Sunday, March 1, 2009

Tottenham versus Man"U"

Manchester United have a quintuple in their sights after Ben Foster's penalty shoot-out heroics helped them beat Tottenham 4-1 and win the Carling Cup after a goalless 120 minutes at Wembley

Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils remain in the hunt for five trophies this season, including the Club World Cup they had already won in December, after Foster saved from Jamie O'Hara in the shoot-out.
David Bentley also went wide with his penalty, and Anderson tucked away the winning spot-kick.
In his first major final Darron Gibson came mightily close to putting the Red Devils in front. However, while his shot was too much for Heurelho Gomes, it also flashed wide of the Brazilian's left-hand post.

Mossel Bay "Tourist"

TheTamshee's travels continued: Halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth nestles the seaside town of Mossel Bay. A bustling holiday resort in summer and the ideal retreat in winter, it is situated on a spectacular sunwashed peninsula embraced by the warm Indian Ocean. No wonder that the town is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as having the mildest all-year climate, second only to Hawaii. Mossel Bay has a fascinating history, much of which is on display at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex.

Of the seven National Monuments on the Museum Grounds, 6 are buildings dating between 1830 and 1902. The history is reflected by the architectural styles found throughout the town. Many of the well-preserved old stone buildings today are part of an historic walk trough town. The pride of Mossel Bay's sporting facilities is its 18-hole golf course, with a view of the sea from every tee. Aquatic sports are a prime attraction, and the modern mooring facility makes it a haven for yachting enthusiasts. Surfing, boardsailing, power boating, deep sea fishing and scuba diving are immensely popular as are the romantic, relaxing sunset cruises. Attractions include:The Point area, One of the more famous areas for surfers, the Point, also features a natural pool formed by rocks - a popular swimming place at low tide. The St Blaize trail starts here, and in season this is the ideal spot to watch the whales and dolphins at play. The harbour rich in history - has been a favourite spot for visitors to Mossel Bay. The Mossgas Info Centre, situated next to Santos Protea Beach, informs visitors about the project and the production of synthetic fuels from Mossel Bay's offshore gas fields.
The history of Mossel Bay is closely linked to maritime activities. The site of the PHILIA and other wrecks was identified for an underwater museum because of easy accessiblility. Other activities include fun for old and young at The Point, with mini golf, trampolines and go-carts. Hartenbos has a heated indoor swimming pool and recreation centre. Or be brave and go shark diving - or bungi jumping from the Gouritz River bridge! The sun-drenched, north-facing beaches, historic architecture and unique museums, out- standing fish cuisine and a working harbour for commercial as well as leisure craft, make it a veritable mecca for outdoor enhusiasts in search of a Mediterranean type climate and lifestyle.

Outenique Choo Tjoe


TheTamshee's travels continued: catch the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe - the last remaining continually-operated passenger steam train in Africa, currently only operating between George and Mossel Bay as a result of mudslides which occurred in July 2006. The railway was completed in 1928, and links the towns of George and Knysna in the Western Cape, South Africa. The 3 hour journey also stops in the towns of Wilderness, Goukamma, and Sedgefield. The scenic 67-kilometre (42 mi) route hugs the rugged coastline of the Garden Route before ending by crossing a bridge over the lagoon in Knysna.
It was declared an officially preserved railway in 1992, carrying about 40,000 passengers per year at the time.
The trains are usually pulled by Class 19D steam locomotives, of 4-8-2 wheel arrangement with Vanderbilt-like "torpedo" tenders, although the task is occasionally handled by Class 24 steam engines. When dry conditions in the summer increase the risk of wildfires, diesel locomotives (Class 32s) are used instead. Unfortunately, due to recent heavy flooding in the area, the line has been damaged. It has been rescheduled to run between George and Mossel Bay (with a stop at Hartenbos)until further notice.
In 2008, the train and the Kaaiman's River Bridge were featured in a television advertisement for Stella Artois but TheTamshee says: give me Lion beer any day
To be continued - the final leg to Mossel Bay "natural gas, offshore"