If you've been reading the wide variety of posts included in this Blog, you're already well aware that Joyce and I have been working hard to change some life habits, not the least of which is being more active each day. You'll also be very aware that I have developed a love affair with my bicycle, which of course has meant that I have tried to indoctrinate Joyce. Not too long ago, we decided that we needed a break from the healthy eating rituals were have been so steadfastly observing ... a summer treat was in order!
The day was a gorgeous one. The sun was shining brightly with scant few cumulous clouds slowly drifting across the Barrie sky, and the temperature was a balmy mid 20's. We both had a day off ... well, I always have a day off with retirement ... so we thought a bike ride would be a great choice. The question, of course, was the destination. One of the wiser choices I made last summer was to purchase a saddlebag so that we could pack a lunch or snack. I even found a thermos bag that fits perfectly into the saddlebag to keep cool things cool. Considering the weather, it was agreed that a destination would have to include the lakeside so that we could enjoy the cooling waters of Lake Simcoe.
The decision surrounding the treat would turn out to be a more difficult one ... go figure!
One of the things that we have found is a consequence of a diet routine is the notion that, when we "cheat", we need to ensure it's worth the transgression. We didn't wish to have a nibble of something that was just okay, incurring the calorie nastiness it would bring, and then feel disappointed with the choice. We both have a "sweet tooth" meaning there's a wide variety of things we would be willing to choose, but considering the day, the temperature, and the season, we were unanimous that the choice du jour would be ice cream.
The next big decision was were to purchase said ice cream?
IMHO, the best ice cream is Kawartha Lakes Dairy. For those not from this city, the Barrie version of KLD is located on the west side of the city on Anne St which, unfortunately, is not the most bike-friendly road. It was also quite a bit west of the lake, making the melting quotient a consideration. Joyce countered my KLD proposal with a Blizzard from Dairy Queen, a destination that was far more bike-friendly. Much discussion ensued and we pulled out of the driveway with the intention of hitting up DQ, but as with the best of laid plans, the destination was changed on route and we chose to stop in at the local grocer instead, mostly due to the realization that biking around the lake with a Blizzard in hand could likely be a worse melting quotient.
As I am sure you are all aware, any grocer offers a wide selection of ice cream products, so the decisions were not yet complete. While Hagen Das was enticing, paying $6.00 for a teeny tub resulted in a furrowed brow on my part. Considering carefully the melting quotient, the price (we're retired, eh?) and the amount (we didn't want complete debauchery), it became clear that President's Choice Rocky Road was the prudent choice.
Now before you get "all judgy" on us, we were both quite fine with this choice.
With the treasure safely nestled into the thermos bag with an reusable ice pack doing its job, we enjoyed a beautiful ride along Barrie's lakefront trail, marina, Centennial Beach and the Southshore center, with the ultimate goal of the relatively unused beach at the Gables.
For those who are not from Barrie, there's a small history lesson that is required to fully appreciate this little gem. The Gables used to be owned by Royal Victoria Hospital and, according to my dusty memories, was accessible only to employees of RVH. My father, being an orthopedic surgeon, would take us there every now and again when I was a youngster. As things slowly changed in the city, the property was sold to City Hall, undergoing a series of transformations that were mostly positive. The entrance to the Gables is marked by a beautifully carved totem on the corner of Hurst Drive and Tollendale Road. Walking (or in our case, riding) the variety of well maintained paths will lead to a quiet little park that has been wonderfully landscaped. On this particular day, we shared it's splendor with 3 other groups so social distancing was never an issue.
I am sure we raised a few eyebrows as two "seniors" sat shoulder to shoulder and happily demolished the entire tub while enjoying the splendor of Lake Simcoe. I would attest that we were pragmatically bound to finish the contents since transporting a molten mess back home was a less than enviable choice. With our sweet tooth satisfied, We enjoyed a short reading time, with our feet in the water, under the shade of a lovely Maple. Quaint only marginally describes it.
The ride home was uneventful, unless you're Joyce, and you count having to ride up Johnson Street, but the day was officially declared a success. It really doesn't take much to leave us content these days.
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