I am up north at my parents little farmhouse for the Canada Day long weekend and enjoyed a glorious (somewhat challenging) hike along the Bruce Trail to Dyre’s Bay which is on Georgian Bay in Ontario. The fresh air, big fir trees, gorgeous blue water and rocky shore was so invigorating, rejuvenating and perhaps, part of the reason I was soooo hungry when we were driving back home.
My belly was growling like a bear from 3 hours of hiking up and down rocky terrain, despite having a midway snack on the beach of medjool dates, nuts, fruit and some cut-up veggies. Ooooh and the highlight…
We brought along some cold iced tea from my new fave tea brand – Nourish Tea, Sweet Berry Breeze (herbal tea) which was as refreshing, as the water from Georgian Bay felt on my feet – that was before they turned numb.
The Canadian lakes are a wee bit chilly, even in the summer; kinda like having a bath in ice water.
When we arrived back, I was ready to rock and roll in the kitchen with my parents as they prepared a feast for dinner. I brought some perfectly tender avocadoes just begging to be made into gauc and devoured by 3 hungry bears (myself included). My recipe is always a hit at family gatherings, so I’m sharing a McCarthy secret here, because I want your taste buds to be as happy as mine!
Best-Ever Gauc
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/2 small tomato, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Juice from 1 freshly squeezed lime
- Dash of hot sauce
Method:
In a bowl, mash up your avocados with a fork (after you’ve peeled them of course). I don’t like gauc smooth, it’s nicer with a few chunks, so don’t go crazy with the mashing. Mix in your tomato, onion and garlic. Squeeze the lime and give it a little taste test – add a touch more lime, if needed. Then the finale is a dash of hot sauce, to give it a little bite. I like to dip organic tortilla chips in my gauc, but you could use whole wheat pita bread or cut-up veggies.
Earlier that day I went for a run in my NEW shoes and simply adorable running socks – don’t cha think? I can’t come up North to visit my parents and not get in a few good runs – that would be worse than eating McDonald’s (I only eat *real* food)!
The hills here are killer though, due to the presence of drumlins in this area. From the air, the land resembles the shape of a humpback whale. I only know this because my mom is a practically a geologist! They are tough even on a bicycle – my heart rate goes up pretty to at least 175bpm. But, back to my new shoes…. it’s been far too long since I bought new runners (which I did last night) and let me tell you…. it made a difference. I only ran about 7.5km, which is a short run, but not when you are running up and down humpback whales in the burning sunshine.
I don’t usually run with music at my parents (only at home to drown out the cars, sirens and city noise downtown) because I would rather listen to the birds chirp and the frogs peep. It was about 9:30am when I arrived back sweating like a sumo wrestler and I simply followed my nose up the driveway to the most delicious smell of something baking. There were 4 minutes left on the timer till these puppies came out of the oven and I slathered half of one with almond butter before my actual breakfast.
Here’s the recipe: http://www.thatsfit.ca/2010/04/08/bran-muffins-bowel-movements/
I know I know, I only ate half of one of these warm, steamy muffins with plump juicy raisins. That’s because I wanted to try out this new cereal my parents have been enjoying since my dad is currently on a “mostly” gluten-free diet – ya! This was my post-run breakie below – brown rice cereal, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, blueberries, raspberries and almond milk.
Happy Canada Day weekend and Happy July 4th to my American friends and readers 
Some more pretty pics, just for fun.
This was the first view of Dyre’s Bay – not too far of a drive from where my parent’s live in a small town just outside of Owen Sound.
This photo is before my nose became like Rudolph’s. The photo doesn’t do it justice (I’m not referring to my nose here), but rather the height…I’m about a few hundred feet (at least) above the shore on a rugged cliff.
I had my feet in the water about 4 meters away from this guy… sunning himself on the rock. He didn’t seem too bothered by me even when I got up close with this next shot – he was a decent size.
This rock formation was called “Devil’s Monument”. The crazy thing is, there are trails like this everywhere on the Bruce Trail which runs from Niagara Falls to Tobermory in Ontario. We are so lucky to live in this beautiful country.
Me and my dad. These are not my new running shoes. I save those for running only, of course!
We Canadians are so lucky. I’m looking forward to visiting my family in Southern Ontario next month from NL and sharing some of your recipes with them.
I’m new to running and just a couple days ago bought my first pair of good runners which happen to be Asics as well! Pricey but a proper pair of shoes really makes all the difference. I used mine for the first time this morning and WOW! A pair usually lasts about 6-8 months I was told or of course depending how much they are used.
Asics are the best, in my opinion. I’ve tried every brand over the years and always come back to Asics! Happy running!
Such beautiful sights! And I love the photos of you with your dad and of that snake! I’d be deathly afraid of the snake (I had a bad encounter with one once, many years ago), but it’s still cool to look at, haha
Great recipe for guacamole and the bran muffins! Enjoy the rest of your weekend xo
I’m glad you had a good time…those pictures are incredible!
Thanks Heather – it’s a beautiful place.
You’re so cute Joy! Your happiness just shines through your writing
How did your parents know to name you Joy 
I love guac too! You can never have too much avocado.
I just made the guacamole recipe and it is AMAZING. Loving the healthy recipes, now if only I can conquer restraint.
Such beautiful country! If you need more shoes try using the online JCPenney promo codes. They really help to save.
I am so happy to have found you Joy!! Love all your posts and recipes. You have a beautiful philosophy on life and living. Thanks!!
Thank you Cathie. Your comment is really lovely and makes me smile. I love being a nutritionist!
Love going on your amazing site Joy. There are soooo many interesting things a-going on. LOVE your pixs too.
Love Aunt Linda
Would like to make those muffins but I am not able to find the recipe. The link is not working.
sorry about the jodie!
Some of the links no longer exist because Aol Canada’s website is no more.