I don't mind the rain with proper gear, but I haven't gotten around to purchasing anything yet. All I've got is a crappy windbreaker I wear over my mesh jacket and it's good for about 10 minutes max.
That's good. You now know that wherever you have to get to, you gotta get there in under 10 minutes. Challenge accepted as far as I'm concerned!
as for the step, McGyver a ramp out of some spare wood.