Tag: Exploring SL Archives

Summer Edge, June 2019 – click any image for full size

Update: Summer Edge has closed and the region is now under private ownership. SLurl have therefore been removed from this article.

Funky Banana (FunkyBananas) is back with another new Homestead region design, Summer Edge. This is a wonderfully simple design, one that doesn’t need much in the way of description, and is delightfully restful to explore. As Funky himself states, the region offers:

A remote island with no inhabitants, perfect for an escape from everyday life. Beaches, cliffs and fields.

Summer Edge, June 2019

Set with a north-south orientation, the island sits between two beaches, the one to the east including the landing point, the one to the west broader and offering marvellous views out over the ocean that are ideal for romantic sunsets. A single solid structure sits above the island’s low cliffs, brick-built and with its roof broken, it resembles an old lighthouse that at some point was re-purposed, a wooden dome replacing the lantern that might have sit on it.

Cinder paths cross the island’s top, providing easy access to the tower, to the beaches and to the wooden platforms that have been built out from the cliffs. These latter provide places to sit and relax, while others might be found on the sands or along the cliff-tops.

Summer Edge, June 2019

Funky has resisted the possible temptation to scatter sheep or deer on the island – although there are gulls are on the wing. This absence of animals gives the island even more of a natural look and feel. Why would sheep be grazing on an island that’s clearly not inhabited? Similarly, how would animals survive more than a few generations?

Instead, what we’re left with is a small, wild rising of rock, grass and hardy trees that all have a feel about them of north northerly latitudes and a definite untamed feeling. Wandering it, I felt like I was exploring a small island off the coast of Scotland, protected from the mainland by the unpredictable swells of the North Sea.

Summer Edge, June 2019

Funky has a reputation for region designs that captivate (see The sands of Banana Bay in Second Life, A Butterfly Beach in Second Life and A Wild Edge in Second Life), and this is no exception. Summer Edge is a beautifully natural design that is highly photogenic.

Summer Edge, June 2019

Our thanks to Shawn for the pointer!

56578 Go Wild Blvd, Watery Cove, IS 245785, June 2019 – click any image for full size

Zoos can often generate mixed reactions. On the one hand, there are questions of proper animal husbandry and welfare; on the other, there’s the fact that some zoos and zoological parks can play a role in helping with matters of conservation, research, breeding, and the re-introduction of animals into the wild.

I admit to having mixed feelings on the subject myself, although it is not unreasonable to say that – while there are still significant issues around holding wild animals in captivity in multiple places around the globe – the presentation of zoos has changed in many parts of the world in the last 50 years, with the old “cage and hay” approach long since replaced by larger spaces for housing animals that are more reflective of their natural habitat, with much improved care and encouragement to live and breed more naturally.

56578 Go Wild Blvd, Watery Cove, IS 245785, June 2019

Update: the zoological gardens have closed, and the host region repurposed, possibly not for public use. SLurls hve therefore been removed from this article.

The unusually named 56578 Go Wild Blvd, Watery Cove, IS 245785 is something of a reflection of this more modern approach to zoological gardens. Occupying a sky platform above a Full region (and utilising the additional 10K land capacity available to full private regions) this is a group build, led by Sergio Castellanos Sr. (Seriouslly) that we were pointed towards by Shawn and Max, and one that makes for an interesting visit, even for that pricking of the conscience that may be felt should thoughts of animal welfare tickle the back of the mind.

The layout comes across as something of a cross between a zoological garden and theme park, comprising an entrance area, complete with turnstiles, ticket booths, and aviary, car park and refreshments, and three major zoological areas: Asia, Africa and a “sea world” style of environment.

56578 Go Wild Blvd, Watery Cove, IS 245785, June 2019

Sitting with these are two “islands” – Fantasy Island and Discovery Island, which give the setting that theme park feel. The former is home to creatures one would not normally expect to find in a zoological garden: mermaids, unicorns and dragons; but this is Second Life after all, and it’s not as if these creatures are unknown to us here! Discovery island, meanwhile, presents a children’s petting zoo, a learning centre that appears to be for special events (unfortunately, the connected information page for it sits behind the Facebook log-in so I couldn’t take a peek to see how frequent events might be, or their nature), and children’s rides.

All of these areas are connected by paved footpaths radiating out from the main entrance, and also by wooden walkways, while cliff-like walls help break up the setting, giving it a more natural as well as helping to very naturally divide it into the various “theme” areas without anything feeling remotely forced.

56578 Go Wild Blvd, Watery Cove, IS 245785, June 2019

The wildlife within the “zoo” areas of the park might be as expected: tiger and pandas leading the way in the Asian section, both with large enclosures reflective of their habitat, while wild boar and flamingos occupy smaller enclosures  before Asia folds its way into Fantasy Island. For those interested in the animals and creatures, information boards alongside each enclosure are ready to provide note cards.

Africa, meanwhile – and also as might be expected – offers open-air enclosures for elephants and rhinos, giraffe and zebra, and lions, all built around the park’s main café, sitting on a little rocky plateau. Also to be found here are the enclosed primate areas and walkways leading up to the upper level of the “sea world” area, home to dolphins and Orca. This area is split on two levels – the lower accessed by way of the children’s corner and petting zoo (and passing by way of a little Jurassic display),  and providing and “underwater” view of the dolphins and Orca. I admit that this area particularly left me with a slight feeling of discomfiture, as I am uneasy around attractions where creatures are expected to perform, no matter how “happy” they may appear to be.

56578 Go Wild Blvd, Watery Cove, IS 245785, June 2019

I’ll also admit to having one or two niggles with the size / re-sizing of some of the animals and with the slight alpha issues the tigers can exhibit under some windlight settings (which suggest they might fair better if they were to be switched to Alpha Mask if they are Modify). However, these weren’t enough to put me off appreciating how well the gardens have been put together, and the care taken to give them a logical structure.  While “56578 Go Wild Blvd, Watery Cove, IS 245785” might be a handful to type, there is no denying it has more than enough to keep visitors engaged (particularly around Discovery Island), marking it as an interesting and diverting visit.

Lotus Bay, June 2019 – click any image for full size

Update: Lotus Bay may no longer be open to public access.

Lotus Bay is a new homestead region design by the combined talents of Maria Kobaiernen (Dreamy Lebed) and Aydenn Palazzo (Aaydenn29) that recently slipped into the Destination Guide, and in doing so caught our attention.

Described as “a luxurious tropical island with a hedonistic resort vibe”, this is a quite marvellous design rich in content and detail. Admittedly, the amount of mesh and texture present can take something of a toll on a computer if you happen to like running with a lot of the viewer’s options active; however, this does not mean Lotus Bay should be avoided by the keen SL traveller, as doing so would rick missing out on seeing a very special place.

Lotus Bay, June 2019

Rising from the sea with beaches to the west and east offering a buffer between land and water, Lotus Bay sits atop a magnificent table of rock. Sheer cliffs on all sides seem at first to rebuff visitors. However, the stone steps carefully cut into them just a short walk from the landing point give the lie to this.

Winding upwards and slightly inland from the beach, these steps lead the way to a lush plateau, rich in foliage and colour, and home to a large, whitewashed house with a distinctly colonial look to it.  Old and with its walls patched and the home to strands of vines, it is nonetheless furnished inside, witnessing its occupancy while the presence of the piano in the wooden-floored courtyard perhaps gives an indication that the rainy season here is very predictable.

Lotus Bay, June 2019

While open to visitors, this house nevertheless raises questions: is it a primary residence or a holiday home? Certainly the nature of the island suggests it was never the centre of something like a working plantation. The log marked trails that extend away from the house at various points to make their way through the foliage and between rocks, suggest that the house is a vacation retreat, a Second Life Necker Island, if you will.

These paths, running snake-like and often branching to offer choices of route, provide access to swimming pools and  open-air decks where people can relax and sit or dance. They offer the way to other steps leading back down to the golden sands of the beaches below, or to where a hot tub sits under the shade of rocks and palms. However, all of these little touches, each beautifully executed and presented, also speak to the idea that this is a resort more than a private location; a secret getaway for the well-informed.

Lotus Bay, June 2019

This feeling of paradise delight is furthered down on the sweep of the east-side beach, where a deck awaits those wishing to partake of a Second Life wedding. There is also a little cluster of cabins built over the water, each one offered for rent by those wishing to extend their stay on the island as a vacation away from the rest of SL. Rates for both cabins and weddings can, I understand, be obtained by contacting Maria.

The care put into the design of Lotus Bay is evident throughout. The use of space, the placement of rocks, trees, paths, buildings, and so on has a perfectly natural feel that greatly enhances the sense of immersion; Lotus Bay feels like a place in which the building and structures have been placed to both take advantage of the landscape and utilise available spaces, rather than the landscape feeling it has been designed to fit around the buildings and locations within it.

Lotus Bay, June 2019

The landscaping itself also has a wonderful eclectic feel to it: temperate shrubs and bushes mix with Junipers and cacti and palm trees in a glorious mix that gives Lotus Bay no fixed location, but the ability for it to be anywhere we might wish to imagine it – off the coast of central America, or an Indonesian island, or somewhere sitting off the coast of Vietnam or China, and so on.

For me, and despite the differences in local plant life, I was put in mind of the forests in Dambulla region of Sri Lanka and the Sinharaja Forest Reserve further to the south of that country. While there is nothing specific to the landscape at Lotus Bay to align it with Sri Lanka, I was nevertheless put in mind of walking through forest trails there, and reminded of the care with which some resort spaces in those places have been blended into their surroundings.

Lotus Bay, June 2019

But wherever you might wish to place this setting, the important thing is that you go and see it, because it is a true delight for the eyes. Photographers can obtain rezzing rights for props by joining the local group. Photographs themselves can also be submitted to the region’s Flickr group.

SLurl Details

• Lotus Bay (Lotus Bay, rated Adult)

Jilin Estates, June 2019 – click any image for full size

Jilin is the name of one of the provinces of north-east China that borders North Korea, whilst also sharing a border with Russia. It is a region rich in minerals (a total of 136) including gas, coal, iron, nickel, molybdenum, graphite, gypsum, gold and silver, and has China’s largest reserves of shale oil. As well as this, it is the garden of traditional Chinese medicine resources, with approximately 27,000 kinds of wild plants and 9,000 kinds of medicinal herbs.

A rugged place, with four major mountain ranges, Jilin is a richly diverse place. It also lends its name to a new, visually stunning residential Full region within Second Life operating under the title Jilin Estates. It’s a place that offers a considered balance between private rental properties and public spaces that are open to visitors to explore – a group joining fee of L$250 additionally gives visitors rezzing rights, if they desire.

Jilin Estates, June 2019

The work of Li Zhu (JamaicasianBaby) and Jin Zhu (KidDreamz), the region offers, in the words of the website, “pre-landscaped private residential and community residential spaces, where tenants can enjoy scenic views from all angles of their respective homes.”

The majority of the residential spaces are places around the outside of the region, each to its own island space offering views out over the ocean. In addition there are three “community cabins” offering smaller rental space, but which are more integrated with the public / community areas of the region. What is interesting about the rentals is the eclectic mix of houses that are supplied; there is no central theme, instead the houses ranging from a Tuscan villa through to converted industrial units going by way of wooden homes in what might be considered “traditional” looks and far more modern units of wood or cement construction.

Jilin Estates, June 2019

All of this makes for an interesting layout and visually appealing appearance those seeking a new Second Life home within a private estate might find appealing. The various style of home also make for an interesting and varied backdrop for photography. However, it is the public spaces that potentially offer greater interest to those who enjoy exploring second Life.

These occupy the large central land mass of the region, together with a couple of the outlying islands. With two large tables of rock rising from low-lying cinder-tracked roads and a rocky coastline, the primary landmass is rich in detail and finely laid out with much to discover and photograph. The landing point sits in the shadow of one of the rocky plateaus, a little garden / picnic space looking east to where the some of the private homes straddle their various islands.

Jilin Estates, June 2019

A track winds through the area, bordering the landing point as it does so. This connects to the trails leading up to the cliff-top tables, and to the other points of interest: the garage and “secret garden”, the old docks, a bridge spanning the water to one of the “community cabins” and the walled garden of a second “community cabin”.

A third rental place sits at the top of one of the rock plateaus, while the second plateau is home to one of the region’s public events spaces: a space for music and dancing. Reached via a winding rocky path, this rises above the community “games cabin” and open-air theatre space to the north. These are linked one to another via wooden platforms, one of which offers a public seating area, and via a rope bridge that spans a narrow channel of water to the region’s beach lounge and dining space.

Jilin Estates, June 2019

The latter is an impressive structure that sits astride a rocky waterway than tumbles to the sea channel, and which has an infinity pool fronting its ocean view. These public spots are the focus of special events within the region – DJ party nights up on the high plateau, movie nights at the cosy theatre and karaoke at the games cabin. In addition, the public spaces are available for hire with private events – contact the owners through the website for details.

Whether or not you’re looking for somewhere different to live in Second Life, or are looking for somewhere new to explore and photograph as part of your SL travels, Jilin Estates is an eye-catching, photogenic and enjoyable place in which to send time and explore (and there is more to discover than I’ve directly mentioned here: take the Games Mountain and the secret fishing spot for example). One that is as richly diverse as its Chinese namesake.

Jilin Estates, June 2019

Our thanks to Miro Collas for the tip-off and SLurl.

SLurl Details

• Jilin Estates (Peony, rated Moderate)

 

Cherishville, June 2019 – click any image for full size

When reader Miro Collas asked if we’d ever visited Cherishville, I was a little surprised to look back through my SL travelogue and see that the last time I wrote about Lam Erin’s region design had been back in November 2017, when things had been deep in the grip of winter. Snow lay deep on the ground and roof-tops while trees lay frosted in white, and visitors needed to he wrapped up against the cold.

A lot has changed since then. Our return to Cherishville in June 2019 not only took us to a new region design, but a new simulator location as well, that of Villa Baldeney. Sitting beneath a somewhat glowering sky when seen in the default windlight, the setting is as far removed from the winter of my last Cherishville write-up as it is possible to get, the design we visited positively tropical in its presentation.

Cherishville, June 2019

There is no defined  / enforced landing point, so I’m arbitrarily using one to deliver those following it to a stretch of old road lying on the region’s east side. This offers a route from nowhere to nowhere, bordered on one side by a row of commercial properties almost shanty in their shabby looks, and on the other by a bay that cuts deeply into the region via a narrow neck of water. The road ends at this neck, dipping gracefully down to the blue waters to offer a convenient ramp boats might be drawn up to keep them out of the tide that must pass back and forth.

The commercial properties along the road vary between bars and places to buy spirits – that latter a popular draw for vacationers, it would seem – and the odd place to eat. All of them have the look and feel of having once seen better days, albeit perhaps a long time ago; now they look out over the old road, itself little more than a pedestrian thoroughfare, despite the motor vehicles at its southern end, and out over the bay.

Cherishville, June 2019

This southern end of the road offers access to  a broad swath of sand that curves gently west and north to hold the bay within its arm, facing the wash of tide from the south whilst home to undisciplined ranks of palm trees that offer moments of shade cast across the fine sands. A path is staked out along part of this beach, running at right-angles to the old road, but such a formal marking of route is hardly necessary; perhaps some local resident here was trying to offer a little sense of order.

Dropped onto the beach, and facing the open seas to the south are a couple of building which are again perhaps a little way past their prime. One presents a swimming pool beneath its raised wooden roof, the other appears to be a holiday home complete with a pool of its own. Balancing these on the inward curve of the bay is a fishing shack which, together with the small trawler sitting in the shallow waters, suggests some see this island as a place of work and not a vacation destination.

Cherishville, June 2019

Walking the route from street along the sands tends to offer the suggestion that this is a place that, while clearly within the tropics, is perhaps located somewhere in the Caribbean. The western elements just seem to push it in that direction. But then, follow the sand as it turns northwards and passing a strange little A-frame structure sitting out on a small sandy headland along the way, and perceptions are challenged.

To the north, the sand abruptly ends, and rocky slopes rise upwards, cliffs forming around three sides. This is topped by a single-roomed building with an infinity pool alongside looking to the west. With an aged statue of Buddha out on the grass, this aspect of the island presents a strongly Asian feel to it, with thoughts turning away from the Caribbean and perhaps more towards Thailand.

Cherishville, June 2019

There are some rough elements within the build – the odd floating palm tree or boat floating over the water than on it and the lighthouse for the region is oddly canted – but overall, there is plenty here that the visitor can enjoy and photograph within the setting, making time spent their worthwhile. For those so-minded, there are also some poses to be found for photography – a couple leaning against the sea wall above the bay, a walking hand-in-hand pose for those leasing the local bar, while bicycles can be obtained from a couple of rezzer racks for those who fancy taking a ride around the island. As always, photographs are welcome at the Cherishville Flickr group.

SLurl Details

• Cherishville (Villa Bladeney, rated Moderate)

Sweet Paradise, June 2019 – click any image for full size

Update: This parcel is no longer open to public access, and SLurls have therefore been removed from this article.

Sweet Paradise to the Darks sounds a rather unusual name to for a location in Second Life; at least until you realise it references a private home that has been opened to public visits – the Darks in this case being Anita Dark (Anita Khaos) and Kiara Dark (kiaraslet).

Occupying a 8192 sq m parcel, Sweet Paradise is one of those settings I like finding / exploring (although in this case, it’s the latter, as I was pointed to the parcel by reader Morgana Carter); the kind of place that demonstrates you don’t need an entire region in which to create a space that can be both home and somewhere for others to visit.

Sweet Paradise, June 2019

Embracing a tropical island feel, this is a location that’s easy to explore, and even easier to while away the time within. A large, two-storey houseboat dominates the setting, the little patio to one side of it forming the landing point. The lower deck of the houseboat is filled with bric-a-brac, much of it focused on art, the clutter giving the place something of a bohemian feel.

A short walk along sandy grass, the path marked by large rocks and the fenced-in form of a VW Beetle that’s clearly not going anywhere soon, will bring visitors to a large, cement-sides beach house that continues the arty / bohemian feel, presenting a study-like environment again filled with the kind of cosy clutter that marks a space – be it a single room or an entire building  –  as a home.

Sweet Paradise, June 2019

Oriented north-to south, the parcel has a westward beach looking out over the open sea, the view it provides shared by both the veranda of the beach house and the little patio fronting the houseboat. Nor are these the only places from which to enjoy the view. An old rowing boat vies for the attention of visitors (with singles and couples / friends poses) together with a couple of rattan loungers under the shade of parasols, while to the north end of the parcel sits an old camper trailer. This sits within a curve of beach and might possibly be the home of a surfer, but is currently the abode of a Siamese cat who is enjoying the sunshine and a nap.

A mix of trees are scattered across the landscape help to both break it up and screen the various buildings and locations one from the next, helping to present a sense a privacy along the parcel’s sandy ribbon. Together with the rocks breaking up the shoreline they also help give the parcel more of an island-like feel, on the east side of which lays another beach house, this one shaded by palm trees that also cast their cooling influence over another waterside nook visitors can enjoy as a box kite flies overhead.

Sweet Paradise, June 2019

Small but beautifully landscaped and with a eye for detail, Sweet Paradise makes for an pleasing, homely visit. There are numerous places for people to simply relax, and  / or take photos. It’s the kind of place that can easily fulfil the greeting given in the About Land description: where people can make a lot of happy moments.

Simply perfect!