The Teacher and I decided we need to get out of the smoggy old valley and do a little communing with nature over the weekend. Our first thought was to hit the beach. But being that it was a three day weekend, and the first weekend after Valentines, our normal beach getaway hotel was booked. Along with every other hotel it seemed. 

So we explored alternatives and decided to hit the big trees and do some hiking in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. 

Sequoia and Kings Canyon are great getaways right in our backyard. Drive for about an hour and a half and your there! But you feel like your a million miles away. 

There was still quite a bit of snow on the ground, but during the day it was warm enough to hike with just a light jacket on.

 Here's Denise at the base of the General Sherman Tree! 

More big trees!

Sunrise from our Lodge window!