The weather forecaster said the mid-November day would begin with drizzle, moving to steady rain and brisk wind gusts by noon. And, oh did she hit the jackpot.

After parking at the boat launch area on Henry Hagg Lake, I began the 14-mile loop hike in the eastern foothills of the Coastal Mountains.

The light drizzle and mid-40 degree temperatures made for a pleasant beginning. But, as the rain picked up, the trail became muddier and slicker.

Walking through one of the many meadows near the trail, I spotted two blacktail deer. The younger doe was curious and, the highlight of the hike, I was able to get close to her.

The last hour of the 5 1/2-hour hike was brutal with heavy rainfall and cold, gusty winds. Sometimes that’s the price of experiencing nature’s beauty.

Just remember, if you are going to follow my example and hike in cold, rainy conditions, it’s much more important to stay warm than it is to stay dry.

The wet Blacktail Doe has spotted me

Fallen Maple leaf

The road going over the earth-filled dam

Rain Forest country

Tributary stream

Drooping loops of Lichen on a Maple tree

The Stimson Lumber Mill below the dam

The wet, muddy trail passing through one of several large meadows

Tributary Creek