This is the first of a two-part series about deer hunting in 2011.

A life-threatening experience is never pleasant. However, more often than not, such an event will cause a change in the way a person looks at life or how a person lives life in general. Such an incident happened to me recently.

The beginning of this story was two or three weeks ago when ... No, to be honest we need to go back a year or more.

There was a time, within the past 18 months or so, when my weight was down to what is considered reasonable, respectable or satisfactory. I did not quite meet my goal of 190 pounds, but it was below 200.

Then it happened, but I'm not quite sure how it happened. Of course I know the technical aspect of what transpired, but the speed was truly amazing. I gained 30 pounds in a short time.

My high cholesterol had been a concern for years and a daily pill held this problem under control or within reason. During the past 18 months high blood pressure has raised its ugly head. The Veterans Administration issued me a battery operated BP monitor and it is used faithfully on a daily basis. The numbers were creeping up, but not to what I thought was a terrible level.

Then the first sign appeared. A strange feeling was experienced while mowing the lawn about three weeks ago. An odd pressure was evident on both sides of my neck just below the ears and extending down my neck for an inch or two. I paused for a minute, the pressure subsided and I continued working.

In my mind the problem was simply being a bit out of shape. Over the next few days, the same pressure occurred, but being a manly man, I ignored them.

Finally I made an appointment and went to see my doctor. His Physician's Assistant checked me out on a Thursday and came to the conclusion the problem was most likely high blood pressure.

The next morning blood was submitted for a fasting blood check. Basically everything was OK or would be after taking steps to remedy a couple of areas. The blood test was necessary in order to prescribe blood pressure medicine, a regiment which began the same day. Plus I was scheduled to perform a stress test on a treadmill the following Monday.

I was worried about the stress test. If pressure was building in my neck during physical exertion, could a stroke be the result? The ladies administering the test were reassuring. Although the goal was 133 heart beats per minute and a total time of 7 minutes and 30 seconds, the test could be stopped anytime. My last treadmill stress test was several years ago and I continued for 13 minutes. My physical condition was not as good now, so going for the longer time was out of the question.

Several stickers were attached to my upper body and a baseline EKG was administered with me on my back. A BP cuff was attached and utilized. Next the treadmill started turning and the test began.

My support staff questioned me and checked BP often, while constantly monitoring the EKG readings. I felt a little pressure, but not near as much as expected. We reached the goal of 133 and 7:30 when I decided to stop. After resting for a few minutes and my BP dropping to 120 something over 70 something, I was sorry the test ended so soon. All seemed well, with high blood pressure the apparent culprit of my troubles. My relief was immense with deer hunting season approaching.

Several trips were made to the deer camp area, preparing for the nine-day season the following week. Equipment was organized and arranged for the week-long event. Two trail cameras were placed in strategic spots. These were checked daily or more often. Pumpkins were purchased from the Moses Lake High School FFA group and broken open for the deer to enjoy.

I spent three nights at deer camp in anticipation of the upcoming season. Watching deer in a far-off field was a common pastime, with one monster 4 by 4 visible. One day six other bucks showed up in the same field, but they appeared to either be only spikes or sprouting only two points on each side.

The 4 by 4 seemed to be teaching the others how to fight as he would take one and then another and spar with them in mock combat, which would become important as they aged. The experienced deer would allow the others to joust with him head on and then let them push against his neck, but would never fight back with full force.

The expectation of hunting for this deer or another of his buddies was great as I headed for home the day before the season opener. Deer camp is a wonderful and magical time for me.

Next week: Death was only a heartbeat away, but I didn't know it.