Frisland (Flickr) – click any image for full size
It’s been a while – a year in fact – since my last visit to Frisland, the region Charlie Namiboo, Anna Barzane and Frislanda “Fris” Ferraris created while imagining what the mystical land for which it is named might look like, if it were to actually exist. however, a note from the team announcing the region has once again put on its winter coat for the end of the year prompted me to suggest to Caitlyn we jump across and take a look.
The region takes its name from the “phantom island” which started to appear on maps as a place in the North Atlantic from around the 1550s onwards, and continued to do so for at least the next 100 years, although its position was prone to movement. Some maps would place it south-west of Iceland, others closer to the Faroes off the coast of Britain, while still others depicted as a part of a chain of islands extending from the Labrador coast almost as far as Scotland. It even appeared on maps produced in the 18th century, when it was thought to be the southern part of Greenland, separated from the rest by an ocean strait.
Given the island’s imagined location, it is only right that winter should come to Frisland in second Life and bring with it a full blanket of snow and coats of wind-blown frost on the trees. The tracks around the island are still visible, even with the ruts filled with snow, and the local animals appear to be accepting the turn of the weather with equanimity, while the locals appear to have retreated indoors.
As this was Caitlyn’s first trip to Frisland, we wandered along the paths – gracefully ignoring the sleds sitting waiting for use; neither of us was particular sure our driving skills would be suited to careering down a hill and possibly into innocent bystanders! – and found our way past the horses and up onto the higher grounds before making our way down to a riverside fireplace for a warming snuggle and chat.
While the passing of the year is marked on Frisland, the overall layout of the island remains constant. As such, there is an obvious familiarity the returned visitor feels on arrival; one that carried with it the warm assurance that this is a place we know and where we can feel at home. At the same time, Frisland offers those new to it with plenty to see and enjoy.
For my part, I found that a year away was really to long a period of time, while Caitlyn said she found Frisland to be a warm place, despite the snow on the ground and overcast skies! so i think it safe to say Frisland is firmly back on the roster for regular outings for us!
SLurl Details
- Frisland (Rated: Moderate)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 