Halloween At Calas and Cica Ghost's Epsilon

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

I had a chance to get to two amazing installations for Halloween fun.The first visit was to Shadowfell. Ty Tenk (Tymus Tenk) and Truck (Truck Meredith) of Calas Galadhon worked their magic to again
bring an elegant yet spooky walk for you through stunning and sometimes shocking wilds and caverns to reach the pavilion where events will be held.

At the entrance watch the warnings and advice to prepare yourself for the experience. Read it carefully to have the best experience on your trip along the way. Torches will guide you on your walk. There are signs along the way. At the entrance you also have the option of a boat ride which is wonderful. I chose to walk but will return for the boat ride later.

Frightful creatures lurk waiting for you to pass hoping to catch you unaware so take care. Follow the path laid out by the torches as well as you can. I became lost several times but was able to get back on track. Pavilion is the ultimate destination so keep that in mind if you do get off course.

Here is the Pavilion in all its glory. Have a spine-tingling journey! Begin here. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MIST/5/75/23

My next journey took me to Cica Ghost’s Halloween installation. I always love her work. This is a different experience. Her pumpkins have taken over the place along with little ghosties and other amazing little creatures. Haunting eyes follow. Watch the brambles, don’t get stuck on them.

I hope those smiling faces are really friendly. I think so. Dance among them if you like. I wonder what they are thinking.

It is like being in a childhood dream of what Halloween is, but not a nightmare. The windlight is part of Cica’s creations so be sure to use her environment to feel the full experience here. I loved walking up to her critters and feeling safe while having an imaginary conversation with them. I saw a few that I avoided since they were a bit sinister.

Halloween is not my favorite holiday but installations like these are a pleasure to view. Don’t miss it!!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Epsilon/120/192/25

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Return to Darkwood

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

Darkwood is one of Truck (Truck Meredith) and Ty Tenk (Tymus Tenk) special regions for a holiday. This one began in 2014 and is perfect for a different sort of Halloween from many others. There are yearly changes but as the owners say, ”We are happy to bring back a part of it this year. Though different, its spirit remains (smile).”  

I picked up my group hat and backpack, set the region windlight, turned on the music,  grabbed a flashlight. and headed in for the new treats, or tricks.

 

The first thing I did was take the Elven Boat Ride .This ride takes one through the swamp which is filled with marvels . It also takes off into the air and high over the mountains and hanging sky islands. It is a long ride so plan time .

Touring Darkwood on foot is easy if you follow the torches places along the way. But, some of the signs are iffy and getting lost is not bad either. There are places to sit by a fire and relax.

The Pavilion where many parties take place is on one of the sky islands and it spectacular as always. There are events there every few days at 7pm SL time  until Halloween and the calendar is there to view. During your tour you will find donation ghouls in the forest, swamp and Pavilion.

Ty and Truck do not have any commercial activities on their Calas Galadhon regions. Their main objective in Second Life is to provide enjoyment and entertainment for their members and visitors. You are invited to join the group . 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Enchanted%20Rock/90/30/23

Gemma Cleanslate

New Santorini

by Gemma Cleanslate

 “Our much loved 'little Greek village' on the hill ,,. lost since 2014  rises once again from the sea as Calas Galadhon's NEW SANTORINI along with The Lost Gardens of Thera and a new live music venue 'PHOENIX"!’

Calas Galadhon Park is a group of enjoyable sims open to all visitors. The collection of sims used to be more extensive than it is now even though there were never any commercial interests in any of the sims. The two owners, Ty Tenk (Tymus Tenk) and Truck (Truck Meredith) never charged or even asked for lindens for many years. Finally when some sims had to disappear they allowed donations kiosks to appear to keep as many as they could.  If you have never visited their sims you are missing a wonderful Second Life experience. The activities are numerous. My favorite has always been riding my horse since one can move from sim to sim so easily and the venues are delightful. There are horse rezzers on some of the sims if you don’t have one of your own. Check out their website for information , videos and activities.  https://calasgaladhon.com/

“The original Santorini village stood on the hill above the Armenelos region of the Calas Galadhon Park from early 2011 until Dec 2014.”

Right now there is an opportunity to visit one of the lost sims, New Santorini. For views It was always one of my favorite to visit.It is absolutely gorgeous. It is back for a time so don’t miss the chance to take a boat ride on the bay . Climb the high hill and visit the quaint homes along  the winding walkways. Sit on a patio at a Greek bar, have some wine and enjoy the view looking down on the waters in the sunset.

Then descend beneath the waters to discover the magic of the scenery below. in The Lost Gardens of Thera. An underwater walk or swim in the stunning venue only adds to the charm.

I found a couple taking advantage of the dance floor  dancing to the enchanting music, There are dances there almost every night for members and visitors. Everyone is always welcome at Calas.

It is such a charming setting for lovers and friends to explore . Go visit before it sinks again into the sea It will be there through July at least. ‘Be sure to turn on Advanced Lighting Model, Music and Sounds to experience the build the way we designed it for you” the owners caution.

Enter  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ERIADOR/233/105/21

Gemma Cleanslate

Reader Submitted: A Little Treasure, Calas Galadhon Park's Glanduin

By Alysabelle Resident

I truly wish you would come inworld and see the place yourself. It's so remarkably beautiful. Its not just the house itself. Its everything around and about the entire area . In every corner you have one thing or another that you haven't seen before. Please note I'm not a writer and never will be, with the countless mistakes and grammar errors, that's me.

 

I took pictures for you, although trust me, they don't depict all of what this place looks like. I also send you the landmark inworld.  In January, Truck (truck.meredith) and Ty Tenk (tymus.tenk) who own the sims at Calas Galadhon Park, closed for the month of January for a much needed break, and re-opened the 1st of February . What I understand is that Ty Tenk (tymus.tenk) and Truck (truck.meredith) collaborate decorating and designing the sims for Calas Galadhon. Ty Tenk (tymus.tenk) is the landscaper, who I have to say does a beautiful job. I did ask him a few questions this morning on what his motivation of creating a farm on one of the sims called Glanduin in particular, he mention the motivation was a lot of idea's in his mind and that he lived in the country most of his life and that in the farm house itself there are picture of his actual ancestors .

I have to say the country farm land, which I call it, it's just the most loveliest thing I have ever seen. The most picture perfect country farm house/ barn  and so on that anyone would or could imagine. I have never seen anything so detailed in Second Life before like this place. I'll give you a few examples : the rope swing in the back of the house, the seating area with an outdoor fire pit. The swing set on the side of the house and the two seating area's on the rock nearby, with full animations. The front side of the house, you see a brown fence and horses, and the fence itself animates. Some poses bring you back to childhood example standing up with your arms outstretched tip toeing across the fence back and fort. Or sitting reading a love letter while you clutch the letter to your chest in remembrance of a loved one or love one hand written letter and that is just a few animations of many. There is also a black horse click sit and there is many poses as well , how sweet. 

 

As you keep going down the hill, you have a pond with gooses and a seating area overlooking the pond then there is the barn with the animals. There is a large pig, who won first prize at some country fair I imagine, rabbits, a turkey, chickens nearby, goats, cows, a horse rezzer nearby, the sheep in the back of the house, the cats and dogs in and outside the house, the ferrets even. There's plenty of plant life, the oak trees, cherry trees, the birch trees on the exterior, the countless flowers in and around the house, and more. In fact in the front of the house, how adorable, two pose balls that is written ' get to work.' You sit on them and choose a summer hat male or female as well as a rake and your avie animates to rake. There is even a clothes line with some clothes out to dry.

If you yourself lived on a farm in real life, or knew someone that did or even spent summers at your grandparents country home or someone else' grandparents country home, if you close your eyes you will, I'm sure, remember the smell of grandmother's  baked cookies. Walk into the house it may just evoke long ago memories. You feel transported in another time where life was simpler then it is today. And the conversational pieces that may arise amongst  one another visiting Glanduin and the inevitable question that usually arise "Do you remember when ...?" I'm sure it will bring a smile upon your face.

And if you're like me who never lived on a farm, but I imagine myself as my friends told their countless stories of summer's passed with their grandparents at their country place and the memories that they recounted. And I writing vicariously through their once upon a time storie.

Thank you,

 

Glanduin (135, 78, 26)

　

Alysabelle

Calas Galadhon Sims

By Gemma Cleanslate

Since I have been too busy to ride my horse for a while I took a break from the Halloween searches to go for a ride in Mirromere in the Calas Galadhon sims. These are season changing sims that are always a pleasure to explore. The trees are  now in autumn glory. You can travel through 12 sims if you like on your horse . If you don’t have one you can rezz one here http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mirromere/170/114/32  . 

 

There are always other modes of transport in the sims of course. A balloon ride is always fun, or a boat ride if you like. If you are into biking you can rezz one in the village area in Calas Galadhon sim. There are so many stunning venues through out the sims it always amazes me every time I visit. The owners TYMUS TENK & TRUCK MEREDITH  keep all these sims for the pleasure of the visitors. There is nothing for sale , no place to rent. It is just for your enjoyment. 

 

Where ever you go you come across little relaxing places with dance balls or comfortable seating where you and a friend can relax and talk, or just sit and read a book if you like. I love the Misty Mountains where birds sing and crickets chirp. and swirls of fog rise out of the waters. Armenelos is another favorite  but watch for the bears there as you make your way through the woods! I also came across a statue of a racoon holding a sign saying “Breathe and Smile” which it made me do. When I leave here I am always more relaxed.  

 

There are events almost every night in one or the other of the clubs  . Join the group for notices . You will find donation boxes around the sims so please try to give a little or a lot to keep these sims where they are. The main entrance offers a tp map to any of the other sims so you can enter here  where you will find  more information and read the rules for these spectacular sims. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Calas%20Galadhon/142/230/22

 

Much as I love all the seasons here, I can hardly wait for winter and the Christmas sim!! 

 

Gemma Cleanslate

Two Coastal Retreats: Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos

By Grey Lupindo

I started the new year with a trip to two connected sims, Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos.   Both are part of the award-winning Calas Galadhon Park.    Belegaer, located at BELEGAER, BELEGAER (32, 75, 21), is an open water retreat that has a number of hidden surprises within its borders.   While exploring there, I saw a nearby villa.  It was so beautiful that I knew I had to visit it, too.    The villa is located at The Island of Armenelos, ARMENELOS (146, 106, 21).

         I found these two jewels of SL when I visited the main sim, Calas Galadhon Park in December.    Created in January, 2010, by SL residents Tymus Tenk and Truck Meredith, Calas is an 11 region estate.  My friend and fellow reporter Gemma Cleanslate reported about this magical place in “A Wintery Favorite:  Calas Galadhon Park”, published December 13, 2013.     During my visit there I saw posters for Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos.   Unlike the active and busy winter sims, Belegaer and the Island of Armenelos are warm weather sites with an emphasis on quiet beauty. 

        At the landing point for Belegaer I found the “Blackspot”, an ancient sailing ship that may be haunted, and a small kayak that is available for anyone to use.    The “Blackspot”, like many places on Belegaer, has dance balls ready for couples to use.    But I didn’t want to spend any time exploring the ship.   I was eager to try out the kayak and see the other sights.

       The kayak was a perfect fit, and I was soon out in the open water.   The ambiance is wonderful here.  Sea gulls and pelicans call out as they fly by.  The sound of crashing waves alerts you to the danger of getting too close to the rocks.    I’m sure I heard a pair of humpback whales, too.             

      Although kayaking on the water was serene, the outcropping of rocks near land was more inviting to me.    Ignoring the danger, I headed toward them.   At one point I was hung up on a reef, but I quickly floated free.     I guided the kayak through an arch and was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful garden near the shore. 

     I left the kayak and waded ashore.  At first all I saw was the garden, but I kept exploring.   On the other side I found many hidden treats, like benches for relaxing and great places to snap pictures.   Bird watching is great here, too. 

      Tucked away on the far side of the garden is a private pool that would be perfect for couples.   Nearby I found a picnic blanket with a basket of goodies and a nice vintage wine.   Dance balls are located in many spots, often concealed in statutes of birds or sea lions.    Although the area seemed small at first, the path winds up and around in a way that makes it feel bigger. 

       When it started to get dark I stopped exploring and tried to find my way back to the kayak.    By the time I found my landing spot, the kayak was gone.    While I was scrambling over the rocks, I slipped and fell into the water.  What a happy accident that turned out to be!  Under the water is another beautiful park.  I swam with some fish and looked around a bit.  Because it was now very dark, I opted to teleport out and come back another time to visit the villa.       

        When I returned to explore the Island of Armenelos, I teleported in at The Island of Armenelos, ARMENELOS (146, 106, 21).  At the landing point I was greeted by Shelly the sea lion, who was looking for a treat.    After I fed her, I walked up the stone steps toward the villa.

         At the first landing I came to a dance area near a colorful fountain.    The opulence and beauty of this sim is evident immediately.   As I continued up the long set of steps, I found a number of decorative mosaic tiles on the landings.  There are scenes of dolphins, turtles, a swordfish, and other marine life.

        At the top of the steps are apartments that are open for exploring.   There are no rentals here.  Visitors are free to walk inside the villas without worrying about invading anyone’s privacy.   There are many apartments connected by narrow passages and stucco stairs.    I had a great time exploring in and around the many villas.

        Outside many of the apartments and on some larger patios are chairs where visitors can relax in the sunshine.   I met resident DowJones Fullstop when I stopped to have a cup of coffee.   Fullstop often comes to this and other Calas sites.   He told me about the skating and other activities that can be found here.     

         I was impressed by the unique and detailed interiors that can be seen inside the apartments.  When I was talking to Fullstop, he had remarked about how realistic the site looks.   I agree with his observation.   Tenk and Meredith have added many unique items that make this site special.   For example, in one apartment a small oscillating fan sits on a table and cools the room.   Other villas have pet cats inside while birds chirp on the ledges outside.            

         On their website, Tenk and Meredith state that these sites are their gift back to the residents of SL.    Although they accept donations to help with the operational costs, the donation boxes are limited and located only at the entrances to the sims.    Tenk and Meredith have created a perfect place for anyone who wants to enjoy some quiet time on the sea or relax at a seaside villa.     

Grey Lupindo

A Wintery Favorite: Calas Galadhon Park

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

I have to be honest. With all the wonderful regions I visit for the winter activities and the Christmas decor one of my very favorites is the CALAS GALADHON PARK SIMS. This is not a sim, it is a  group of 11 spectacular sims that is always a pleasure to visit. But, the winter season is exceptional in its offerings. 

 

When you land you will find a teleport board to any of the sims you want to visit, and another board containing the rules of the sim with all its landmarks in the notecard. It will be easy to begin your winter adventures at the nearby skating area. I have not found many other skating experiences that are better than here since you are able to take a tour of three winter sims skating along the frozen waterways. Try it solo or with a companion. There are skate balls for you, or just take off under your own steam.  The scenery is delightful, and so realistic. 

 

After that tour follow the sign for cross country to pick up a set of skiis and poles and take off on  a four sim cross country ski tour, solo or couple and get an eye full of wintry countryside, ice covered trees , bright berry bushes, cabins bright with fires glowing and so much more. The skis also work on their own so you can continue on your own.  All  around the sims are places to sit and chat. This is a great place to take a horse back ride too,  wonderful place to explore or just sit around. 

 

The owners,  Ty Tenk (tymus.tenk) and Truck (truck.meredith) maintain a peaceful environment all year round but especially in this season of the Christmas Holidays. It is  free of merchandise or dwellers so distractions are few. Here is the entrance to the parks where you can get all the information you need.  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Calas%20Galadhon/137/233/22

 

But, the best place in the parks, (though it is outside the parks this year) to celebrate the season is at the Christmas Pavilion. When you arrive enter the carriage that awaits that will take you on a ride all around this special sim. Arrive at the Pavilion itself. It is a massive castle filled with goodies for you. Toy soldiers guard the doors of the Christmas tree room overflowing with gift boxes. Look around in here for your gifts from Ty and Tenk.  On the other side is the room where you can enjoy coffee, cakes, tea and sweets. In the middle is a massive hall where you can dance and listen to the music of the season. Events planned for the Pavilion are on the calendar at the entrance of the parks. 

 

Ty sent a message saying ”We hope you are enjoying winter at Calas and the 'One Christmas Night' build (smile). We have several pose sets out for your Xmas cards.  At the Christmas sim .. the couples skating poses  on the skating area, Single pose w/menu on the mother deer with the two fawns outside S/E corner of Paviion.  A single pose on the mother bear with cubs."  

 

Here is the entrance to One Christmas Night for you.  Check scripts  and climb into the carriage for a magical experience. This year the returning tradition of the One Christmas Night is separate from the other sims , so hang onto the landmark.  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SilverMyst/182/253/23 .

 

Gemma Cleanslate

Calas Reopening

By Gemma Cleanslate

Calas Galadhon  sims have been closed for a month while the owners regrouped and rebuilt in some  sims. Truck Meredith, one of the owners, wrote this, “It is with great joy that we have reopened Calas Galadhon for your pleasure.  Please come by and see the sims in fall foliage. There are 11 sims in the park with major reworking of Dimril Dale and Grey Havens. There is a whale on Grey Havens that you and three friends can ride.  There are two dolphins on Belagaer that you can ride, and riding turtles.  New cabin on Dimril, have to walk through the woods to get to it.  Also a new riverboat on Gulf of Lune.  Also new art exhibitions on Main Street.”

 

Truck and Tymus Tenk are the owners of these regions. There are no rentals or sales of anything in these sims. I had to go over to see what was new or different. The sims are going into autumn, with the trees slowly changing color, but there are still many delightful shrubs and trees in full bloom so there is a mass of color everywhere. I rode my horse over the roads and trails just to enjoy all the views. Everywhere I went I found avatars just hanging out gazing at the views over meadows, hills, and waters. 

 

While you roam the sims you come to spots made for just sitting and relaxing, with lovely immersive  music. There are dance balls and cuddle poses in spots where friends and lovers can relax. But, don’t stay away because you have no one to go with. They are just here for everyone’s enjoyment. Nature brought into Second Life just for the inhabitants. There are rules and a TP list for you to help guide you along the way. Pick them up at the entrance. There are donations kiosks about the region  and I hope you will be able to contribute to keep all the sims in place. 

 

I am eagerly waiting for the winter sims. I know they will be gorgeous!!   Planning skating and skiing already in my mind!         

 

Calas Galadhon, (135/233/22)

Gemma Cleanslate

Calas Galadhon Park Sims

By Gemma Cleanslate

  
Some of you will recall my visit to Calas regions during the winter. Most of the eleven sims were covered with snow, and I had delightful time skating and skiing and visiting the Christmas Pavilion. I thought I should go back now that it is spring and see what is going on. 

Flowering trees and plants now adorn the regions. The fields are filled with grasses and the animals are out roaming the pastures. It is a wonderful place to go horseback riding, so I did. I visited several sim that way, looking at the rocky hills and cliffs and spectacular vistas. In  Eryn Vom you can look out over the marshes and cross over the bridges to the tiny islands. Whereever you go, you pass quaint areas for relaxing alone or with friends. Dance balls dot some of the areas for your pleasure. In Mirrormere I found a canoe and paddles and took a ride down the rivers, perhaps some of those on which I skated in the winter. 

In the Bay of Belegar, visit the pirate ship and climb down below for a scuba diving. I met Chatty Kathy down there, using the gear and exploring and having a wonderful time. “This is entirely too much fun ... darned thing even has bubbles ... it's always an amazing place, but oh em gee, at Christmas and Halloween, there's no place like it on the grid." I left her to go see the Pirate ship which she recommended highly. 

I visited the Cafe Armenelos high up on a hill, where I found some loungers admiring the view. From there I could see what looked like an entire Hotel high on a hill. I went up and it was a lovely set of buildings reminding one of a quaint village perched  at the peak of the mountain. 

There are no rentals or living places on any of the sims. There are no commercial enterprises. All buildings are open for visiting, but not for staying. I spied the one of the owners, Tenk sitting on a bench on a hillside pondering. I did not want to bother him, so I took a quote from the welcome notecard, “Come immerse yourself in the early American coastal countryside of the early 20th Century. We strive to bring the beauty & peace of our natural areas into Second Life for all to enjoy as a refuge. There are now 11 sims to the Park.  Each sim has a unique feel, yet are tied together with verdant fields & farms, high mountain meadows and winding streams through its woodlands & valleys which eventually lead to the natural beauty of the coast. There is also the island of Armenelos where the 'Santorini' build by Bora Rossini, can now be found.” 

There is so much to see. I will leave it to you to discover all there is to find in the regions. When you arrive at the entrance, you will be able to pick up a notecard with the rules and the landmarks of places you may want to visit. There is also a teleport board to all the regions. This is definitely a landmark you will want to save. The regions call for revisiting often, alone or with friends. You can follow the activites by joining the group , or by visiting the calendar at the website. You also see a copy of the calendar at the entrance.  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Calas%20Galadhon/137/233/22

Gemma Cleanslate 

More Winter Fun at the Park Sims

By Gemma Cleanslate

Thanks to a landmark from a friend recommending a visit, I went to another spectacular region that is set for winter activities. Since it was new to me, I spent a long time exploring. There are actually 11  sims associated as the ‘Park Sims.’  At the time of this writing, four of the sims have  been turned into a winter wonderland. I ice skated through 4 sims on the ponds and rivers passing under covered bridges. As I glided along I saw farm lands with animals and buildings and large birds flew overhead. 

 

I stopped off at a “conservatory” style building that is serving meals. You have a great choice of breakfast, lunch , beverages depending on the time of day. If you see it be sure to go in for the full experience. All along the way I found sweet little places to stop and investigate or hang out. Since there are no rentals here, you may open any doors. I read that area is based on the early 20th century American coastal area and it is very true. I took a cross country ski tour and found a lovely stained glass church reminiscent of the the churches you see all around the villages of the New England States, even now, that date back to that era. You can enter the homes to see the furnishings that are also typical of that time. 

 

When you enter the sims you will find a set of rules to make your stay more enjoyable and tips for what to look for. The owners, Tymus Tenk and Truck Merideth  have brought these sims to SL just for the enjoyment of nature. I am amazed I have not found them before. They have also build an elaborate and elegant Christmas Pavilion at the Bay of Balfala where events will take place for the holiday season. It actually streches across the whole sim and is lovely! You can find that at
 http://slurl.com/secondlife/BAY%20OF%20BALFALAS/86/132/2601 Enjoy the events by joining the group for notices.

 

To begin the tour of the winter sims when  you land you will see pose balls for skating that will take you along the route with no effort. Pick up the notecards before you take off. I plan to take the tour again to see all that I passed by on my first tour and then venture into the other sims to take a look.   http://slurl.com/secondlife/Calas%20Galadhon/141/223/23

 

Gemma Cleanslate