In August 2026, after dropping back into Lost Lagoon, I noted that sometimes we bloggers tend to forget the more timeless locations in Second Life in favour of those that shift with the changing seasons or which are routinely given a new vision by their creators – or which are simply new to SL as a whole.
One such timeless region – indeed, one which completely vanished for a time but made a welcome return a few years back – is that of Hazardous. Occupying a Full region, it is a place which may well change slightly and in subtle ways – some new seating here, an event space there, a shuffling of the environment – but which has in essence remained unchanged throughout all of its time in Second Life.
There is good reason for this: Hazardous is one of those spots of natural beauty so well put together that any significant change would be the equivalent of stomping on it with and oversized and brutish hobnail boot.
Designed and held by Chris Gray (Chris Jackman – formerly known as Mandingo Quan), it’s a place occupying a quiet corner of my heart, being one of the first locations in Second Life I wrote about as my blogging turned more towards art and destinations 15 years ago, and a place to which I’ve returned a number of times down the years to either write about or simply wander.
Hazardous is known for its towering cliffs and the U-shaped plateau sitting atop them, cut through almost completely north-to-south by a sheer-sided gorge.
Something of a showcase for some of the trees and shrubs produced by Chris under the [We’re Closed] brand (and which were, when I first took to really designing and building my own places and homes for friends, among some of my earliest purchases of landscaping items), Hazardous presents a rugged yet welcoming demeanour.
In this the name seems both fitting and odd. Fitting because get to near the edge and you could end up spending a brief moment impersonating Willie E. Coyote on the wrong side of a cliff before becoming acquainted with the area direct below it.
Odd, because frankly for the majority of visits, it’s hard to find a more tranquil setting for restoring the harried mind, and far from any sense of hazard.
I think that’s why I particularly like Hazardous. Its high, blank cliffs, enduring table top with trees, shrubs and scattered signs of loose habitation offers and enduring steadfastness that’s more than just a matter of familiarity. It’s like the setting is saying, “Come what may, I’ll be here for you.”
The other aspect is that this is a setting that is utterly deceptive. Yes, it may well stand as “the place with the cliffs and the gorge” – but when one takes the time to explore and pry, Hazardous is so much more than that; it has definite life and breath of its own.
Some of this may be obvious – the aforementioned scatterings of human habitation (of which the various swings, seats and the like offered to visitors just add to the welcome air of the region). Others are perhaps a little easier to miss or escape attention altogether.
Of course, the house down in the gorge, with its boardwalk over the waters there and the zip line running down to it, is an obvious attraction; so too, perhaps is the rope crossing close to the mid-point of the gorge.
But how many find the art displayed within the region? Forget looking inside any of the buildings – and don’t be fooled into believing I’m merely referring to the projector running quietly outside of the old ruined house on the east side of the island. No; I’m referring to the – literally – floating and sunken displays of art waiting to be found.
Wander to the north of the setting and the standing windmill there; you might find the steps leading down to where some of the art – and more – might be found. Similarly, don’t assume that deep, dark ponds are only the home of fish or possibly creepy nasties.
For those who enjoy good music, this might also be found at Hazardous, courtesy of the stage area to the east side of the region. This will next host two hours of live music on Saturday, October 24, 2026, starting at 17:00 SLT.
Sadly, that’s a little too late for me – but those who attend will likely enjoy the line-up of Amberle and Max Kleene – but please mind the Quokka if you decide to dance!
An evergreen setting in Second Life, Hazardous remains a classic destination for all to enjoy. Just mind the step down from the landing point!
Slurl Details
- Hazardous (rated Moderate)
