When exploring and writing about Second Life, it can be somewhat easy to focus on those places which are new or which are periodically re-imagined with new designs or in reflection of the changes in the seasons. Indeed, it can be regions that do undergo such changes which can become particular favourites for revisits – and I say this as one who is as guilty as anyone in this regard!
However, there are regions which tend to remain largely unchanged over the years, quietly attracting visitors with their perennial designs – but often being forgotten about when it comes to blogging.
I was reminded of this fact courtesy of Cube Republic recently when, following a discussion (and preview) of some of his upcoming new products (which are also highly appropriate for region / parcel landscaping!), he pointed me in the direction of Lost Lagoon.
The last time I visited this Homestead region was way back in January 2020 (which was actually my second visit there). At the time, I found the setting – the work of Mark Knight (knight676) and Jana Guyot – extremely attractive. And I’m more than pleased to report this is still the case today.
Lost Lagoon is an isolated paradise in the South Seas. This beautiful jewel of a destination is a great place to explore, get in touch with nature, relax and cuddle. Everyone is welcome to find their piece of paradise at the Lost Lagoon.
– Lost Lagoon Destination Guide entry
Presenting a rugged island with a sweep of rocky and hilly uplands arcing around the north side from west to east, this is an island of dramatic changes, the hills in particular framed as an attention-grabbing view when first arriving at the Landing Point as it sits tucked into the region’s south-east corner.
A bridge connects the Landing Point on its little island with the rest of the setting; and on my arrival, I was initially struck by the comforting sense of familiarity. At first camming it appeared that indeed, the setting was much as it had been at the time of my last visit over 78 months ago.
However, just a casual glance around the landing Point itself revealed several small, but subtle changes, all of which suggested that whilst the landscape might not have overly changed since 2020, there was certain pretty of new touches to be found and appreciated whilst exploring.
But – I’m not going to just simply do a compare and contrast between my last and current visit; suffice it to say whether you haven’t visited Lost Lagoon in the last few years or have yet to make a first visit, you’re in for a treat as you explore, as there is a lot to discover throughout.
What I will say is that this is a setting deserving to be seen under its Shared Environment, the heavy skies under what feels like a westering Sun (even if it does lie to the east!) ideally suiting the dramatic nature of the landscape and the hardy lives of those who appear to be living here.
This is a place of rugged paths winding into the hills, of boardwalks snaking over marshy wetlands and trails encouraging the fee onwards in exploration. Wooden cabins lay scattered over the drier lowlands like a handful of seeds cast over the landscape and left to take root.
One of these sits on the eastern coast where a white-capped tide rolls to the shore, its caps and foam speaking to the potential of rocks waiting just under the surface, ready to rip the bottom out of an unwary boat anxious to cut corners and reach the moorings at the Landing Point.
More cabins lie along the southern side of the island, each standing in defiance of the heavy skies and offering calming comfort within. Off to the west and within the wetlands are the remnants of older structures, broken and deserted yet still providing, perhaps, little oases of solitude and relaxation.
Watching over this, up on the hills sits what at first appears to be an old observatory – although a walk and climb up to it will quickly reveal it to be anything but. However, how one gets up to it is not as obvious at might first appear to be the case.
Whilst a gravel track does appear to offer a route up the east-side slopes of the hills this only goes as far as a small folly sitting on the east shoulder of the higher peak. True, there is an arch of rock spanning the gap between folly and rotunda (and under which another gravel footpath runs) – but this is not the way forward.
Instead, to ascend to the tall cylindrical building with its imposing dome, one should first travel west along the lowlands, passing by way of an outdoor event space, around a little island on which one of the local cabins sits and then climb the stone steps running up into the hills alongside another of the cabins.
From here an old bridge crosses a stream tumbling down from falls bursting forth of the high rocks, and a path points the way to the hidden means of ascent up to a promontory and from there, the way around the peak and to the observatory-like structure.
But wherever you go while wandering here, there is much to see and appreciate. The attention to detail is marvellous throughout, and the entire island is a haven for birds and waterfowl throughout – as well as to sheep and to the stags as they literally but heads.
Lost Lagoon exudes a sense of lived-in longevity well suited to its largely unchanged appearance across more than 6 years. It’s an atmosphere that is both inviting yet edged with a hint of mystery which invites onward exploration across land and boardwalks, with discoveries promised no matter how remote the path might appear to be.
Should you require rezzing rights for photograph, these can be obtained via Group membership (L$150). Do make sure to have local sounds enabled when wandering to more fully immerse yourself in the setting.
In all, Lost Lagoon remains a visually engaging and attractive location for exploration and photography. My thanks again to Cube for remaining me of its continued presence in Second Life and the Mark and Jana for creating it.
Slurl Details
- Lost Lagoon (Sea Starr, rated Moderate)
Inara Pey: Living in a Modemworld 