Not too long ago, I wrote about the tendency for SL explorer-writers to perhaps focus on writing about those regions which are new to SL or which demonstrate seasonal or other changes in their look and overall design, perhaps at the expense of those which offer a sense of constancy in Second Life.
The example I used in that article was Lost Lagoon. Another such location – well, to a large degree at least – is Autumn Trace (or as it was originally called, Fall Trace), one of Elvira Kytori’s mixed-purpose region designs offered under the White Dunes estate banner.
It’s a place I’ve not visited since 2019, and even then, it hadn’t changed that much from my visit in 2016. This is largely true of my most recent visit in September 2026; the region remains much as it has always been: a captivating wetland region largely open to public wandering (and boating) and with some scattered (and clearly denoted) private residences.
The wildlife rich wetlands of the Autumn Trace come alive as the sun break through the mists of the morning. Immerse yourself in this romantic and heartfelt destination.
– Autumn Trace About Land description
This is a setting worthy of photography; one rich in ambience, sounds, wildlife and quiet corners and unexpected surprises. Getting around is mostly a case of following the wooden boardwalks as they march out over the waters and reeds, perhaps resting at the various seating areas some offer along the way.
These boardwalks allow the central area of the region – which includes the Land Point – to be explored with ease. However, there are two further parts of the land open to the public which lay separated from the landing Point by water (although one has its own LP, which I’ll come to).
Both of these latter areas can be reached via boat rezzer, this being available at the end of the boardwalk pointing right as you leave the Landing Point – sit in the boat to obtain oars. The first of these other areas lies to the south and includes a further a boardwalk mainly serving two further private homes (although the boardwalk itself is public access).
The second sits to the north-west and at first might appear to also be a private house. But appearances can be deceptive.
Sitting on sturdy wooden piles above the waters of the wetlands, Heron’s Rest is aptly named, given much of the wading birds to be found within the region, along with waterfowl. It offers both shaded veranda seating as well as indoor space. I refer to it as quirky as the indoor seating area opens directly into Carla’s bedroom space! I was also a little unsure of the potted plant sitting in the backgammon board – but that’s probably because I’m a keen backgammon player!
It also appears to be a very much a self-service establishment: baguettes and cold meats, etc., are available on the front veranda for people to make their own sandwiches whilst a large espresso machine (looking as if it would be equally at home powering a steampunk airship!) sits alongside.
The seating on the front veranda is particularly comfortable and offers fine views across the region, marking it as a prime spot to pass the time with friends.
Whilst the rowing boats offer the means to move back and forth between the different parts of the setting, they also allow for waterborne explorations as well. The southern side of the region offers open waters which are home to geese and ducks and heron, whilst to the north they are move given over to reeds and tall grasses but are equally navigable and contain more wading birds and waterfowl.
The default EEP setting is suggestive of a heavy later autumn evening which can perhaps feel a little oppressive, but can make for dramatic photography. I’ve largely used it in the images herein, but admittedly have lightened their overall tone somewhat.
However, the region really does lend itself exceptionally well to most EEP day settings, so if the Shared Environment isn’t to your liking, just try some of your own; you’re guaranteed to find one which works with the region’s design.
Autumn Trace has always been an attractive setting; and while I’ve obviously no idea how long it will remain, Heron’s Rest has simply added to its charm.
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I have always loved the light at Autumn Trace, particularly that little ribbon of brightness along the horizon. When the region first appeared it was especially striking, coming as it did before we became accustomed to the varied skies possible with EEP.
It brings back happy memories of walking on the boardwalks in the gathering dusk of an early autumn evening, in the reedbeds at the mouth of the River Test in Hampshire. I loved how, within a very short distance of Southampton Docks, you could escape into nature.
I was also delighted to see the flight of geese in one of your photographs. That formation was put together by Ermandalee, a Second Life photographer whose wildlife pictures had a large following for a while, until she suddenly left Second Life in 2016. As far as I know, this is the only example of that formation she left behind.
I still wonder what became of her. It is rather lovely that this small piece of Second Life history continues to fly over Autumn Trace.
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I’m like you; I’ve always loved Autumn Trace, have periodically dropped in since the pre-EEP days and I agree, Elvira has always brought her settings to life through the environment settings as much as anything else; there is an ideal blending which naturally calls forth a personal sense of familiarity, even during a first-time visit, which in turn is a subconscious prompt for us to go back and re-visits.
It is always hard when someone departs SL without warning; not only because we’re left wondering what happened and whether they are still active in the physical world – but because they can so often leave echoes in the most unexpected of places – like a static flight of geese within a region. Like you I’ve always drawn to this flight on seeing it due to memories and because it is so natural in design; it’s a reflection of nature in a marvellously understated manner; and, of course, the memories wrapped within it.
Thank you, Sam, for dropping by and commenting – it’s appreciated.
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