The Awe-Inspiring Zion National Park

Scott and Nicole at the St. George Ironman Finish Line

My recent trip to the St. George Ironman followed by several days in Zion National Park was magical and energizing.

Ironman is a special sport to me. Not because I'm a triathlete, but because of the positive impact each event has on my life and those I love. Because it brings my girlfriend and me closer together.

I'm drawn to the positive energy, emotions, trials and tribulations that these incredible athletes bring to their day. Each event changes me a little for the better and leaves my mind and body filled with a fire inside to achieve personal endeavors beyond what I've done before. One could say I connect to triathlon in a disconnected way. Perhaps one day I will race my own race.

For today, I am content simply seeing Nicole and our friends achieve their goals at Ironman. Whether that be setting a new personal record or proving to themselves that anything is possible.

This year, Nicole finished Ironman St. George in 5:08, placed 4th and there is no doubt she will crush her next race.

I am also drawn to Ironman because of the beautiful places we travel to. This year, Zion National Park.

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Nicole's Podium at Ironman St. George

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The Narrows and Emerald Pools at ZION NATIONAL PARK

Our first day in Zion was spent with several friends. We hiked the Emerald Pools and waded through the Narrows. This was a great time for our friends to spend some time together outside of Ironman. To reflect on a great event, laugh, joke and share stories. To just do things that friends do.

After a long day of adventure we were dying for a great meal. We landed at Pizza and Noodles, which was a great place for pizza and beer in Springdale. That evening we camped at Watchman campground, enjoyed s'mores with Nicole's mom Marietta, and slept through a raging rainstorm anticipating the next day's adventure.


Photos from the Narrows in Zion National Park

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The Subway At ZION NATIONAL PARK

We spent day two hiking The Subway. A 9 mile hike round trip to one of the most magical places in the world. You'll have to see it for yourself or cruise the photos.

That evening we enjoyed dinner at Zion Lodge. Beautiful views, decent food and no cell phone service. Why do I call out cell phone service as a feature? Because it is rare to experience dinner these days without being distracted by technology.

Photos from The Subway in Zion National Park

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Angels Landing At Zion National Park

Our final day in Zion was truly magical, energizing and full of smiles. We hiked Angels Landing. A 5.5 mile technical, exposed and dangerous hike full of breathtaking views. Angels Landing proved to be a great opportunity for all of us to step outside of life's comfort zone, conquer our natural fear of heights and breathe in life's beauty.

Live for the new and unknown, as a result life will not get boring.

Following the hike we enjoyed lunch at Oscars, a Mexican restaurant that is well deserving of my 5 star Google review.

After lunch we said goodbye to Nicole's mom, Marietta, and started our 900 mile drive through the night back to Bend. The drive itself was incredible. We edited photos, wrote this story, mooed at some cows on the road and talked about our next adventures.

I hope you enjoyed reliving this experience as much as I did in sharing it with you.

The places I've never been provide something to look forward to and magnificent photos to look back upon.


Photos from Angels Landing - Zion National Park