Sable Hound Hollow ‘s Winter Reverie

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

Here is another beautiful, full of fun region not to miss during the Christmas season and after. Sable Hound Hollow ‘s Winter Reverie may be open until the end of January or at least until January 10 Honey Heart told me so keep that in mind to plan a visit. The whole site is enchanting . The windlight sets the tone as the snow is sparkling and the décor is charming. There is a list of Things to do here and the last line expresses the vision ,” Bask in the peace and serenity”. 

The sleigh ride gives an overview of the area so hop on to enjoy the winter foliage and see the sites you don’t want to miss. . 

Many little resting places allow for photo opportunities. I love the mushroom theme that show up among the trees and shrubs. I passed a tree lot and made sure to return there to find that all the trees are free to gather along with some wreathes and other décor. Don’t miss it!

A large Dragon flew over head at one point and later I found its resting spot. Ride a Unicorn pony on the carousel . Different ponies are walking on different days and give a gift if you follow the directions . It is evident that this is an ethereal place with dragons and unicorns. No wonder the owners say ,”Sable Hound Hollow's Winter Reverie is where frostlit wonder meets quiet magic. “ I fully believe it ! 

Skating on the very large pond gives one a chance to listen to the music , enjoy the ice and all the decorations along the edge.

If you join the group there are two advent calendars to look for. At the entrance are directions for a Snowflake Crown Hunt also. Click for directions.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sable%20Hound%20Hollow/55/217/3247

I had a chance to get over to the Premier Business Center where Jardinalexis hosted a Whitney Houston SL (Whitney Hexem)live singer skating party. It was a lovely time with many attendees enjoying every minute as usual.

After that I made a stop over at the Bellisseria Fairgrounds which has been transformed into the Bellisseria Animal Sanctuary annual winterwonderland event by our cute Hammies. It is lovely and offered more skating opportunities at the Sunday party where Fuyuko '冬子' Amano (Wintergeist Resident) was spinning her holiday tunes for us. It was great fun. Take a walk on the winding paths and stop by the fire for some cocoa.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bellisseria%20Fairgrounds/149/226/24

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Calas Christmas

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

If you have not been to the spectacular Calas Christmas yet you are missing a must. Those of us who are group members wait with high expectation the opening day of any of Calas Galadhon holiday builds. Join the group for wonderful activities all year long at their many home regions. This is the 17th year of this Christmas installation where special events take place and is also a magical experience every time you visit.

 

Many of the familiar sites are from the very beginning but there are new additions every year to be explored. At the portal pick up the notecard with many landmarks of sites on the regions that you won’t want to miss.

 

But then, enter the portal and move through and follow the peppermint signs and prepare yourself for wonders!

Later you can come back and take a ski tour if you like but this tour is a must especially if you come with a sweetheart or friend or alone. Other modes of transport are a fun reindeer ride that carries you along the snow then into the air . Another great way to see the regions is from the balloon ride. Both are enjoyable.

The principal hangouts are the skating lake always filled with skaters using their own huds or the available skating balls. A group member can receive a set of skates one time .
 

 

Along the edges of the lake one finds many resting opportunities at a fireside seating or a coffee stand. If you love eating in a train dining car you can. Several smaller pavilions are also available for eating or sitting by a fireplace sipping champagne.

 

 

One cannot pass by without stopping to gaze at the tall shining Christmas tree with all the gifts and decorations underneath. Nearby is the Disney island with a castle and Mickey and Minny waving and Cinderella and her prince by the coach. Look closely and see the many other characters in various places on the land. Check the tower.

And now back to the stunning breathtaking Pavilion. Enter and gasp at the scenery from the dance floor to the tree room to the right and the little cafe with bar to the right. Dancers use the floor when there is no party going on at all hours. You will visit often. The notecard in your pocket will give you other options for photos and activities and hints to make your visit pleasurable. Have your cameras ready and prepare by dressing warmly for the outside frost but elegantly for the Pavilion. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MIDWINTER%202/249/13/3001

I had time to stop over to the Lindens Winterwonderland. Don’t forget to make a visit to explore the regions which are filled with gifts , games and so much more.A teleport will take you where you want to go on this region There is a snowflake hunt going on and you will find the necessary hud and information at the entrance. Next to that is the Swaginator hud. This gives an exploration of the Bellisseria public regions to find more gifts . . I love the first one which is a wearable bulldog  that I love.( No more hints!!) Good luck . On the skating pond get the free ice skates with various account types getting different ice skates. They know who we are lol! 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Winter%20Wonderland%204/182/79/46

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

Yosemite in Winter

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

The snow fell in Yosemite and the ground and mountains are covered. I went over to see the beauty of it . You will want to stop in the Visitor Center and pick up a Yosemite Park Navigator Hud.Then I suggest you take a walk around the paths to see what is going on. Or , you may want to pick a horse to take you for a ride instead. I did run into a Mama bear and two cubs wandering so keep an eye tho she seems calm when avatars come by. A cute skating rink is ready with free skates if you do not bring your own.

When I left the center I saw Santa practicing climbing on the rock wall behind the building. 

 

Some campers have arrived for the winter holiday and fires were burning to keep them warm. The playground is open and kids were playing. Lots of families visit Yosemite at this time. There are so many places to play on this region. 

After visiting that area I recommend opening the hud and choosing Glacier.Pass. to visit. Up here again there are some cute cabins for rental . 

The ski lift is open and there is a coffee stop at the bottom so refresh before you start down the hill again. If you prefer a sled ride that is available also. Visitors are always welcome at Yosemite even if you are not renting or camping so feel free to visit. The hud lets you get a look at many other areas there. Have fun! 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Forever%20Wild/137/135/2437

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

 

 

Places 

Christmas Lane

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Christmas Lane has an extensive collection of décor for you if you are still looking. Shop after shop is chuck full of interesting items, Santas, gnomes, baubles and bulbs...outdoor scenes are great. Tiny shops and cafes and goodies , carts are for sale at good prices for your property. Some would look great beside a skating pond. I saw a hot tub with a counter for coffee after the dip and near by a red checkered spread on a Christmas bed.

 

Inside one of the little shop I saw another bed with a very pretty plaid coverlet. On the walkway sat a santa’s old fashioned car with an elf riding along with a huge bag of gifts in the back seat… reindeer on strike?

I think that this Market has the most gachas lined up for fun shopping that I have seen anywhere. The Black Friday sales vendors may still be there too. It was yesterday when I landed. So many lovely values on sale there so I hope you get to see them.

It is right across from the Advent Calendar where I will be visiting everyday but one needs the group . Join it so you do not miss her specials. She has some lovely outdoor Pine trees and snow covered trees with and without lights ,and many many Christmas trees all decorated in a variety of colors and lights.

One more cute market to visit if you are looking for odd cute Santas or elves , I saw fairies and even a Krampus or two. Angels hovered and little elves on snowskis. All were chubby and sweet and a bit different than most .

Take a look at the little skaters on the pond and the many other unique creatures moving about the snow . 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Paris%20Land/108/19/2313

There are so many wonderful items for sale in markets across the grid . I have chosen a few that I like to visit every year and new ones too. Shop and Hop is open now and many lovely places to have fun and relax I will be checking out from now to Christmas. My wallet is getting empty from not resisting the temptations I experienced this year. There is always that one snow globe that I never saw before and just had to have or that outfit that is just too good a bargain! At some of the shops you will see the poster for places to visit . There are 3 notecards full , not to mention the long list in the Destinations guide. Have a great time trying to get to at least some!! I will let you know about some I did get to visit.

Gemma Cleanslate
 

 

Valentine on Ice

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

A favorite installation I always enjoy visiting is one that Rebel Yell Concerts builds either at Christmas or the one at Valentine day. This long time tribute band has great events going on all year long also.

This is a wonderful place to visit with your honey or family. Lots of interactive winter fun are available to visitors all over the region to enjoy. There are Valentine cabins to rent if you want to make it a holiday. At the entrance you are in a sweet little town .Across the way is a cute carousel to start your fun.

Next to the carousel grab some hot roasted chestnuts take along on your adventure. A quarter moon that holds two for a romantic ride is ready. The moon ride travels along the cobblestone roads so you get a look at the little town and into the woods beyond all around the huge lake. Then it takes off into the sky above the lake and the view is beautiful. The shared lighting is delightful. When you arrive back in town there are some cute little shops to visit and some eating spots too.

Ride the swan on the lake that is not quite frozen. Several horse rezzers give you the opportunity to take a ride through the town and woods. Many little places to relax and take photos are scattered everywhere along the way. On the other side of the lake there is a lovely dining room all set with hearts and flowers for that romantic dinner.

For those who like skiing take the sky rail to the top of the hill and choose your way to go down. If not into skiing try the sled ride. Snowboarding is available too. There is a tour that will take you safely down on your skis if you want to use that. A warming hut is on the top with a crackling fire if more than one ski ride is not enough. This is a marvelous site to enjoy during the month of February.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REBEL%20YELL%20CONCERTS/37/56/27


Gemma Cleanslate
 

Adagio Winterland

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Winter time is a great time to visit the beautiful and fun regions that feature winter as an “art “and ‘sport” in Second Life. One of my favorite sites is Adagio Winterland. Though Adagio is multifaceted with several locations reached by a teleport board, I love this one. One thing I love about it is that it is here all year long so if you get the yen to ice skate in May or September you can. If you just yearn to see snowflakes they are falling all the time. I know some Aussies who love it for the weather and snow during their winter in real-life and want them here too. They also have “almost Karaoke” three times every week. 

 

A small skating area is near the entrance but there is also a huge skating rink over behind the train. Couples and singles can enjoy the skate balls on free skates or bring your own skates or AO . One can also purchase some fancy skates near the entrance too.

I advise if you have time take the balloon ride first. You get a wonderful overview of all the relaxing spots and places to stop while exploring on horseback or foot. There is a horse rezzer near the entrance on the ice near the free skates and also next to the train. The balloon ride gives a little history of the winter region.

“Winterland began when Bekks - a photographer and scene designer in SL - set up a patch of snow, gazebo, a snowman and a log for a winter scene. Loving the idea of a peaceful winter area, it expanded over time with a skating rink and a stage for our weekly karaoke. Homes were added joined by a snowy path, and Winterland became a destination for explorers and photographers. With the Surround and Bekks' meticulous eye for detail, the illusion of a real-life snowy village in the mountains is nearly perfect.” All true.

Little winter cottages dot the area if you would like to rent for a vacation, long or short. Christmas in July can be all year long if you like. There are beautiful snowflakes drifting down enhancing your visit. On the nearby ice families with kiddies will love the three carousels to ride. 

A little farther along in the woods stands a small church. Thinking about getting married in the snow? Here is your chance. There is a lovely Cinderella coach on the lane that I assume is to take the bride to the church. I will bet Adagio has the perfect spot for the reception on another region.

There are more sports opportunities besides skating and horseback riding. Try the sledding , or snowmoble riding, and look for the bungee jumping and zip line. If you visit with friends check out the snowball fight game near the balloon ride too .Lots of fun! 

 

Bekks Heartsong is the owner of this fantastic region. There is information on the rental information card. Pick that up at the entrance. Group members have lots of advantage, You will love this place.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Adagio%20Gardens/167/98/1202

Gemma Cleanslate

Christmas at Calas and Andee's Golf

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

Of course the Christmas region that Calas Galadhon creates is so spectacular every year. It is not to be missed! Andee Cooper took her mystery tour there this year and I was able to go with her and the other participants.

The sleigh ride is the way to see the beauty of the region on the way to the skating lake and the Pavilion. Listening to the music enhances the ride as you pass builds along the way. There are some new buildings as usual this year. Ty Tenk and Truck Meredith make sure that everyone who visits has a wonderful time exploring, attending events almost daily, skating, or just relaxing by the outdoor fire or in one of the smaller pavilions.
 

I spied Santa climbing high above the Pavilion.

 

The Pavilion itself was filled with poinsettias and the rooms inside a wonderful place to listen to music and just enjoy the décor. Group members always find gifts on the tables next to the main entrance. I have several cats and a dog from years back and of course some snow globes. There is much to do all over the region and taking the balloon ride gives one a chance to look down on all the beauty. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Li0nHeart%20Galaxy/122/241/3096

While Andee and I were riding she told me that she and her husband had installed a miniature golf on their region so I took a ride over to check it out. All the directions are posted on how to play. Grab your hud and score board and go! There are places to take photos on poses .. try the Gingerbread house. Softly falling snow adds to the fun!

Andee 004As one moves along the course you get to look at the lovely frosted winter trees. She told me many families had been coming to play . A little skating pond is available too. 

 

At the last hole who is waiting for you ? Old St Nick is sitting on his throne below the score board. It was a delightful setting and I took advantage to sit and take my Christmas texture. You still have time to go play golf with the kiddies on their vacation week! 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Li0nHeart%20Galaxy/122/241/3096

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Christmas at Yosemite

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

One of my special sites in Second Life is Yosemite. I have a second residence there that is lovely, set on a mountain looking down on a valley. The venue changes with the seasons fortunately which is unlike my first residence on a houseboat that I love also but it remains in the same season all year long unless the Moles start playing with the weather. Yosemite is of course a tribute to Yosemite National Park in California that, Jadin Emerald, the owner loves.

Winter has come to Yosemite and there are so many things to do . All are invited to come take horseback rides, walk the trails, skate on the lakes which are frozen. If you would like to stay a while there are camping sites and cabins and more to choose for a short or long stay. Pick up a Park Navigator at the Visitor Center to help you get around.

While I was gathering photos Jadin took me over to see the new Yosemite Lodge that is open for people who would like to relax and chat.

She is constantly adding to the regions to make them more fun for residents and visitors alike.

Not far from the visitor center be sure to stop at the ice skating at the Gazebo and look inside at the Giving Tree. Gifts galore surround the tree from Jadin ( I left one there too lol) Next to the Gazebo there is a relaxing fire pit with seating for many and nearby cocoa and smores.

This is a wonderful peaceful region to visit at any time but at this time of the year it is magical with the falling snow and the vast area for skating on the frozen waters and there are free skates at the Gazebo skating in case you do not have any. Have lots of fun and bring the kiddies . They will love the playground and climbing wall that are always available. I saw Santa on the climbing wall ! Double fun in the snow!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yosemite/138/61/25

Gemma Cleanslate

 

The Land of Misfit Toys

 

By Bixyl Shuftan

 

 

Christmas is almost here. And when I had time to check out some places, I came across one with a title fans of the "Rudolph" TV special will recognize, "The Land of Misfit Toys." The place was made by "The River" music and dance venue.

 

 Near the entry point was Sam the Snowman, the show's narrator.

 

 Not too far away was Santa Claus and his wife.

 

 The Land of Misfit toys was a place where toys that felt unwanted go to live.

 

 The island had a huge castle overlooking the place.

 

 There were some shops around. One had a freebie, the Rudolph "Dragoo" dragon. So you too can have a cartoony dragon dressed up as the famous reindeer.

 

"The Land of Misfit Toys" is a cute and amusing place. Drop by and see it before the Christmas season ends. 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20River/95/140/2450

Bixly Shuftan