The cold and crisp morning was enhanced by sunshine and blue skies.  The leaves crunched under my boots as I hiked the eastern foothills of the Coastal Mountains.

The 14-mile up-and-down trail traveled around Henry Hagg Lake, the impoundment behind Scoggins Valley Dam.

There are five creeks flowing into the 2 1/2-mile long reservoir, providing outstanding habitat for song birds, migratory wild fowl and deer.

I enjoyed the raucous honking of Canadian Geese as I meandered along.

Savoring the 5 1/2-hour trek, I marveled at the beauty of my surroundings.