge. Theo locked his camera gear in a watertight rear compartment for the trip back to the lodge. Make sure both latches and overlap strap are secure on that thing, man said.
[00:01:05] Dustin Serviss (reading): He turned the machine around and worked it out of the lake zone taking a different trail. After a minute, he stopped, locked in the differential, and pointed the machine straight in an impossible looking rocky rise. Then he slowly crawled the machine up a section that Theo thought would be difficult enough to do on foot. But the tires held and as they crested the hill, all they could see was the hood of the machine and the sky. Theo's heart jumped. Then the ground leveled and there in front of them was a meadow that darkened into a wetland at the far end, sparkling with water and bristling with bunch grass and low lying shrub.
[00:01:41] Dustin Serviss (reading): A rushing creek blocked their way to the meadow which was dotted with wildflowers. Rocky mountain tops rose far in the background. Mans eased the UTV back down the bluff into the meadow. They were about to cross the creek, which looked to Theo to be far too deep to cross in the machine, but there were tracks on both sides, so this was obviously something that happened regularly. He saw him check the differential on four wheel drive again, and before he knew what was happening, Manns once again floored the machine straight into the middle of the creek. In an instant, the ice cold water rushed up over the hood, hitting Theo
[00:02:16] Dustin Serviss (reading): smack in the chest and enveloping his body to his armpits. He had a moment of panic when he thought he was going under, But then in a flash, they launched out the other side, water pouring off them and the UTV. I call that cleanse crossing, Manns laughed pulling to a stop. Theo sputtered, I call you an asshole. You're lucky. What if my camera wasn't locked up? Mads kept laughing and slapped Theo's shoulder amiably. It is though. Theo was still sputtering. He jumped out and was trying to wring out his soaking clothes, furious about what could have happened to his camera, not to mention having soaking wet clothes for the rest of the ride back.
[00:02:57] Dustin Serviss (reading): He noticed that Mann's hiking khakis and shirt were both quick dry. Of course, the balls of this guy. Manns was right though. His camera was fine, and he had to admit the shock of the icy water had left his skin buzzing and invigorated. Truth be told, he felt great. He was about to turn and say as much when he noticed Mans staring at something far away. Following his gaze, Theo saw at the far end of the meadow a moose, cow, and a calf had emerged from the trees. The mama was on high alert and was watching them. The whole meadow seemed frozen in time. Why isn't she taking off? Theo said in a low voice. She knows me, man said quietly.
[00:03:39] Dustin Serviss (reading): This cow used to raise calves here every few years, but I haven't seen her in a while. I recognize her because her legs are a bit lighter colored than normal. It's perfect here, sheltered from the weather and lots of vegetation. But a young wolf started hanging around a couple years ago, then two wolves, then three. She left for higher ground, which was safer, but there wasn't great vegetation there. I found her last year over on the other side of the lodge where there's a rocky bluff. She was very skinny, and she wasn't moving around. I guess she didn't want to risk coming to the meadow. So why is she here now? Theo said.
[00:04:16] Dustin Serviss (reading): Well, I think now, man said, taking out a pair of binoculars and peering towards Moose. See? I hated seeing her suffering like that. So last year, I took the matter in my own hands. I spent some money on what I thought could be a solution. I built that enclosure there about a dozen feet high and twice as long. Orson helped as well. It's v shaped and well built with natural small tree logs set about two inches apart so you can still see through it. Theo looked where Manns was pointing, shielding his eyes from the bright midday sun. Sure enough, there was a structure at the far end of the meadow that
[00:04:51] Dustin Serviss (reading): he hadn't noticed because it blended with the other trees. Looks like a blind, he said, moving slowly to get out his camera. Manns explained his idea further. To provide this moose a way to enjoy the food and water of the meadow with the added security of these walls on two sides, she could feed while still being able to watch for danger, he said. And if the wolves did come to call, she would only have to defend half her position instead of being completely exposed on all sides. Mance placed his hands on his hips and smiled. I wasn't sure if it would work, but here she is and with a calf too.
[00:05:28] Dustin Serviss (reading): Let's see if we can get a bit closer without spooking her. Just what we need to scare her off again. They got back in the UTV and crept slowly around the perimeter of the meadow as far from the moose as they could. She watched but seemed calm, and Mance cut the engine before they got too close. Theo raised his camera and took a few pictures of the cow and her calf with the tall, protective blind rising up behind them. How did you get the idea to build the blind? Theo asked as they were heading back. Mans watched the trail ahead as they wound their way through the trees. I guess I got it from thinking about my own situation.
[00:06:04] Dustin Serviss (reading): Protect my back and focus on what's in front of me, he replied. Theo looked at him. What do you mean? But before he knew what was happening, Manns was shouting, hang on, and Theo went for his second cold dip in the creek. Unidentified focus on stale ideas will feel like choking.
[00:06:26] Dustin Serviss: Thank you for tuning in to this episode. If you enjoyed the show, please like and rate the show, share with a friend, or use your new knowledge in your next conversation. If during the show something gave you a pang of inspiration, motivation, or sense of uncertainty, act on it now. Get the clarity you're looking for. Find the permission you seek. Go to servicewealth dot com to discover how others are learning how to take Fridays off or buying a recreation property or spending more money. If you're an organizer of an event where you believe my philosophy on finance lifestyle design would be applicable, go to servicewealth dot com and book me
[00:06:58] Dustin Serviss: as a speaker at your next event. If you want a copy of our new book coming out soon, send me a message on Instagram or Facebook, and we will be sure to get you a first copy.