Jurrasic Park

 
By Bixyl Shuftan

I recently heard about a Jurassic Park themed place here in Second Life. Probably most everyone in Second Life, at least among English speakers, has heard of the 1993 movie by Steven Spielberg in which a genetics company has accomplished the once impossible: bringing dinosaurs back from extinction. The owner decides to make a theme park on an island far from the mainland, and invites a group of people on a tour before the planned opening. But unfortunately, things go wrong, and the dinosaurs end up out of control and the people in danger from them.

The SURL takes you to a cavern full of dinosaur bones, in which you're told you're a palentologist whom has just been invited to take a trip by helicopter to "see what your fossil findings have brought to life." You can pick up a flashlight and a backpack at a couple places. Leaving the caves, your next step is to click on the helicopter pad and hop on the helicopter. 

You go through some sky and clouds, and eventually land in front of what looks like a museum, with the sign Jurassic Park. Going inside, at first you see bones, but going further you see an incubator with eggs, and an animation showing a scientist getting DNA from a mosquito. 

Going through the door, you hop on a car and go on a tour, seeing the live dinosaurs for the first time, "Welcome to Jurassic Park." But eventually, something goes wrong and the vehicles stop. You then have to continue on foot, glad the carnivores are safely in their cages ... or are they?

Those familiar with the movie (and novel) can guess what happens next. There are scenes of the fences holding the more dangerous dinos now down, and making your way through jungle to the buildings, which are now overrun with raptors. You'll be going through them, as well as some explosions, then wreckage as you make your way to safety. At one point, there's a T-Rex chase. 

There are a few spots with some humor, such as the giant pile of poo in the triceratops area. And there are a few rides, such as the rideable pterodactyls. At the end of the experience is a small store in which you can pick up a souvenir, such as an Australian slouch hat. 

A great place to explore, especially for fans of dinosaurs. 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/River/35/234/2252

 Hat tip: Inara Pey

Bixyl Shuftan
 

King Kong's Skull Island at LEA9

By Gemma Cleanslate

I was sorry to miss the big opening event at Lea9 where King Kong reigns anew and a few after that. Skull Island is the home of the mighty ape where he was discovered over a century ago. For those who don’t know King Kong and his history, “King Kong is a giant movie monster, resembling a colossal ape, that has appeared in various media since 1933. The character first appeared in the 1933 film King Kong, which received universal acclaim upon its initial release and re-releases. The film was remade in 1976 and once again in 2005. The character has become one of the world's most famous movie icons, having inspired countless sequels, remakes, spin-offs, imitators, parodies, cartoons, books, comics, video games, theme park rides, and even a stage play. His role in the different narratives varies, ranging from a rampaging monster to a tragic antihero.

 

The Skull Island in Second Life is described as lush and it is. It is the ultimate tropical land in SL. I walked the trails and paths and saw more flora and fauna and insect life than I have seen in one location in Second Life in my nine plus years. It is really gorgeous.  It is very easy to move around. One has options , teleports are located in main sites , or walking is a great option. I took the teleport on my first visit just to orient myself and make sure I did not miss any of the sites mentioned. On my second visit I decided to walk all of the winding paths and watch the signs leading to the sites .
The first creatures I met were  from the dark ancient Mesozoic age. On Skull Island they have survived and mixed with more modern animals (including human). I knew the mighty gorilla was somewhere here. 

 

On my walk as I left the visitor center I encountered an old friend that I had not seen since my camping days almost nine years ago. It was nice to see her as she sat surrounded by little friendly creatures that approached from the surrounding jungle. After our reunion and conversation I started to roam. The vibrant flora is striking and deserves a second look. In the recommended windlight it is almost ethereal against the sky that warns of volcanic activity somewhere in the far distance. I stopped at the well protected native village which was deserted at the time and checked out the huts. 

 

Outside the walls of the village  I visited a friendly Orangutan group and played some drums which they seemed to like. My next stop was at the Crocodile Lake where I watched as a croc came out of the water, grabbed a monkey and headed back to his rock....hard to watch but all a part of nature. I did not stay very long after that. I passed by a waterfall cave where a whole family of dinosaurs lived. 

 

Next I took a tour of the Caves that extended in different branches , each with its own surprise . Take care! There is one with no exit . Running in the other direction  I emerged to meet a Komodo Dragon! I ran on by and did a circle to the other side and found the entrance to an open glass tunnel that gives one a lovely view of the underwater river. At the end there is a surprise .

There are more nooks and crannies to view if you leave the paths and I will let you find them. On my teleport journey my first visit was to the bird viewing platform . There I found not only pterodactyls but parrots and other colorful and interesting birds . By the way while you are wandering you can do a hunt for lost eggs. 

 

I ran through a  tunnel and found myself facing the king in his home! I was able to jump a raptor that was protecting him and get close to him. It was an amazing sight! I sat in his hand knowing I could get away. Don’t miss that opportunity!

My last teleport visit was to the final downfall of the mighty King Kong. New York city is the last place poor Kong lived and died. It is a fitting ending to the installation. At least I was able to go back to see him in his home again in  Lea 9. 

This whole installation is the work of Mrs MistyRose Lex (MistyRose Poindexter) and Mr.Lex (oldlex Resident). I applaud their work. 

There are activities going on at Skull Island and you can see them at http://lindenarts.blogspot.co.uk/2016/07/lea9-king-kong-experience-new-schedule.html

 

Begin your journey to the past here before the end of the month. I do know Mr. Lex already has a new project in mind.   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA9/113/103/30

The Amazon River- Eight Regions, One River!

By Britty Bee
 

Deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest lies the Amazon River. This River is the largest by discharge in the world and is also the longest. The Amazon River sim transports you back to a primitive time where working with nature is essential for survival.

The Amazon River is home to a large role play community which includes several tribes, groups such as Bandits and Raiders, and several individuals that keep to themselves in the wild. KellyLee123 states, “We have natives of many tribes that all live together, working together to survive the wild Jungle.” After joining the group, the HUD paired with this sim provides an immersive experience. This provides transportation to various locations in the sim, change your appearance, your health stats, and food to keep your energy up. Threats lie all throughout the jungle, with fierce wildlife that will attack! There are crocodiles lurking at the edge of the river, and snakes hiding in the tall grass. Danger can find you at any given moment! Survival in the Amazon is very realistic, giving you the full Amazon experience.

The jungle is filled with treehouses, teepees, and huts to seek shelter on those warm nights. Row down the river or hike through the trails to take in the stunning scenery. Head over to the wisdom caves to test your skill; few make it out! According to legend, the Mouthpiece of the Gods, in the temple near the Wisdom Cave, gives you a way to communicate with The Creators! Climb the top of the tower for stunning views of the sim, relax in a hammock, face an active volcano, or explore the creaky bridges and hidden trails.

Will you brave the Amazon?

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Baia%20Santa%20Rosa/177/140/22

Britty Bee

A Trip to the Amazon: Day One

By Bixyl Shuftan

A few years ago, Linden Lab opened their "Amazonian Adventure," located in what they called "The Wilderness." While reviews were overall positive, some wondered if a tropical jungle area should offer more challenges. One blogger was less than thrilled with it's "silly" animals. And some thought the biggest problem with the area was Linden Lab itself, on some levels, it offered something new, and on others it was more of the same.

Recently I heard of another Amazon area that's been open to all residents from the beginning, at least those able to access "Adult" rated areas. It's right to the west of the Mama Allpa sim owned by YT Recreant. The main entrance of the several sim area is at Glint (213, 23, 22). Dropping in, the place had a definate tropical tribal feel with several around dressed in jungle native outfits. Clicking around, I was soon asked for permissions for the place to act on my avatar in certain ways. The place was "Experience Keys" enabled. But the entrance was a "Safe Zone," so whatever happened around here, this was a kind of neutral zone.

There was a board with teleports to each of the eight sims, Glint, Baia Santa Rosa, Rio Tapajos. Panama do Careiro, Lago Marimba, Nayeli, Rio Solimoes, and Rio Grande. Clicking on one, I ended up in a helicopter high above the sims with the door open. Getting a parachute from the wall, it fitted itself automatically, and I jumped down. At around 100m, I deployed it, and began floating down.

I came down in the  Baia Santa Rose sim next to
a building near the shore. By the looks of things, it was a kind of fishing hut. There was someone there. Chatting with her, she was a newcomer to the place like me. Chatting a little, we decided to explore around together. There was a dormant volcano nearby, so we decided to check that out. Looking around, there were crocodiles around, which we kept away from, and a statue of some scary creature. Getting up into the volcano, the inside had no lava, but a pool of water with stepping stones and a small island in the middle. In the middle of that was a stone post, about the right size for securing someone, and red spots around it that looked a lot like blood. This looked like it was for some grisly ritual.

My friend soon came across one of the natives, "Might give you some tips about places you should visit." The blond native, didn't wear much more than a loincloth and a bow and quiver of arrows, tribal paint on various spots on her body. "Mhhh be careful," she told us, " ...as a tourist you are safe. But if you come often here, this may put you at risk." Apparentlypeople could potentially be shot in the back around here, but "You should be safe most of the time. Just keep a few things to trade against your freedom and you'll be safe, corn,chicken, banana."

We asked her if there was anyone we should be cautious about. She answered her tribe, the Xoco, had to watch out for the rebels, "You'll notice some bodies are hung at rebels." The other tribes, Kaiabi, Xoco, Tapirape, and others, she felt were safe for tourists. But there was one thing no one was safe from, "There is a zombie this evening ... run ... if you see him." Going on, she did say there were occasional tribal wars.

The native soon had to leave, so that just left us two to look around some more. Going back down, we soon saw the entrance of a cave. Peeking inside, there was a challenge of some kind. But it was a little laggy at that hour, movingslowly, so we passed. And as it turned out, I had to head out to take care of matters in real life.

Taking another look at the sim description, seems there is an elmlent of "Capture RolePlay" here. So perhaps tourists should be a little wary. More about the sims await future articles. In the meantime, feel free to explore the area.

Bixyl Shuftan

The Jungle

By Gemma Cleanslate

Do you  enjoy looking film or videos or pictures displaying  the lushness of a tropical jungle?Make sure you visit The Jungle region. When you arrive, you are invited to teleport to the many sites recommended to visit.  The owners of the Jungle, Perry Krell and Leigh Elton Krell opened this region in May and already have had almost 15,000 visitors. It is now on the Destination Guide. 

Actually, Perry told me he built the teleport because he was getting lost all the time. Or, you can take the walking entrance which is the Lion’s Mouth and wander off on the stone paths I spotted a pride of lions as I set off. Immediately you meet a whole elephant herd lazing in the sun, enjoying the pools of water to drink or bathing . The experience of being surrounded by vibrant flowers that glow, the massive trees, and the thick vines that hang from the trees, and buzzing insects will give you the feeling of being in the real jungle. I felt dwarfed by the foliage, some of which appeared  ready to eat me, but their  loveliness made me pause to look. Sweet bird songs, along with roars and howls of the animals surround you as you meander through the trees.   

I climbed one of the vines and rode a zip line to the ground. I took a boat ride down the river and viewed wild animals  along the edge of the land feeding or taking a drink of water. There is a cannibal village where the ferocious cannibals look like they are ready to go hunting for food....wild animals I hope. Waterfalls abound in the jungle and along the river. I spied 7seas fishing along the river and think there will be contests there soon. 

And who did I run into in this jungle? Breezes Babii, my dear friend And you recall her stories here in the paper too. She is a guide and a lion in the jungle!  

I visited the Art Gallery that has some relaxation areas to dance or just relax and cuddle. This is a sim to visit alone or with friends and every time I go there are people moving among the animals of just relaxing in one of the sites planned just for that. I asked Leigh what gave them the idea and she said,”We love the jungle and wanted a place of peace for avatars to be able to come to for relaxation.  The beauty of this jungle is among the best in Second life. The reality of the animals and the things than take place all over the jungle is amazing.  If you are in a hurry you will miss the point of the visit to The Jungle ; it takes time to explore and to enjoy!”

One thing I came across was a plane that had crashed where hyenas were rummaging in the area and Leigh told me that starting in the fall there will be a game connected with that called Plane Crash Survivors. That should be interesting. 

There are activities and entertainment going on at the social venues that you might enjoy so join the group for notices. Kudos to the builders ! http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife//1/160/27

 Gemma Cleanslate

Cap Estel Goes Safari

Maurice Messmer’s latest SL work is wild. Really wild. He has turned Cap Estel into the Serengeti. Start your adventure at Cap Estel Goes Safari, Cap Estel (229, 223, 53).

You can tour this Serengeti by giraffe or by horse. Hop on the giraffe or use the saddle rez station to get your pick of one of the four horses. They’re temporary, but they will last as long as you ride them. I picked the giraffe tour since I have horses at home, but I’d never ridden a giraffe. Their gait is surprisingly smooth.

As you ride into the Serengeti, you hear its sounds: beating drums, roaring waterfalls, and snarling wild animals. Cap Estel Safari is teeming with giraffe, zebra, Oryx, hyena, sable antelope, and even a rhino. Messmer is known for his realistic scenery, and he has outdone himself here. I felt like I was in Africa as I walked on the cracked, dry earth, crept past the animals, and peered over steep gorges filled with rushing water.

Near an old VW bus I met resident Melanie774 Kidd. She had just finished making a video of her giraffe ride around the site. The video is posted on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSSPa8rQ5rQ.

We chatted about how much we both enjoyed Messmer’s work. Kidd said this was the first time she had seen one of his sims. She learned about it from another SL resident, Shoji Kumaki, who displays photos of Messmer’s work in his gallery. “I love his photos,” she said, “so I had to come see for myself.”

After our chat I continued my tour of the Serengeti. I walked across the rickety rope bridge that spans one of the gorges. On the other side I found a tall observation tower and complimentary sweat towels and water. After that hike, I needed them. In keeping with making his places special, Messmer has even made the water bottles special here. All of the SL bottles and cups that I’ve seen are scripted to automatically give you a drink, whether you want a sip or not. But with this water bottle, you are in control. You only sip when you touch the bottle.

After you hydrate, climb up the tower. It’s a tall one. But you’ll be aptly rewarded by a great view and a cold bottle of Beck’s Beer at the top. Rest up in one of the Adirondack chairs to enjoy the brew and catch your breath. If you’re in the mood for some authentic African music, touch the drum.

When you go down the tower, walk toward the middle of the area, away from the rocks, to find a zebra herd. But be careful. Danger lurks in this jungle! I saw a number of slithering creatures.

As interesting as the Serengeti is, it’s only half of the Cap Estel Safari experience. A tropical jungle waits below, and you can reach it by grabbing onto a rope swing that is near the trail. Hold on tight to descend into the heart of the jungle. You’ll land at a platform that has security screening around it for your safety. Immediately you’ll see and hear the richness of the jungle -parrots, hummingbirds, moneys, and insects of all kinds live here.

Follow the torch lit path around the lake. Here the landscape is lush and beautiful, a treat for the senses. Take your time and linger. There is much to see. Colorful butterflies flutter from flower to flower, and a baby chimp plays on a swing. Hippos lumber in the shimmering water, but a small pile of bones reminds you to keep alert.

When you reach the cafe, you can pick up one of their yummy blueberry crumb muffins. Take a moment to sign the guest book, too, and drop a few Lindens in the tip jar if you can. All those hippos probably eat a lot. Then relax in one of the chairs on the deck. The pesky dragonfly will hover around you, but he won’t bite. Look for shadows on the water while you’re resting. Messmer has thought of everything.

When you’re finished feasting your eyes and your sweet tooth, you can find a quick TP behind the fan. It will zip you back up to the Serengeti. I’ve already been to Cap Estel Safari three times, but I’ll be back again soon. I always see something new each trip.

Grey Lupindo