After the flooding in 2006, the famous Outeniqua Choo Tjoe which ran along the coast was halted - the tracks near Herold's Bay and Wilderness were badly damaged.  Unfortunately, despite many attempts to resurrect the line (or turn it into a cycleway), it still remains out of commission.

But....

If you're looking for the next best thing, there's the Diaz Express which launched this year (as an extension to the even smaller run the Outeniqua Power Van operator did between Hartenbos & Mossel Bay in 2013 and 2014).  Each Wednesday, assuming there are a minimum 21 passengers, it runs from Mossel Bay to Great Brak and return (after a stop at the Transkaroo restaurant).  Perfect for enjoying amazing view of the coastline!

Here's their schedule for February 2015:

Booking is absolutely essential for the Great Brak leg (otherwise it only runs between Mossel Bay and Hartenbos). 

For more information, check out their Facebook page or read this article in the Mossel Bay Advertiser.

Left the women to continue their browsing & buying at the Bliki Tin Shak and walked down the R102 to the Mooi Uitsig Kroeg & Kombuis for a beer (I figure it's about time after passing it on the bike numerous times).

The draft Carling Black Label brought back memories - it's an old school beer whose origins date back to the founding of Carling Breweries in Canada by London,Ontario farmer Thomas Carling in 1840, having since been bottled under license in the UK, the USA and of course, South Africa, where it's one of the country's best-selling beers.

The Mooi Uitsig serves food during the week and offers a popular Sunday lunch from 12:30 p.m.

It's really hard not to take these spectacular sunsets for granted - night after night, the "show" just keeps on coming...

You can just make out the grey heron in the mid-ground enjoying the evening as well...

After two days of questionable golf at George Golf Club and Mossel Bay Golf Club, it was time to get out on the bike again.  It was another beautiful morning (misty clouds hanging in the valleys, a brilliant sunrise and fantastic blue skies).  

Fortunately, my cycling ability is a little bit better than my golf (I don't unintentionally veer off to the right!). This morning we did the reverse of the usual route.  Though it's a tough call because I am a fan of the downhill section, I think this is my favourite direction, as I prefer attacking the uphill gravel road behind the Spar (Charles Street).  I added on the ride up "Heartbreak Hill" (Morrison Road up to Hersham) at the end for a bit of extra "fun".

Click on the image below for the full work-out details on Sports-Tracker.com

A beautiful day to be out paddling the Great Brak River...

Always a popular spot to take out of town visitors...  Be sure to try their famous Chicken Pesto (but bring your appetite!).  Besides the food, the views are a feast for the senses as well - besides the roses and the incredible views of the hops-filled valley, the lavender along their driveway is growing like crazy - makes a great impression on the approach to the venue!

There are plenty more photos of the Rosenhof Estate & La Rosa Blue Cafe on Flickrstream (taken last year).

Check out the new volleyball posts - now we're talking!

Don Vos has shared some beautiful photos of The Island on the Great Brak River Community Network website.