Snuggles

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

A few weeks ago I stopped over at Snuggles but the boxes were not open yet for Christmas but now they are. I love going to Snuggles the main store and the holiday stores . I need lots of time to traverse the huge area of outdoor décor set all over the region . Starting from the barn of Santas that is very busy with Santas clinging to the walls and climbing outside ,to the inside where a variety of Santas sit waiting for shoppers.

From there paths lead in all directions with a myriad of outdoor scenes from huge go tiny that you might like on your property. There are snowmen, animals, cute little sleighs. Large ornaments and so many more choices of décor depending on your taste.

 On a pond there are skaters of different types and I saw poor Santa fallen on the ice and his pack lying near by. If you would like a path liner of large candy canes in red or green you will see them along the paths.

After walking the lanes be prepared for the immense gift shop . Outside are all kinds of Snowmen of different styles .The shop goes on and on. The walls are lined with all sorts of gorgeous cards to pass along to sweethearts or friends or business people you know. Many of the cards offer changeable verses. Song cards play the whole songs. Don’t miss the garland and weath area next to the christmas tree section 

The tables are filled with sweet gifts and boxes to pack them in. Of course a whole shelf of Snow globes and flower domes caught my attention. There are bears galore. If you are looking for beautiful non seasonal globes or other gifts you can tp down over to the main Snuggles shop where there are beautiful statuettes of birds and other animals etc . I love that place too for the lovely choices.

The gift shop is on another region but visible from the paths.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Snuggles%20Holidays/14/187/27

Gemma Cleanslate
 

"A Winter Wonderland Christmas" And "Kenzie’s"

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

“A Winter Wonderland Christmas Welcomer whispers: "Welcome to Winter Wonderland Christmas Bazaar! Please consider joining the VIP Group for a 5% Discount on all VENDOR items. ( Kealoha Home Goods VIP )You are welcome to enjoy our winter setting but please be respectful of all other guests on the parcel and surrounding regions. Thank you for stopping in to visit, I hope you have a great time! Feel free to contact Kiki Kealoha for any assistance! Happy Holidays!” Somehow I missed a visit here last year but learned that Kiki moved it to the mainland last year and perhaps that is why.

Of course the first thing I saw when I arrived was a giant snowglobe which made me happy. There are more around the walkway and I am trying to ignore them…. For now. Inside one of the shops though I found some mini globes and I could not ignore them, as usual. 

 

Lots of gnomes and small pieces of décor are on the tables and glistening wreaths up on the wall. Stockings galore on the walls below. If you have your sweetie with you or not look around for the mistletoe.

The site is an easy visit. Some quaint shops hold vendors with indoor and outdoor holiday scenes. Walk the square and stop in each one to check them all out. I loved the carousel with Santa standing by his reindeer and allowing you to ride them. Near by the giant outdoor snow covered tree decorated with glowing candles and red bows a rideable train circles the tree full of gifts. Hop on that too. A skating area allows one to try the ice skates and rezzable sled so have some fun while you visit. Remember to turn on the music to put you in the mood! A few of those cute little shops on the square are for sale too in case you need one.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Eaton/100/200/98

I stopped by Kenzie’s since I know that besides decorating your region or home you would be décor ting yourself too. There is a shop full of Christmas outfits for both men and women. Some are cute skating or dancing outfits and some lovely formal gowns for the many parties that will be going on.

For the men great jackets and sweaters and more.

Outside the shops are kiosks with more holiday outfits to check out and many cute scenes for the your décor. This is the 11th year for this shopping opportunity . Find a teleport to take you to trees,

decorations .and group gifts if you want to find them quickly. More Christmas tunes to put you in the mood are playing.

I walked around the stone pathway and they are all within close access. I found brightly blinking lighted trees and next to them trees without the blink in case you prefer them. I came across an Advent calendar set up so will be coming back here I am sure. Oh dear, and more Christmas globes!!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Paradise%20Skies/132/22/1224

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

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