"A Christmas Wish" At Calas Chaladon Park

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

It is such a pleasure to visit one of the most beautiful winter holiday regions the owners of Calas Ghaladon build every year. This year it is called “A Christmas Wish” . I usually walk the whole wintry area looking for animals and exquisite pieces of scenery along the way.

There are several ways to get a scenic tour though. The sleigh is a lovely way to just ride along and enjoy the snowy wonderland and I do that too. Another that I love is the balloon ride that circles the active area.

Once you pass through the quiet peaceful byways the huge lake appears. This skating area is delightful. People skate in couples or singles using the dance balls or come with their own skating AO. I do that.

A tall Christmas tree stands on the ice. Santa is there waiting for you too .

There are several places to hang out and enjoy the view. A little coffee shop has visitors . I found an old friend I had no seen in ages sitting there and stopped to say hello one day. Stop at the small Pavilion , also a beautiful place to sit and relax and talk .

Towering over the pond is the fantastic magical Pavilion.

Inside there is a spectacular hall where parties are held, but often dancers grace the floor. The music in the regions add to the feeling of the Wish. Several rooms off to the side offer places to hang out. Santa is there and I told him what I wanted. Several gifts can be found on tables in the Pavilion for members of the group and some for anyone. I love to look at all the small figurines and other décor that grace the rooms.

I stopped over to take some photos and work on this article and ran into one of the most elegant light shows I have seen in sl in all these years. It was performed by Venus Adored and Kurk Mumfuzz and it was so moving with the music behind it. Check the program to see what is coming along until the end of December.

One visit there is never enough for me. Skating is so much fun on the large pond. I visit for a short while many times during the season. Do not miss the experience. Horse back riding is a good way to enjoy the snowy byway. By the way, the balloon ride begins behind the Pavilion. There are many places for photo poses. A notecard will give you information and lankmarks at the entrance. Have fun!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/MIST/247/82/3002

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Halloween at Calas Ghaladon

 
by Gemma Cleanslate

Calas Ghaladon Halloween  is a bit different this year. Due to real life obligations instead of a new installation the owners, Ty Tenk & Truck Meredith, there is a retrospective of the past years builds. It is really charming  to see the past familiar parts of Halloween appear again.

There are the beautiful to the scary pieces of the past . The first stop I always make is to take the boat ride . This ride takes place in  one of the beautiful parts of the Halloween remembrances . You get a view of the hanging islands and the Pavilion . It is a mixture of several years.  2016 NEVERLAND, 2014 DARKWOOD, and the dragon from the 2015 VALYRIA region.

Once on the ground look for portal that will take you to Darkmoon and the Mothership. The water is safe to traverse. If you picked up the friendly notecard there is a choice of using the Portals along the way to move from venue to venue , or taking a teleport directly there. “The first time you enter the Portal you will need to ACCEPT the permissions request in order to pass to walk through.  You will only have to do this ONCE “ is the advice. Music and shared environment are also recommended.

The Dig is from 2019 and is a walk to reach. Oz Noir is also from that year and is so reminiscent of the old Oz of stories . The decor is elegant 20's .Look for the list of events to take place at one of these venues with the dates and times . 

It was fun looking back at my past visits. Calas Halloween is always different from most Second Life Halloweens. Next year we will see what is in store . 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Twilight%20Woods/30/120/1322

Gemma Cleanslate
 

Calas at Winter

By Gemma Cleanslate

Ty Tenk and Truck Meredith, owners of the Calas Galadhon, have again created a fairyland winter region. Every year in addition to their other gorgeous 13 regions they add an extra two for the season. When you arrive pick up the notecard with the important landmarks on it but also take a long walk or horse back ride to really appreciate the winter setting. The windlight of the region adds a nostalgic aura so try it and listen to the music.  Watch your scripts or you may take an unexpected trip.

The arrival area takes one through sparkling tunnels into the cavern that is surely Santa’s workshop, that has Santa, elves and more gifts than you can imagine in one place. After you visit Santa there head for the fun places.

I love the balloon ride that circles the entire site giving a great overview of the old and new. Of course I rezzed the  horse supplied by Tyrian Slade and visited the countryside where you will find animals and opportunities for photos. The sleigh ride is peaceful for you and your honey if you like and so is the small dance pavilion if you are looking for some privacy.

There is a brand new Train at the station there this year that is interactive. Of course the huge skating lake is in its usual place with skating balls for your pleasure.

Have a cup of cocoa at the sweet refreshment stand set up by the Calas Beanery at the side of the lake. Or relax by the bonfires set at sites along the edges too. A sleigh ride awaits you too. Down by the ocean’s edge is a spectacular statue tossing spheres of light and color into the sky.

The Pavilion this year has a new look. It is elegant and welcoming. The tree room is still there but with a different arrangement and feel since Santa is down in his workshop. The room across the way is different too but both have a roaring fire and comfortable seating  that invites one to just hang out with friends.The ambience of the regions is always enticing. Explore and relish your time there.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sea%20Myst/184/211/2998

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

Calas – The Hot Air Balloon Ride

by DeafLegacy

I went to Calas to check out some of the things that the place had.  One of the things that caught my attention is a sign saying, “Hot Air Balloon.”  I clicked on it.  I found myself in a place with a hot air balloon sitting on a platform.  I clicked on it and got in.  I went for a ride and I thought it was awesome.  

The entire ride covered all seven sims.   At one point, the hot air balloon did go in the water but did the flames go out?  Not at all.  It kept burning as the hot air balloon went through the water. I did get to say hello to some fish.  When we went back out of the water, we went through the air. 

The land was remarkable.  At a few points of the long journey, I took some pictures. I thought I'd take this chance to talk about this remarkable, long but interesting journey with some pictures.  The hot air balloon comes with different poses, including the 'dare' pose, which means that the person would be hanging outside the hot air balloon basket as if she is daring herself to  hang outside the basket.  I didn't fall.  There is one option that I wouldn't try, and that would be the “Opps” part. 

Thanks but no thanks.  But if there is anyone who is interested to give that option a try, go right ahead.  I'm not daring you to click on that part but it's okay to be curious. 

As the hot air balloon goes through seven sims, there are a lot of interesting places to check out while you're on hot air balloon.  That's why I definitely recommend you try the hot air balloon on Calas.  The hot air balloon is at :

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Calas%20Galadhon/178/245/22


Deaflegacy

Christmas at Calas

By Gemma Cleanslate

The special winter holiday sim that is a yearly favorite spot is lively with visitors. Every year Ty Tenk and Truck Meredith of Calas Galadhon fill another region, and sometimes two, with a venue where people go to spend a lot of time. The parties are daily and lots of fun with different DJs performing. This year it is titled “Home for Christmas."

The sim is so beautiful that it takes a while to explore everything and interact with all the goodies. To see the whole arrangement take the balloon ride over the scenery. The sleigh ride through the country side is most romantic. 

This year rezz a reindeer and ride along the roads and through the woods . It is so much fun to ride! Alicia Underby spent a lot of time roaming the sims on that reindeer as did that ranger.  

The massive pond gives skaters a wonderful place to show off their best pirouette and jumps. Along the edge of the pond hot chocolate is available and places to stop and rest and cuddle.  

The crowning glory is the spectacular  Christmas Pavilion . Here there are gifts for all members , and where you always find friends sitting and chatting. There is a massive hall with presents for the Calas members  and of course, the special Christmas tree room. Tall impressive nutcrackers guard the door and  Santa sits here and waits for all the visitors amid boxes and ornaments. Turn on your music , switch to the windlight setting and experience the wonder of ' Home for Christmas’. This will put you at the sleigh ride or balloon tour entrance.   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ERIADOR/82/23/23

Gemma Cleanslate 

Calas Galadhon's Dark Moon

By Bixyl Shuftan

One place in Second Life noted for it's fine design and coming up with new things every year is the Calas region, owned by Ty Tenk and Truck Meredith. Usually Gemma Cleanslate is the Newser writer who takes care of articles there. But with their new Halloween area this year, she thought it was about time for a fresh pair of eyes. So I went ahead and headed to Erebor for "Dark Moon."

When one thinks of the moon on Halloween, it's usually the bright moon shinning over a dark and spooky forest. That wasn't the case here. Appearing in a purplish sky and shallow water on some crystal hexagons, over one were the words "The Portal." So I clicked on that. The next thing I knew, I was on some baren landscape with some circular structure ahead of me, and some figures around it. Getting closer, they were a mix of aliens and human astronauts. But looking closer, the astronauts were dead. All but one of the aliens appeared lifeless as well, except for one with a sign: "Dive in."

Going in, I found myself in a cavern with metallic space-age structures built into it, with water flowing on the ground in places. The detail, as usual for Calas, was very good. I had my headphones on, and it had detailed sounds of the water trickling nearby, and appropriate theme music such as that of the "Alien" prequel movie "Prometheus." Looking around however, there were some mixed signals about the aliens. While some were helping to point out the way for you to go, others were not so friendly to other humans.

Flares help cue you on which direction to go, You will encounter things such as light bridges, and you will encounter monsters. Unfortunately in this sci-fi adventure with horror tones, the reason they're not going after you is that they've sated themselves on various NPC humans ... or have they? At one point, you'll find yourself in an Earth library. The end of your journey? Nope, you'll still have further to go. Finding the right path may mean occasionally searching around a bit. You'll get an opportunity to float around weightless, though with some limited control. Eventually, you'll see some human kids walking your way from a flying saucer. But as they come closer, you'll see they're not exactly wanting to be friends.

The last cavern was very dark in places with few flares, so it took me a while to find the way out. Once I did, I was transported back to the purplish world. Looking around and noticing a spaceship ahead of me, I decided to walk over, wading through the water, to check it out. I saw a few creatures going just over the water. There were some stairs to the ship, and climbing on, I was greeting by the message, "Welcome to Calas Galadhon's "DARK MOON'S MOTHERSHIP... thank you and enjoy your visit." I found a schedule of some live music acts appearing here at times across the month.

I forget how long my journey took me, probably over an hour. With the monsters and blood, and inhuman cold aliens, the place isn't for everyone. But in my opinion, Ty and Truck have done a first class job in this sci-fi horror theme adventure.

Erebor (8, 51, 2)

Bixyl Shuftan

Calas at Christmas

By Gemma Cleanslate

This year the entrance to the Calas winter sim is very different and made us all look for the portal . It is a craggy stark icy place at the start. I skated across across the ice to the cave entrance, passing dropped toys on the way and down the crystal adorned path into the room with the portal that takes you to the glorious ‘A Christmas Poem’.  The sound of joyous giggling elves  fills the air along with the lovely music. I made my way up the stairs and through the portal where  you will enter into a magnificent land of wonder. 

The Pavilion is there on the hill above the skating pond in all its regal glory, guarded by the giant Nutcrackers.In the great hall there are gifts on the tables for Calas members. Parties take place often in this great hall 
  

The tree room to the right is packed with wrapped presents under the tree and all around the walls. Santa is in his chair ready to take requests.  .Across from the tree room is the sitting room with a crackling fire where friends gather for food and drinks and talk. I often find at least one of my friends there. Outside the pond usually has skaters gliding around or hanging out by the fires  . 

 I saw Chatty Kathy, A long time member of Calas Galadhon group hanging out by the refreshment stand having coffee. There is a wonderful balloon tour up the hill that gives you an overview of the entire region. A sleigh ride will take you  down the snowy lanes  through the snow laden trees.

 OR ....“Comet: Comfy now? Welcome to this years Flying Reindeer Tour! Santa doesn't call me 'Comet' for nothing.  I've hit 5 balloons so far and counting. Oh, I forgot  .. Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer .... um Now Cupid, no Blitzen. Oh Now dash away!Dash away! Dash away all!  Hold on” . ...Take the Reindeer ride! I learned that Comet and the others got their names in 1823. 

 There are wonderful photo opportunities for couples and singles and you can pick up a notecard near the sleigh rides that will guide you to all of them. The owners of Calas Galadhon Ty Tenk and Truck Meredith make this special Christmas region every year for our enjoyment so if you pass a donations box try to put a few lindens in. The events list is on the website    https://calasgaladhon.com/tag/a-christmas-poem/

Begin your travels to the wonderous site here . Head for the caves. The music will keep you company on your way and the windlight will  aid you and enhance your experience.( I cheated a bit to get pictures for you )
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/EREBOR/189/146/3591

Gemma Cleanslate 
 

Halloween At Calas

By Gemma Cleanslate

Once again the owners of Calas sims, Ty Tenk and Truck Meredith have outdone themselves in the latest theme sim for the Halloween season. Their idea of a Halloween season is always vastly different from the usual haunted house and pumpkins and ghouls, although I did see some there in my travels.

When I landed the first thing I did was read the directions to be sure I would not fail in the quest they set before us.It is best to use the recommended windlight, enable sounds and music and get the torch you will want to carry.  We must traverse the land,  misty waterways,  underground and caves to find the portal that will take us to the Pavilion where all events will be held through out the month. 

I opted to take the boat tour first that gives an overview of the region along the waterways and also is magical and flies . I was able to view the beautiful decor of the whole ethereal land, the trees, flora, boulders that became mountains and floating islands and ships in the sky. It took me into some caves that were occupied by some strange creatures.  You will need the torch when you begin your walk over the jungle like terrain covered with gorgeous tropical flowers as large as your avatar. There are signs to get you on your way and journey cloths to help. 

I spent time lost in the underground for a while being chased by a scary looking “thing,” but was able to escape. I fell off a ship that was one of my last sites to get to the Pavilion, so be careful how you tread (think the holes have been fixed). I started at a midway point and was able to get back to that ship through the portal and  finally to the pavilion. Along the route one can expect to find some out of the way stops the can only be reached by using a journey cloth,little camping areas, with fire burning where you can stop and rest and enjoy, or others sites to enjoy. There are two sims this year so it is a long journey. It is a place that you will wish to visit more than once I can promise you. When you reach the Neverland Pavilion there is an event board to check out the dates and times. If you see the owners don’t be afraid. They are not as frightful as they look. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ESGAROTH/33/52/21

Gemma Cleanslate

Halloween at Calas

By Gemma Cleanslate

When I went over to Calas the special Halloween sim was not open yet . Now it is! As usual it is distinctive, unlike any other Halloween sim I have seen in Second Life, and deserves special attention. I don’t know how they do, it but every year Ty and Truck outdo themselves in the building of special venues. 

The name of the region is Valyria, taken from the mysterious abandoned city  mentioned in “Game of Thrones” and also in the book , “Song of Ice and Fire”. The music is from Game of Thrones and fits so well . Through out the region you will see images of some of the kings and their courts and others you may recognize. 

At the entrance set the region windlight and turn on sounds and music for maximum experience. The first thing I did when I landed was to take the boat ride that winds through the first level of the region along river ways and lakes. When I landed I began walking. Flying is not allowed and it is a good thing because there are so many places and items to check out .Get a flashlight and watch the sign posts.  

It is not an easy trek and several times I found my self under water or stuck in a wall. Ciska Riverstone, who has been through the sim already was gracious and got me out of trouble and gave me some guidance to certain venues. I saw the Pyramid, the city ruins, the catecombs with bones of the dead, and so much more. 

Watch the signs. Near the portal I came across a group of scouts waiting for the dragon ride . This is a wonderful way to look down on all the ruins .  I finally reached the Portal. Here you will tp to another level and another world. Dress warmly for this part of your journey. Wander  around the castle and keep and then head for the great Cavern. Once there you have reached the end of your long journey. It is very beautiful and will be the site for many parties during the month of October. 

The list of events is up on the board  with artists and times . I hope to go to at least one though they are a little late for me in pacific time. I will be taking the dragon tour again because if you jump off at  certain places you will find ‘journey cloths’. These are teleports to locations you cannot reach any other way so keep an eye out for them. Each place has one to lead you to another. I am not done yet with these. Here is the entrance near the signs and flashlight and boat tour. See you there .http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lost%20Stars/22/17/23  

I have more adventures to tackle  and a whole month to enjoy it all. The last year sim won a special award and I am pretty sure this one will too.  

Gemma Cleanslate