The magnificent view of Mt. Hood over Timothy Lake has been one of the iconic scenes of the Pacific Northwest for many a year and has adorned numerous magazine covers.

Conditions have to be just right to capture a “good” photo of Mt. Hood reflected in the lake. I was unlucky on this day. Due to the rain and cloud cover, I never even spotted a glimpse of Mt. Hood.

It’s one of the fundamental lessons of photography: To take a good outdoor photo, the heavens have to cooperate.

My rainy day hike began with a stroll to Little Crater Lake, 100 feet wide, 45 feet deep and crystal blue to its very bottom where an artesian spring feeds the lake.

Another one-quarter mile led to an intersection with the Pacific Crest Trail. Turning south, I began a clockwise 12-mile loop hike around picturesque Timothy Lake.

On the upside, a trail crew had cleaned up the blowdowns over the trail. It was in great shape.

Even on a rainy day, life continues to be good.