Last-Minute Halloween Places

 

 By Bixyl Shuftan

 

As I write this, Halloween is gone. It was a blast, but all good things must come to an end. But I had a little time this weekend to see a few Halloween-themed places. Keep in mind that they won't be up much longer. In fact, one or two may be gone by the time you read this. 

 

Checking out the Destinations Guide, one place caught my attention:  "Inspire Space Park - Shadows of the Mist." Inspire Space Park has always been a cool place to visit (article). But this promised to give the picturesque attraction a new look.

An eerie mist has rolled into Inspire Space Park, cloaking the asteroids in shadow. The park is haunted, and whispers tell of secret treasures hidden in the dark. The hunt begins here; dare you step into the mist? But the adventure doesn’t end there. Stick around, float in zero gravity, and enjoy the custom radio mix of eerie, soothing Halloween sounds while you celebrate among friends. 

 

 Dropping by, the place had a darkly beautiful feel to it. The music was described for reading a Gothic horror story. And to my surprise there was a hunt

 

 Welcome to Inspire Space Park's Shadows of the Mist Hunt! Start your adventure by finding the Haunted Places hunt bag on the other side of the arch. Follow the clue to your first prize! Further instructions will be available there.

Head there at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shinda/98/208/1559

 

 I also decided to check out a place called "The Ratking's Sewer."

 

The endless tunnels of the Ratking's sewers in the town of Northbridge will have you lost in a maze of wonder and adventure. Each passage may lead you to new and exciting worlds, but beware of the Ratking's experimental subjects.

 This place was, dark. I ended up going around in mouselook at times as I was worried about being taken by surprise unless I could see right in front of me.

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Vigdorova/148/228/2958

 

 I'd heard about "Firestorm Ghost Town," and decided to check it out. 

 

 Nothing super terrifying. This was an old-fashioned carnival ride. 

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Firestorm%20Ghost%20Town/171/72/505

 

 And what's Halloween without a good vampire story? I went and checked out " Castle Dracula - Gothic Horror Experience."

Castle Dracula offers a chilling Gothic Horror experience, blending immersive storytelling with Victorian gothic legends. Enter the eerie halls of Count Dracula's castle, uncovering haunted secrets of vampires, ghosts, and werewolves. New in 2024, the Frankenstein expansion deepens the horror, inviting visitors to explore a spine-tingling journey through the heart of Transylvania.

The starting location let's you know you're in for an experience that isn't kid stuff and some flashing lights, and you'll need to accept experiences. You'll find a HUD attached going through. 

 

The story begins on a train, in which a train is taking you to Transylvania. A friend of yours went there to conduct a real-estate deal with Count Dracula, and vanished, and you've taken it upon yourself to find him. You get a letter from the Count himself inviting you to his castle, so head over, stopping at the tavern first.

Outside the tavern, a dark carriage is waiting to take you there, the coachman greeting, ""My master the Count bids thee welcome to the Carpathians. He awaits your coming eagerly...." And he gives you a ride to the castle, talking some along the way, "A land of wolves and ghosts...? Such is often said of this land by those abroad...

I haven't checked out the game very far, but it looks great for those who have the time. 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fort%20Nowhere/21/240/1401

Be sure to check out more haunts in the Destination Guide: https://secondlife.com/destinations/haunted

 

That's all for now for spooky sights. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Necropolis Umbrae And Bewitched

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

When I received a notice from the Nature Collective that warned,

“If Treasure you seek in this dark sad place, a deadly trial must you face.

In the deepest tombs not all things sleep and there must you go. though you may weep.

With the nameless beast will you find the key, and then you seek its symbols three.

With the key in hand you will find what you crave, and perhaps a path beyond the grave”.

I had to go see what was going on of course.

Necropolis Umbrae is an enticing cemetery. I am fond of cemeteries and this one is dark and lovely, filled with monuments (and many photo opps) among them. In the olden days cemeteries were places where families spent time enjoying the beauty and having picnics close to loved ones who have passed.

Walk around and you will see. The occult library is most interesting. And of course if you wish you can search out the answer to the riddle above. Save time!

I did and found the key! I saw two other avatars looking for it and were very close! Try it and you will be pleased if you succeed. It is an experience looking for it but don’t be afraid! You may find vampires or other frightening creatures waiting for you in the dark places. Just a warning.

Necropolis
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Or/143/118/1272

I was not daunted by that experience so I went off to another Halloween region. Bewitched is another Halloween Region that will take some time to explore.

Take a train ride to get a full overview of what to expect on your visit. This is just a taste of what you will face in Bewitched.

There are so many ghouls and goblins around the rail tracks . Keep an eye out as you pass by and hang onto the seat! Wander and worry about whom or what you might meet next among the grave stones or in the huge castle where I found many strange rooms, and people. I loved the Halloween tree in one of the rooms . It is the first one I have seen in my visits so far.

Walk through the grave yard up the steps to the haunte house and hop onto the little cart to take the ride through the haunted house. It is filled with all sorts of frightening skeletons and creatures popping up right in your face. Bring friends to protect you! HAZY COVE/127/1/21

Another autumn decorated place with some Halloween fun is Yosemite. I stopped over to check out this year’s décor and was met with skeletons standing around and pumpkins adorning the whole region. The trees have changed color adding a hue to the tall pines that live there.

I stopped over at the Visitor’s center where a navigator hud is available in the office for travelers and explorers and campers who visit often. On the porch one can see the many who have arrived and perhaps never left. I have a cabin and love it there .

Take a walk along the many paths or take a horse ride choosing among the many eager horses in the corral just waiting for you . Campers are already there with families to enjoy that and the playground for the kids.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yosemite/143/62/25

Gemma Cleansate

 

Shadowfell

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

“Continue the journey as Calas Galadhon creators Tymus Tenk and Truck Meredith reopen the dark Elven gates of SHADOWFELL, this year traveling by elven boat or on foot into a 4th new region - the new location of Ruins of the Elven City and new tour!” I wait for this every Halloween with great expectation. I have never been disappointed. When Ty and Truck open any holiday special installation it is always a wonder. Halloween is an experience that is not similar to any other that I have found in all my years in SL. I have others I like to visit with relish but this is unequal. Take the notecard offered at the landing point with information and landmarks not to be missed but put it in your pocket. I have to use a brighter lighting than recommended to get photos for the paper.)

At arrival there are reminders and helps that will make your experience fuller if you heed them. I always find that three or four lengthy visits to see all there is to see and find all the hidden sites require at least this amount of time. Walking is a definite best way to see all but the first thing I always do is take the boat ride to feel the energy from the sights and sounds along the waterway and into the sky as the boat takes off over the forest for an aerial view.

The boat is for two people so bring your partner or friend along or do it alone. Keep your hands inside because you never know what might pop up from the water, or along the shore that might like to grab you. The iridescense of the surrounding foliage is entrancing. PBR has enhanced the old looking like all is new. Micky Mouse is still visiting there and I was happy to see him again as I passed in the boat.

Then is it on to the walking. The signage is very helpful and there is a walk with me rezzer for couples.

The walk through the Ruins over the bridges and along the pathways of the forbidden forest and gardens are helped along by the lit matches found on the ground but wondering off the paths is also exciting and beautiful in all the regions you walk. 

Some of the creatures of the wilds are frightening but never spoil the walk. Eyes may glare at you as you pass and follow you down the path. Be sure to watch for the journey clothes along the way that take you off to unseen sites. In the Cistern I found creatures trying so hard to leave and maybe you can join them.

After the walking I suggest you take your notecard out and check to see that you did not miss any of the main sites. The landmarks will take you to each. Don’t miss any by accident. The stage at the Pavilion is where the many parties are held during the month. Joining the Calas Galadhon group will keep you informed of any events going on and the DJs performing. Here and there You will see pumpkins with a donation request. Ty and Truck have never required a payment for all their many regions that are always available to visit and enjoy so if you can afford some lindens to support their continued ventures it will be appreciated. For many years in the old days they never even asked for donations until members urged them to do it. I am glad and I am sure it pays for new additions to Shadowfell.

I usually end my tours in the Elven Flyer. Looking out over the forests, ruins, from above imprints the experience for another year and I put my flashlight away.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MIST/9/77/23

Gemma Cleanslate 

Nature Collective Update

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

It has been a while since I had a chance to stop over to the office of The Nature Collective. In case you are not familiar with this group,” it's a vibrant community centered around regions, spaces, and projects dedicated to celebrating the beauty and wonder of nature. Join us for group events and exploration, where you can surround yourself in breathtaking landscapes and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about nature in every life!” Cornelia Street, off Route 2 in Itame leads to the Information office.

In the office I checked to see if the Travelogue Hud for reaching all the members regions was new but I already have the latest version. The book club books are displayed. The hud is there for the taking and next to it on the wall one can join the group. The hud is a guide to all the members regions and tps one directly to the region you chose to visit. There are a multitude of wonderful places to visit. Many with activities related to groups.

Joining the TNC will open your eyes to many activities you might enjoy. There is information about the Naturist Project on the table and I have the link here to read about the latest project https://naturecollectivesl.com/ The book club is on haitus at this time but meets at various locations and time when it is active and I wish I had more time to attend that too. The book selection are interesting about rl places and people. I ran into our leader, Emm Cerulean (Emm Evergarden)who keeps all in line. Her rl is extra busy these days so she drops in when able. She was busy decorating the region for oncoming autumn.

When I am very busy in Second Life like greeting at the SLB or doing Ranger work at Burn2 I often turn off most of my group notices and IMs so missed this one. Emm told me we have a new fun game to play alone or with friends. It is called Nature Bingo. Get the four cards that come in an envelope. I grabbed it and I took Card 1 and decided to try it out. 

 

I chose card one and flew off to to find the items listed on a card. I chose a forest to visit. As I walked along the path from the entrance I was able to find nine items listed on the card before I walked 25 steps so I know it works well. I did not get Bingo but see how easy it will be. That was just a test. I can see it will be fun for a few friends to play and plan on going off to finish getting bingo. Learn a lot more about this wonderful group by visiting. Stop over at The Dancing Rabbit Cafe at the end of the street and have a Boba tea while you are there.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Itame/92/107/91

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

The International Space Museum

 

By Bixyl  Shuftan

 

With some big stories behind me, I thought it was important to take a look at a few must-see places that haven't been in the paper for a while. One that came to mind was the International Space Museum, in Spaceport Alpha.  

 

 The place has been in Second Life since it's early days, first going up in September 2005. So it will be 20 years old next month. While some of the builds are old by today's standards, it's very well done, and always informative. 

 

Near the middle of the Spaceport Alpha sim is a seating area. Some rocket launches, notably manned ones, are televised, and people come here to watch them, as well as discuss them. There's also occasional broadcasts from the International Space Station.  

 

At what used to be an official entrance is a circle of flags of all nations that have launched rockets into space. Some had less peaceful motivations than others. 

 

 While many of the exhibits are from around the museum's first years, there's an interactive one that isn't: the Space X Dragon capsule rocket ride. 

 

 To start, just get in the capsule, right-click and sit, and it will soon launch into the air ...

 

 And into space, the rocket soon falling away ...

 

 

And soon the Dragon capsule comes to dock at the International Space Station, humankind's current permanent manned location in space. 

 

There was a teleport to start a tour of the planets, starting with Mercury, the closest to the sun, which is basically a heat-blasted rock. 

 

The tour takes you to all eight major planets, Jupiter of course being the largest.

 

Uranus is the strangest, with it's rocky rings and tilted on the side. And of course the name that makes it the "butt" of jokes. 

 

 The tour also took you to stars and galaxies.

 

And after the tour, you can take the Dragon Capsule back down to Earth. 

 

 The last part of the rocket falls away as it heads back to Earth ...

 

 

 Entering the atmosphere, the friction gets so hot, the capsule would be burned up without the heat shield.

 

And eventually the parachutes open to slow your descent ...

 

 And a safe touchdown.

 

 There are numerous other exhibits, though the most visible is clearly the ring of rockets.

 

 So what did it take to get a two foot metal ball with instruments and antennae into space in the 1950s?

 

 This rocket in the middle, you can compare it to my avatar next to the green capsules to it's left.

 

About once a week, the National Space Society group in Second Life meets at the ring for it's "Tea and Rockets" chat.

 

There are many more, but to keep the article short, I'll have to leave them out.

 

On a final note, the museum is still in need of help.  It still needs people, whether builders, scriptors, educators, and others to help with new, and remodeling, exhibits. And donations are generously accepted.

 

WE NEED YOU! The International Spaceflight Museum (ISM) is always growing and needs volunteers of all types to help "make it so". Whether your strengths are in SL building or scripting, public relations, research, education, engineering, giving presentations, space art and design, administration and management, writing, imagining, or providing feedback, we'd like to work together to share the dream.

We need donors, too. ISM is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization dedicated to presenting information and experiences of past, present, and near future space hardware to the public. It has been a fixture in Second Life since 2005, built by a cadre of volunteers.

 

For more information, feel free to contact Kat Lemieux, the Director or Shanna Starship, the museum Officer. 

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spaceport%20Alpha/128/128/22

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spaceport%20Alpha/35/95/22 (teleport pad)

 

Bixyl Shuftan