In this chapter, two friends who had not seen each other in years joined a wildlife rescue team to determine security of bald eagle fledglings in a vast natural recreation area. After the work was complete they went camping as a reward. What happened that evening in the rugged wilderness taught as much about nature, as it did about strength, precision and determination, in a man named Peter Churchfield. Who made a fortune while all those around him were losing theirs. Continuing the conversation from last time…
“I sold off all my camping gear—minimized it down to a one-person tent, sleeping bag, tackle box and fishing rod, canteen, and cooler—not by choice. It’s great to have nature’s cake and eat it too. I’ll be back with fish ready to fry.”
As he walked toward the river, I turned to Peter and said, “This is going to be interesting. What a surprise. When I drifted to sleep I never suspected that we’d have a guest at our campfire tonight.”
“Well, Wendy has always said that you don’t know a stranger.”
“That’s true. The day I shared an elevator with you, it felt so easy to talk to you.”
“Glad you did. We’ve had some great adventures together,” Peter said as he unfolded the table and laid out the pan, utensils, and plates. “Trout’s our main course, and we have whole-wheat crackers, apples, a jar of olives, and a large can of beans to share with the new guy. If all goes well, we’ll bring out the brandy later.”
Bernie came back with fillets. Peter fried them in some olive oil with sea salt and cracked pepper. Dinner conversation centered on the food, the eagle project, Bernie’s catches over the course of the weekend, and our shared interest in both restoring nature and being restored by it.
“Nature is one thing,” Bernie said, “but restoring the economy is another. In addition to nice camping gear, I had a lot of nice things: cars, boats, and even an equity share in a plane. When the crash happened, it all went to the bank. I almost lost my house.”
As earlier, I didn’t know how to respond. It seemed to me that Bernie was jealous of Peter, and I wondered how much Peter had told this man about himself. In the process of collecting our empty plates and cleaning up, Peter excused himself without explanation.
Left awkwardly alone with Bernie, I said, “Once I started learning how long and how much it takes to save enough money to buy things, I realized I really didn’t need them!”
Continued here next time.
Read the complete story in the book, The Quiet Rich: Ordinary People Reawakening an American Dream.
Kevin J. Palmer, Author
