What's more romantic than a sunset hike?

A sunset hike on Valentine's Day!

Stokes Canyon, Mulholland Drive

Running a few minutes late, it felt like we were chasing the sunset! The chase can be fun though...

...Especially when you finally catch it!

Happy Valentine's Day to all my favorites!

Do you remember that song from The Hobbit?

Sage Ranch Loop, Simi Valley

As we drive up Woolsey Canyon, the fog was just starting to roll into the valley through the rocks. It was so thick that you could actually see the molecules traveling through the air. It created a sense of wonder and mystery. 

Oh, misty eye of the mountain below

Keep careful watch of my brothers' souls

And should the sky be filled with fire and smoke

Keep watching over Durin's sons

Running up hill? No, thanks.

Long Canyon (SW), Simi Valley

After a heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl, a walk in the hills of as needed for a little pick me up. Some people might have been so inspired as to RUN up the trail...but not me. When I eventually made it, this was the view I was rewarded with. 

I also tried to get a shot of the green hills, but they just got washed out. Oops!

Hurry, there's a game to watch!

Surf City Half Marathon, Huntington Beach

With views like this, it should come as a surprise that this is one of my least favorite races. Problem is, you run in a straight line - out PCH and back PCH. But, this was my 9th consecutive year doing this race, so why stop now?

Oh, and I really like the carb-loading part the night before. 

My sister and I ventured out to the beach for a bit on Saturday night. 

Early moon rising...

And magnificent views of the sunset!

After an endless stretch of 13.1 miles, it was time to grab my medal and go cheer on the Seahawks!

Mulholland dirt is fancier.

Mulholland Drive, Woodland Hills

Every time I drive Mulholland (or Reseda, or Ventura Blvd, for that matter), I can't help but sing a little Tom Petty.  As we walked along, and I scanned a very crowded San Fernando Valley, all I heard in my head was I wanna glide down over Mulholland. I wanna write her name in the sky. Gonna free fall out into nothin'. Gonna leave this world for a while.

Sing it with me now! And I'm free, free fallin'!

As a side note, I kind of want to hike back to each these places and raise a 12 flag at the top of all of them! SEA-HAWKS!

My shoes got dirty...

...so I'm calling it a hike. Well, technically two. 

Santa Susana Park, Simi Valley

There's no better way to finish breakfast at Old Santa Susana Cafe (banana pancakes = deliciousness), than to stroll around this park. If you haven't been, they have the coolest rocks there. I was too busy walking THROUGH them to take a picture, but it's worth seeing.

After going under the railroad tracks, in a very reverberant tunnel, I might add, we hit a trailhead...or a worn down path up some rocks. So neat to watch the clouds moving across the hills!

Sage Ranch, Simi Valley

Fast forward a few hours, and up into Woolsey Canyon we go. The first time I was up here, the sun was setting on Conejo Valley and you could see for miles. There are big rocks, green grass, and 360 views. On a summer day, this is where I'd like to pack a picnic and spend some time with a good book. 

"I want to take a hike with you."

Charmlee Wilderness Park, Encinal Canyon

How have I never been out this way?? As if the green hills weren't spectacular enough, (thank you, rain!)...

...we rounded a corner to an ocean view.  Sometimes when I'm at the beach down here, I think about how it's the same ocean as my friends in WA get to see (aww, I may be a little homesick right now!)

There were some giant boulders and great trees. The little kid in me wanted to climb all over them! I didn't though because I still don't know how to get down...

Oh, and one of the beautiful girl we hiked with ;)