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.
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 rideAs 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)
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.
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
Approaching The Two Loons, Calas Galadhon, September 2026
This is going to be a slightly café and coffeehouse piece this time around. For one thing, it is as much about the journey as it is the destinations.
The other is that strictly speaking, one of my selected destinations is neither a café nor a coffeehouse but a wine bar – although a good cup of cappuccino (or whatever might take your fancy, caffeine-wise) appears to be available.
Calas Galadhon, September 2026
This is because I’m talking about The Grumpy Troll and The Two Loons within the Calas Galadhon estate. Now, to be fair, I’ve covered both in the past – in 2019 to be precise. However, I’ve never covered them together as they deserve. Nor have I really covered them in conjunction with the other aspect of this piece: horse riding.
And, to let my ego out of the biscuit tin I generally keep it locked inside (and hidden under the bed): it is also not untrue that I had a role to play in the history of both.
Arriving at The Grumpy Troll, Calas Galadhon, September 2026
Having visited The Grumpy Troll – the waterside café – when it opened in 2019, I noted that a) as it what just off the Coast Trail running around and through the estate for those keen on horse riding, it should have a hitching post and horse rezzer outside; and b) given its name, I was surprised on my first visit to find it was a café rather than an inn in the manner of Tolkien’s Prancing Pony and given Calas’ tied to Tolkien.
As a result of making these observations, Ty Tenk from Calas dropped me a note to say The Grumpy Troll gained a hitching post and rezzer, and a short time after this, the Two Loons opened as a wine bar a little further along the Coast Trail.
The Grumpy Troll, Calas Galadhon, September 2026
Horse riding is a popular past-time in Second Life; so much so that there is a Group / resource dedicated to providing information on riding in SL and helping to organise riding events: Second Life Trailblazer Atlas – and I’ll have more on this in a future article.
With its fourteen regions, Calas Galadhon is a haven for horse riding, and Ty, Truck and the Calas Team have sought to make it a pleasurable experience for all by setting up riding trails complete with rezzers feature horses from both Teagle and Waterhorse for those wanting to give it a go (with the Waterhouse horse offering rides for two).
The Grumpy Troll, Calas Galadhon, September 2026As I have both a Teagle horse and a Waterhorse, I opted to use one of my own horses (being wearable, they don’t require rezzing), and arbitrarily picked a horse rezzing location in Glanduin, as one of the more open regions of the estate to start my journey, making first for The Grumpy Troll.
This sits on one of the large models within Dimrill Dale, and coming up from the south-east of the estate, it is perhaps one of the first stops along the coastal part of the Coast Trail. Located just across the water from the whitewashed Little Church of Calas, it looks westwards over the waters and open spaces of the Gulf of Lune, Belagaer and the Grey Havens, forming a perfect point from which to enjoy sunsets.
The Grumpy Troll, Calas Galadhon, September 2026
The Two Loons lay further to the west, lying across the intervening wetlands. Navigating your way there on foot (or hoof, in this case) takes a little care and will involve some time passing over stout wooden boardwalks.
This is a somewhat larger establishment than the Troll, comprising two buildings and an upper floor level. It also offers a good westward view together with one to the north, where the causeway points towards the wilds of Armenelos and the opportunity to head west to New Santorini.
Walking the Calas Galadhon wetlands boardwalks with Sisko, heading for The Two Loons, September 2026Separate they may be, but The Grumpy Troll and The Two Loons have much in common beyond both being within Calas Galadhon. Both offer invitations to stay a while, and both offer indoor and outdoor seating (including a hammock in the shade of a tree just to the back of it, in the case of The Grumpy Troll).
Both also make excellent use of building by Cory Edo – in fact The Two Loons makes used of the second half of the tree house used for form the main structure of The Grumpy Troll – kitbashing at its best!
The Two Loons, Calas Galadhon, September 2026
Horse riding in SL can be a lot of fun, particularly if there is somewhere with plenty of space for doing so. Calas Galadhon is one such place, and I also have a piece on following the entire Coast Trail, written back in 2017, not long after it had opened, and Bento was very much the in thing for SL.
As I’ve noted above, however, Calas isn’t alone in this regard, and I’ll be offering more on horse riding courtesy of SL Trailblazers in the near future.
A glass of wine at The Two Loons before continuing my ride, September 2026
But even if you don’t have a horse of your own and, many places – like Calas – offer rezzers for visitors, so you can always get started that way. And when it comes to Calas Galadhon in particular, with places like The Grumpy Troll and The Two Loons available to visit, as well as places like: Villa Eirini,then there is even more reason to mount up and head on out along the trails!
Alpha Auer: October, September 2026 – click any image for full size
It’s been a while since I last visited Alpha Auer’s Alphatribe Island (more fool me), but after seeing the Destination Guide recently and seeing the island’s latest entry, there was no way I was going to miss it!
As can be seen from the title and header image to this piece, the autumn iteration of Alphatribe is called October, and it is something quite marvellous in its touches and humour – even for a region that is always filled with much to delight.
Alpha Auer: October, September 2026
As the name suggests, this is a setting not only celebrating autumn, but also all that October brings with it by way of oddness, although here the touches are very subtle.
For example, there are no hordes of pumpkins everywhere (they are present, but keep themselves well under control!), nor eerie lanterns or suchlike; just little touches offering a nod towards the end of the month: the odd pointed hat perched upon a head; a purple Minion-like character among those greeting new arrivals, the young beau chaperoning his belle, his arms both on the same side…
Alpha Auer: October, September 2026
The village itself is a marvel in keeping with the season. The colours are all muted and caught under an autumnal sky of soft bronze (do use the Shared Environment setting when visiting!).
The houses in particular offer another little October twist: they are both inhabited and inhabitants, many of them sharing a certain resemblance with their occupants, others with entirely unique features. And talking of features, there is something charmingly Tim Burton-ish in some of the locals’ expressions.
Alpha Auer: October, September 2026
Between the human locals and the houses there is also a touch of Steampunk to be found here and there, particularly when it comes to some of the headgear being worn (and the rooftops of some houses!). Elsewhere, meanwhile, hats and clothing perhaps lean more to celebrating the season.
All of which is to say this is a fascinating and quirky little place. One which, whilst touched by October’s lean towards Halloween, is by no means dark or spooky but rather openly fun and bright; even the scarecrows are perhaps more crow than scare!
Alpha Auer: October, September 2026
Thus, October is a place to be wandered through slowly; Alpha always packs her settings with details large and small, but October has so much that some of it might easily be missed (who lives in one of the local wells? Did they divert the water so it runs down from the top of the well in an attempt to keep their home moderately dry?).
One also cannot help but wonder if the two chaps apparently in deep, earnest conversation are aware that their heads have taken the second line of Scott McKenzie’s If you’re Going to San Francisco quite literally!
Alpha Auer: October, September 2026Do be sure to take a stroll along the line of trees to the south west. Not only will you come across a couple (grandma and granddaughter?) pausing in sweeping leaves (assuming their pointy headgear and brooms aren’t indicative of their occupation – Granma in particularly appears to be trying particularly hard to look innocent!), you’ll see a little flotilla of boats parading through the bay, each one a marvellous little vessel with plenty of quirky details.
Wander far enough and you’ll come to Alpha’s store and the chance to purchase some of the characters found within the village or, if you prefer, obtain some headgear in keeping with some of their hats (also to be found on Alpha’s Marketplace Store along with the boats and miniatures of the houses).
Alpha Auer: October, September 2026
I always enjoy visiting Alphatribe island; Alpha’s creativity is joyous and at times mischievous. October demonstrates this is spades throughout, with everything wonderfully balanced from the environment settings through the terrain and to the characters – people, creatures, houses and vehicles.
In this regard, as well as using the Shared Environment when visiting do also make sure you have local sounds on, and to see the village as fully as possible as you wander, draw distance as high as your system can manage – or at least around 100-128 metres.
Alpha Auer: October, September 2026
A genuinely charming setting, highly photogenic and well worth visiting to take a wander through.
Oh, and don’t forget to pick up your gifts at the landing point, together with a notecard from alpha that is well worth the read for the village’s back-story.
Cherishville Autumn, September 2026 – click any image for full size
Autumn has come to Lam Erin’s Cherishville for 2026, and with it a complete change of setting.
Gone is the Baja-like beach and duty roads of the summer iteration with their suggestions of southern California with a mix of New Mexico; instead Cherishville now takes us to somewhere along the coast, possibly further north, a place backed by mountains already topped by snow.
Cherishville Autumn, September 2026
Just where this might be is up to visitors to assume; but for the mountains, it could just as easily be New England – there’s even a sign board with a hint of this – or even somewhere here in damp and dreary England!
Wherever one chooses to place it, Cherishville now sits at the mouth of a wide river running down from the mountains to slice it into two (yes I know the land has been blended with the off-region surround so the water also passes to either side – but use your imagination 🙂 ).
Cherishville Autumn, September 2026
This leaves the setting split between houses with a few small businesses scattered among them facing off against more mercantile / business premises on the far side of the river, a single bridge serving to bring them together.
The majority of the buildings are little more than empty shells – but this doesn’t really matter; it is the ambience of the setting which is important, and in this they sit perfectly, their façades saying more than any interior might.
Cherishville Autumn, September 2026
With the rain falling from a sour, overcast sky, falling leaves taking over the footpaths and the bridge, together with the fading colours on awnings, window frames, wooden walls and doors, this is a place oozing a sense of age and tiredness.
Attempts are being made to mark the time of year – such as the obligatory pumpkins – but on the whole, this is a place increasingly sitting well beyond its prime, something not even the more recently and colourful posters pasted to the walls of some building can hide, particularly even the deserted, semi-collapsed state of some of the houses.
Cherishville Autumn, September 2026
Beyond one side of the town sits a small farm, still very much active going on the sunflowers, corn and pumpkins being cultivated. But even this is unable to shake that general feeling of fatigue that seems to lie heavy on the setting – perhaps courtesy of the local weather.
The farm overlooks the local church, normally the hub of such a community; but here too, things are decidedly careworn.
Cherishville Autumn, September 2026
All of this results in what is actually a very atmospheric setting, one brought to life both by the steadily falling rain and the use of PBR surfaces to create additional wet surfaces, puddles and a general sense that this is a place enduring the sogginess of a persistent downpour.
Lamps hang from the walls of the houses on the north side of the river, doing their best to offer a sense of warmth and invitation to the properties, the little café (one of the few building with an interior setting) does its best to entice anyone who might be hurrying by, eager to escape the rain. Dreary it may be, but there is still life here, and this draws us further into the setting.
Cherishville Autumn, September 2026
Given the approach of October and Halloween, there is also a certain air of spookiness as well – particularly around the church and its graveyard. This is also added to on a more humorous level by the headlines blasting from the newspapers offered at the local kiosk – do drop by there to see for yourself.
For those looking to sit and pass the time together, opportunities for doing so can be found, be they at the café or open on the deck of the riverside warehouse or in the back of a pick-up or cart: just wander and you’ll find a place.
Cherishville Autumn, September 2026
In wandering myself, I couldn’t help be hear the final verse of Ervin Drake’s It Was a Very Good Year echoing around my head. It just seemed to fit with mood of Cherishville and the idea of a place now past its prime – but possibly with the memories of the sweetness of times past locked within its aging walls and tired sidewalks.
But now the days are short I’m in the autumn of the year. And now I think of my life as vintage wine From fine old kegs; From the brim to the dregs, It poured sweet and clear, It was a very good year.
Cherishville Autumn, September 2026
As always with Cherishville, an engaging setting rich with opportunities for photography.
