Category: Reviews

Sheldon’s Visual Poetry in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Sheldon Bergman: Daffodils, September 2026, SLEA2
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;

Many of us will probably recognise these words as the opening lines of William Wordsworth’s Daffodils, written in 1804 and first published in 1807. Now the poem is brought to life by Second Life’s master of visual poetry, Sheldon Bergman (SheldonBR) within his SLEA2 installation Visual Poetry.

I’ve covered Sheldon’s work in these pages, both in its own right and via his collaboration with Angelika Corrall as artists at and curators of the former DaphneArts Gallery in Second Life. I’ve always found Sheldon’s work to be visually and aurally engaging, rich in context and narrative, and so was only to happy to pop along to Visual Poetry ahead of the installation’s soft opening and at his invitation.

Sheldon Bergman: Daffodils, September 2026, SLEA2

Wordsworth’s poem forms the focal point of Visual Poetry, presenting visitors with the opportunity to both partake of a walk similar in nature to that which inspired Wordsworth to pen his poem and at the same time become immersed in the poem imagery, aided by the selected music (played via local sounds rather than via the audio stream).

The poem, often referred to by its opening line, came about as a result a walk taken by Wordsworth and his sister, Dorothy, around Glencoyne Bay in England’s Lake District in April 1802. Whilst walking, they came across s field of daffodils dancing and waving in the breeze, easily rivalling the flick and flow of ripples and wave on the waters of the Bay; their yellow twinkling across the green of the shoreline offering a sight as beautiful and captivating as the stars in the night’s sky.

It was a sight which became so fixed in the poet’s imagination that it would continue to lift his mood and chase away what otherwise might have been afternoons or evening of dark reflection set in solitude; instead lifting his spirit and allowing his thoughts to dance once more with the daffodil’s sway and turn his solitude into thoughts of joy.

Sheldon Bergman: Daffodils, September 2026, SLEA2

All of this is presented through Sheldon’s gently immersive installation. Experience-driven, visitors should, on arriving, touch the sign on the Landing Point wall and follow the instructions as presented for viewer settings and also accepting the Experience. The latter will then trigger the addition of the installation HUD and teleport visitors to the installation proper.

The main installation forms a landscape intended to evoke the rolling beauty of Glencoyne Bay and its shoreline. Theo building occupy the shore – the near being a small stone cabin, and the more distant a country chapel. Arrival will trigger the installation’s introduction on the HUD, followed by the music playback

The entire setting perfectly matches the poem’s intent, offering a scene of natural beauty in which daffodils are scattered across the green, rolling landscape, bring the opening lines of the poem to life. More than just a part of the setting as it sits amidst the daffodils and with sheep grazing in their field on the hill, the chapel is a reflection of Wordsworth’s own religious outlook, which grew from a conventional Anglican outlook common to his times to a more personal, nature-centric faith. The environment settings, meanwhile offer a touch of the vacant or pensive mood Wordsworth notes recollections of the daffodils helps him to escape.

Sheldon Bergman: Daffodils, September 2026, SLEA2
Where you go after hearing the poem matters not; this is very much an installation for wandering and quiet reflection and contemplation; for taking heart and joy in the beauty of nature as presented by the setting. The music selection is simply perfect, starting with Satie’s quite beautiful Gymnopédie No 1 (a personal favourite I enjoy playing myself), then continuing with Chopin and Mozart before finishing with Beethoven’s Für Elise (another personal favourite I enjoy playing).

It would be nice if the music continued or at least looped through the selected tracks rather than the single play-through,  and for the setting to perhaps offer one or two places to sit outside and allow the mind to flutter and dance in the breeze or enjoy the jocund company of a companion. But even without these, Daffodils is an engaging installation, fully reflective of Wordsworth’s poem and his Romanticism.

I don’t know if this will be the only poem presented within Visual Poetry or the start of a series. I would hope for the latter, as I’ve always thoroughly enjoyed Sheldon’s work – but I’m only too aware of the work involved in putting out an installation like this. In the meantime, Daffodils will have a soft opening at 14:00 SLT, Tuesday, September 29, 2026.

Sheldon Bergman: Daffodils, September 2026, SLEA2

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Shadowfell turns five for October 2026 in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Shadowfell V, September 2026 – click any image for full size

We are approaching the month of Halloween, when spooks and creatures of the the night (without referencing Kiss there) roam, and once again the world of Shadowfell has emerged from the deeper darkness to tempt visitors with four regions of mystery, monsters, aliens and more.

The work of Calas Galadhon creators Tymus Tenk and Truck Meredith, Shadowfell marks its fifth anniversary and is now very much a part of Halloween events in Second Life and is always well received. This year sees some new features, fun and updates making a visit (or visits!) well worth the time.

Shadowfell V, September 2026

As with all of the Calas themed builds, this is one in which it is important visitors note at least some of the guidelines regarding time in the regions, all of which can be found at the landing point – with the most important perhaps being:

  • Make sure you Used Shared Environment (via World → Environment).
  • Enable local sounds and make sure you have particles visible.
  • If you can, enable Shadows on your viewer and, preferably, use a PBR-enabled viewer (or make sure Advanced Lighting Model (ALM) through Preferences → Graphics, if you are on an older viewer).

Note that if running with Shadows enabled does hit your system hard, Shadowfell V can still be enjoyed shadowless, so to speak!

Shadowfell V, September 2026

Once again, Shadowfell offers a choice of taking to the trails and paths through its regions or allowing the boat tour to carry you through all the regions. There’s also the Elven Flyers for a shorter guided trip. If you’ve never visited Shadowfell before, the boat tour might be a good place to start, as it will give you a feel for things and allow you to see glimpse some of the settings you can re-visit in detail on foot – but do be aware it now runs for just shy of an hour, so allow time – and perhaps use it as a reason for multiple visits.

The boat tour is available close to the main Landing Point and will, among other things, reveal that even zombies like to occasionally simply sit down and dip their feet in the water and just chat 🙂 . It will also reveal some of the newer elements  – a touch of Game of Thrones with skeletal dragons; a little humour  – who knew Bambi was a creature of darkness waiting in the foggy waters to swim at unsuspecting travellers? – and more.

Shadowfell V, September 2026

The boat tour won’t return you to the main Landing Point, but instead drops you off within the Mist II region, allowing on-foot explorations to resume from there. However, for those who prefer, the drop-off point is a short walk from a portal rock that will return folk to the Landing point to allow explorations to resume from there.

The Elven Flyer, meanwhile, offers a touch of Tolkien, the flyer in question being called Star of Eärendil II – a reference to Eärendil half-elven, forbear of Aragon, who carried the Silmaril Morning Star on his brow as he sailed across the sky (The Silmarillion). Like Eärendil’s voyages across the skies of Middle Earth, it will take you a a flight through the sky lasting roughly 17 minutes and has the novelty of having people ride the winged boats whilst floating themselves (both singles and couples).

Shadowfell V, September 2026

Each year, Ty and Truck try to introduce new touches to their Halloween and Christmas builds, and for this iteration of Shadowfell there is a host of new elements to be discovered. a couple come early-on as you take to the path away from the Landing Point – and if you are something of an arachnophobe like me, can cause a shiver or six – thanks, guys! 🙂 .

This year, Shadowfell appears to have new mesh-based atmospheric effects in places, and the general environment settings appear to have been tweaked a little (either that or I missed things last year / my PC is behaving differently this year!). Both changes are welcome as they both add to the mystery of the setting and make a journey through the regions more engaging.

Shadowfell V, September 2026

One of the things I’ve always loved with Shadowfell is the mixing of mythologies: classic horror in the form of zombies, sirens, monsters and more, together with clear elements of elements of Tolkien (in keeping with the roots of Calas Galadhon regions as a whole) and fantasy, the touches of humour and a rich touch of science fiction horror in the shape of elements from, and interpretations of, the Alien franchise. All of this remains evident this year, complete with some new touches – don’t touch the slime dripping from eggs!

With garden of colour and ethereal beauty rubbing shoulders with cavern of darkness and possible terror, there is also very much a sense of dreams and nightmares to be found throughout Shadowfell.

Shadowfell V, September 2026

For those making a first visit to Shadowfell, do be aware that not everything is on the ground – and take nothing for granted in the cavern with the airborne figures – touch the right point and you’ll find yourself carried deeper into the dark caves which, for those familiar with past iterations of Shadowfell, have been updated quite magnificently with materials and more.

When in the “sky caverns” do make sure you touch the central portal stone in the main chamber. It will lift you to a place mixing elven elements with creatures of the deep and a touch of Alien’s Engineers. A further stone here will return you to the cavern of the aliens. Where you can explore deeper into the caves and eventually find your way back to ground level.

Shadowfell V, September 2026

There is so much that could be written about Shadowfell – but it should be seen first-hand. As such, the setting will be open to all from September 29, 2026, whilst those joining the Calas Galadhon Announcemens Group can gain early access to the regions. Also, don’t forget to keep you eyes on the Calas Galadhon website for news on special events at Shadowfell throughout October 2026 (also advertised through the Calas Group mentioned above).

Should you enjoy visiting Shadowfell, do please consider making a donation to the Calas team – they do so much for Second Life throughout the year through Calas Galadhon Park, Shadowfell and  the Calas Christmas regions, they deserve our support.

Shadowfell V, September 2026

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Exploring Cedar Trails in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Cedar Trails, September 2026 – click any image for full size

Sitting on the west coast of Satori is Cedar Trails, a Full region presenting an Oregon coast themed region-wide park. The work of Artie Huntsman (Fresita Doll), it is a location I found out about via the SL Trailblazer Atlas, which I recently covered in these pages.

However, the fact that I did should not be taken to mean this is a location only of interest to horse riding enthusiasts – it is beautifully put together and offers a lot to see, do and photograph throughout, whether or not you’re on horseback.

Cedar Trails, September 2026
Cedar Trails is a peaceful mainland destination inspired by the Oregon Coast. Enjoy peace among pines, coastal views, and quiet paths. Visit & stay awhile. Enjoy our restaurant, coffee shop, bar, event space, hiking & access to sailing.

– Cedar Trails About Land description

Cedar Trails, September 2026

The water access mentioned in the About Land description refers to one of two coastal bays presented by the park. This bay provides a rez zone, allowing boating fans to access Satori’s coastal waters and – just across the local water corridor – the waters of one of the Bellisseria Houseboat theme areas. This makes Cedar Trails an ideal destination for anyone wishing to sail / boat up to the park from their Linden Home (and gain a BBB passport stamp).

The second bay provides more of a beach area reached by passing by the park’s trio of chalets (available for rent?). These sit between the two beach areas, and a short walk downhill from the Landing Point.

Cedar Trails, September 2026

The latter sits in the south-west corner of the park, elevated on a table of rock above the waters running into (and out of) the rez zone bay. This comprises a mix of general facilities – information / welcome centre, which includes a useful map of the park and its points of interest, refreshment stations, little shops for campers and a social space and events area.

The Landing Point is also where those wishing to follow the trails on horseback and who don’t have their own horse, can take to the saddle via the Teagle Horse rezzer – click the tethered horse for one to ride, then right-click and sit on the rezzed horse (you may need to disable any AO before sitting), and you’ll also get a riding HUD.

Cedar Trails, September 2026

As you depart the Landing Point area on foot or horseback, you’ll pass a sign about the Cedar Trails Stone Collection. In short: as you explore, keep an eye out for the painted stones scattered along the various trails; touch them as you find them to obtain a copy. There are 108 stones to collect, each with a lifestyle message painted on it – but I’m not sure if all 108 are put out together or whether they are rotated in groups; during my visits I only found stones numbered between 30 and 60. Certainly, putting them out in groups perhaps offers greater opportunities for re-visits by those wanting to collect and entire set.

A small hint here is that many of the stone can be found on or near the Cedar Trails trail signs.

Cedar Trails, September 2026

The paths through the park are numerous and present lots of choices for the keen explorer, together with passages to various points of interest – look-out points offering good views / photograph opportunities, a meditation / yoga area, waterside camping area, swimming areas, and more.

The park offers a mix of trees – Norwegian spruce, Ponderosa pine, wild pine and the mighty Redwood –, plants, flowers, and underbrush. All of these, coupled with the mix of elevated landscape, gentle slopes and rocky cliffs, outcrops and peaks make Cedar Trails marvellously attractive; a landscape lending itself to a range of EEP settings other than that provided as the Shared Environment.

Cedar Trails, September 2026

If there is one possible negative to be had it is perhaps with the lack of additional horse rezzers. Cedar Trails presents multiple places where one can dismount and perhaps take a seat – but doing so will cause any of the locally-rezzed Teagle horses to be deleted after about a minute.

So, if you are using one and wish to resume your ride, there is no way to do so without walking back to the Landing Point.

Cedar Trails, September 2026

But that said, and as noted, walking is a perfectly acceptable means of exploring Cedar Trails – and possibly preferred given the beauty of the setting. Keep an eye out for the little details – an otter having fun, a log drifting on the current from a waterfall, the birds overhead, the tunnel to the swimming hole – and possibly the coolest rubber duck around.

Those wishing to socialise during a visit can sit down to a table-top game at the RV camp area, which sits just off of the main Landing Point and neatly set to present the idea vehicles here have just arrived via the local road tunnel.

Cedar Trails, September 2026

Neatly done given the overall limitations of terraforming on the Mainland and highly photogenic, Cedar Trails is well worth visiting and exploring. Props for photography can be rezzed on joining the local Group, if required. However, given auto return is off please do remember to clean-up anything you put out!

So – happy trails!

Cedar Trails, September 2026

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Time in a curious museum in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
The Museum of Curious Laws, September 2026

So, a brief Exploring Second Life this time around – but hopefully a quirky and fun one, featuring a rather unusual and a little small destination.

Museums are a popular form of expression in Second Life – and rightly so; Second Life is recognised as a valid tool for education, and museums are an ideal means of self-learning. Developed and curated by German resident Novadien, The Museum of Curious Laws (Museum der Kuriosen Gesetze) does exactly what it says in the name – presents a series of laws from around the world which are decidedly curious – and in doing so presents an opportunity for visitors to educate themselves as to what might or might not be a recognised law somewhere in the world, or perhaps more of an urban legend or something similar.

The Museum of Curious Laws

In presentation, the museum offers a “law” in the form of a large poster-style information board (in both German and English) with the law and its country / location of origin. some of these board go on to offer some of the reality of the situation, some provide clarity on what has come to be misunderstood about a law – such as with the Japanese “Metabo” Law of 2008; some level the question open as to whether or not it might be real.

In all cases, greater clarity to be gained by clicking on the Law Case File beneath each poster. This will provide a notecard delving into the law and its basis in reality or – as with the so-called “UK Parliamentary Death Ban”, the more urban legend nature of a “law”.

The Museum of Curious Laws

The Museum is not overly large – it sits on a 1024 sq metre parcel and has just two open-plan floors. However, this makes it an ideal visit without becoming too repetitive or onerous. Instead, it sits neatly into the area of quirky curious, which both helps it live up to its name and make for an engaging little visit.

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Of Trailblazers and Trails in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
Cedar Trails, September 2026 – an SL Trailblazer Atlas ride

SL Trailbrazer Atlas is a Group / resource founded and operated by Lara Toge (Ghostly Dismantled) specifically for those who enjoy horse riding in Second Life. It operates through multiple channels – the Group, an in-world resource centre, on Discord (invite only), and via a dedicated website.

In all truth, I only recently became aware of SL Trailblazer Atlas, and given horse riding has been a favourite of mine to which I recently has cause to return (see: Of a Grumpy Troll and Two Loons in Second Life).

SL Trailblazer Atlas HQ, September 2026

The core aim of the Atlas is to provide all horse riders in Second Life with information on:

  • Places where people can enjoy horse riding along trails and paths, either using their own horse or (where offered) via a horse rezzer.
  • Detailed information – maps, trail notes, landmarks, length of time required to complete a ride, level of difficulty, potential hazards, etc., – on the trails and paths, to make sure riders are as informed as possible.
  • Where applicable, and local riding events organised by the region holders / estates hosting the trails.
  • The opportunity to leave a Trip Advisor-style mini-review via the website on any trails travelled.
SL Trailblazer Atlas HQ, September 2026
Every trail rider in Second Life knows the frustration: you set off to explore somewhere new, only to run straight into dead ends, missing rez zones, or unexpected ban lines. I built the SL Trailblazer’s Atlas to fix this; creating one trusted, central place to find great trails, not just any trails. Most of all, it is here to highlight those breath-taking hidden gems that always get lost in standard search results.

– From the SL Trailblazer website

The best route for initial engagement with SL Trailblazer Atlas is the in-world resource and the website.

Cedar Trails, September 2026 – an SL Trailblazer Atlas ride
As a quick guide:

  • The in-world resource centre provides:
    • An A to Z of maps of all currently-recorded trails across Second Life. These are a mix of single regions and multi-region estates, broken down into alphabetical groups.
    • Each map shows an outline of the trail(s) available at each location, and is clickable as an information board.
    • Clicking on a map will deliver a folder providing: a texture map showing the trail(s), a landmark to the start-point for a ride; information specific to a ride – areas that are off-limits to riders, potential hazards, whether there is a local horse rezzer available, etc., (potentially subjective) comments on region crossings; general information on the host region, generally provided by the region holder / admin.
SL Trailblazer Atlas HQ, September 2026
  • Among its resources, the website provides:
    • General information on the group and all resources.
    • An A to Z of recorded trails, similar to the in-world breakdown, but obviously not delivered to inventory)
    • A calendar of riding events.
    • Information of navigation HUDs available through the Marketplace which lend themselves to trail riding in SL.
    • The reviews pages mentioned above.

Additionally, the in-world Group and the Discord server provide the means for general conversation and feedback.

Lunamere, September 2026 – an SL Trailblazer Atlas ride

In use, SL Trailblazer Atlas delivers on its promise. While some of the in-world maps on the information boards are in an odd ratio, the textures provided through the folder on each location are – in the case of single-region riding – adequate to help in making your way around. However, if you do need to reference a map, I would suggest pulling up your chosen route via the website and flip between the map there and the viewer.

I took the opportunity to use the Atlas to find a couple of trails to ride – Cedar Trails (which has an upcoming Exploring SL article which will be appearing in these pages very soon) and the Lunamere estate (also due a write-up from me in the future). The former was perhaps the easier ride, as it is in the Great Outdoors, and so more amenable to horse riding, but I trying enjoyed both.

Cedar Trails, September 2026 – an SL Trailblazer Atlas ride

If you’re into horse riding in SL as a rider, a group organiser or stables owner, I really do recommend utilising the SL Trailblazer Atlas or contacting Lara in-world or via the website (who is also looking for assistance in running the Atlas!) if you haven’t already. Also, if you’re aware of a riding trail that isn’t recorded as a part of the Atlas (or indeed, one that is no longer available), then please do let Lara know via the website submission form.

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A Stillwater Coast in Second Life

Posted on by Inara Pey
The Boathouse Café, Stillwater Coast, September 2026 – click any image for full size

In July I wrote about two neighbouring locations designed and held by Sorcha Tyles – The Boathouse Café and Outpost Bay. Now, both of these locations have now gone from Second Life.

However, in their place Sorcha now offers Stillwater Coast, a location offering touches of both in a completely new setting.

“Choices” – Stillwater Coast, September 2026
A Scandinavian-inspired getaway where nature prevails and seagulls call. Listen to the waves hitting the rocks, grab a coffee at the Boathouse Café, and find cosy spots to relax along the beach.

– Stillwater Coast Destination Guide entry

Whereas the previous two locations mentioned above were on small island parcels located side-by-side in the same region, for Stillwater Coast, Sorcha her moved back to a Homestead region, bringing with it advantages and disadvantages.

“Beach Days” – Stillwater Coast, September 2026

The advantages are clear: more space, greater opportunities for expression and the chance to also off small nodes to previous regions designs Sorcha has presented under the Dutch Pavilion brand.

The disadvantage is that being a private estate homestead, Stillwater Coast sits on its own, reachable only via teleport, whereas The Boathouse Cafe and Outpost Bay were located in an estate with open waterways and a link to the Mainland continent of Satori, thus presenting themselves as a sailing / boating destination (even sans any local rezzing zone for the return trip.

“Marshmallow mornings” – Stillwater Coast, September 2026

Which is not to say Stillwater Coast is in any way lacking; rather the reverse – with its wide-open spaces little coastal road, beach and trails up onto the meadows and grasslands, it offers plenty of opportunities for doing exactly what the Destination Guide entry states: wandering and relaxing.

The Landing Point sit at the extreme north-west of the island, almost right at the end of the little road as it piggyback out along a finger of land between the lighthouse – something of a motif for many of Sorcha’s designs, going all the way back to the original Dutch Pavilion –  and the rest of the setting.

“Grazing” – Stillwater Coast, September 2026

Neatly set within bus stop, the Landing Point offers also a view back along the north coast to where what might at first appear to be a boathouse sticking its nose out over the water and, beyond it, a smaller island.

The first isn’t a boathouse, but a little cabin that happens to have been built out over the water and with piers and decking on three sides. It is open to the public and watched over by a cat and a goose. The smaller island is Sorcha’s private home, so please don’t try hopping over and exploring.

“Time to scoot?” – Stillwater Coast, September 2026

The Boathouse Café sits towards the middle of the main island and has something of an exterior upgrade from its previous home.

Whilst it is still operating out of an old warehouse formally owned by L. Jenkins, the “new” Boathouse Café sports a different design and a bright red covering of paint on its walls in keeping with several of the other buildings on the island.  A cobbled outdoor seating area replaces the wooden deck from the previous version, and the inside has a warm, homely appeal.

“Gone (from) fishin'” – Stillwater Coast, September 2026

Further outdoor seating can be found on either side of the café , where bench tables sit out on the meadow grass and the land slopes down gently towards the little cabin mentioned above to one side and a converted barn at the water’s edge on the other.

The space between café and cabin appears to have been laid claim to by the local sheep, most of whom are grazing contentedly – although one does seem of have settled down into earnest conversation with a rabbit. The slope down towards the old barn, however, appears to be the preserve of the local cows.

“Coast watch” – Stillwater Coast, September 2026

This really is a place for wandering an appreciating; the Scandinavian aspects are all too clear from the building (including the use of turf up on a roof for winter insulation) to the paucity of trees which gives the island a slightly Icelandic feel, whilst Sorcha has added plenty of small touches to bring everything to life.

Down at the Landing Point, bicycles can be grabbed for a ride around, together with a little touch of dear old Blighty with fish’n’chips shop on the local pier. Those who visited Outpost Bay and who wander the beach here might recognise the little changing huts on the sand – a nice reminder of the former setting.

“Outside the barn” – Stillwater Coast, September 2026

A genuinely delightful setting with little touches of autumn, rich in birdlife, lots of opportunities for photography and plenty of space for taking it easy.

Sorcha confided in me she dressing a complete region on her own rather than working with someone proved to be something of a challenge. Personally, I think she’s more than succeeded in creating a memorable place to visit and appreciate.

“I’m ready for my close-up” – Stillwater Bay, September 2026

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