Some new lessons learned and some reconfirmed :

.. When you chose a hike location where the latest weather report says 100% chance of rain with snow 5000ft elev & above, then there is a good possibility your hike is going to be wet & cold;
.. When you chose the above and also include hiking for the first time on a "decommissioned" trail, there is a good probability that your hike will be even more difficult;
.. When the above two are a given, always have an alternate hike in mind and try not to be inflexible when making a final call on which hike makes better sense;
..When considering the extra cost vrs actual waterproof protection for Gortex lined hiking boots, the extra 15 to 30 minutes of waterproof protection is not really worth the extra cost;
.. Bring extra gloves and extra socks on a cold, rainy, snowy hike;
.. If you enjoy taking pictures on a beautiful alternating rainy-snowy wilderness hike, draped in a rain pancho with heavy gloves on, then accept the fact that you are going to be forced to miss a whole lot of cool pic scenes;
..A five(5) hour roundtrip drive to/back from a TH for a three(3) hour, four(4) mile roundtrip hike on a planned five(5) mile one way hike, may not be worth it;
..Where the possibility of rain, mud, & snow exists when having to drive 4.8mls in on an unmaintained FR, be sure to have your hiking partner drive their vehicle;
..Always remember to wash/clean your very muddy boots & other gear as soon as you arrive back home.. don't ever wait until the next day as I did;