Gulf of Lune- May 2014

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Calas Galadhon, Gulf of Lune, nature, virtual destinations

I’ve been keeping an eye on the Gulf of Lune, the salt marshes that are part of the Calas Galadhon park system. I’m pleased that the sim is all right for the month of May. While the rest of the park sims are lovely, the Gulf of Lune is unique and so I’m surprised when it lags behind in donations compared to the other sims.

Calas is depending on donations to help keep the park open. There are break down reports of how the sims are doing and the Gulf was second to last for much of the month. As of a few days ago it had reached only 24% of the goal. Of course things don’t stay forever, but every month it’s still here gives a chance for new residents to see the virtual gems that it is. The tugboat is gone but otherwise things seem to remain the same for the time being. Enjoy the photos from this month.

 

More Often the Journey is Feeling Like This

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Calas Galadhon, Eryn Vorn, nature, virtual destinations

Photos taken at Eryn Vorn, which has had a facelift May 2014. Eryn Vorn is part of the Calas Galadhon park system.

Hamish Blakely

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art, Calas Galadhon, Hamish Blakely

The UK artist, Hamish Blakely, isn’t actually in Second Life but some of his art can be found there. In the above photo I’m looking at two of my latest acquisitions in my skybox, not including the center art which came with the build; I like it enough to keep it there.

The art can be found in the gallery in Calas Galadhon. When you arrive at the main landing, you can stroll past the little shops and the gallery is at the end on the left. The sales help to support the Calas Galadhon park sims, which are treasures in SL

That gallery was my first exposure to Hamish Blakely that I recall–actually, I think there was a blog post before from Calas alerting readers and explorers that the art is available. When I did some research online I couldn’t find much available but someone who did track it down also discovered my blog since I’ve mentioned Blakely before. And then I discovered that fascinating blog which is outside the realm of SL. I’m going to make time to read it like a book.

In the above photo I have a copy of one of the paintings in my Wendigo Lake roleplay cottage.
And above there’s another copy in a country place where I had decorating rights. The landlord wanted out of the real estate business, citing too much work, so the place is gone now but was an enjoyable retreat while it lasted.

 

Seasons Greetings

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Calas Galadhon, life, virtual destinations

Happy Holidays to all, however you may celebrate. Photo taken at Calas Galadhon.

Santa

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Calas Galadhon

Santa scared me in Calas Galadhon. I was on my way to the art gallery that has work by Hamish Blakely. I took a photo of the front of the gallery for a blog post I’m planning and bought two more paintings.

Mission accomplished for the area, I took a more leisurely stroll in front of the shops and didn’t notice the info about Santa’s availability for posing in holiday cards which is in front of the building that shows the businesses which are friends of Calas.

I could see through the window that the decorations were lovely and I wandered in while responding to IMs. I did not see Santa on my way in.

I’ve had dragons breathe on me, been enticed by Vampires and all manner of creatures have landed on me as I make my way around the grid. But my guard was down, I was relaxed and truly startled by Santa as he moved ever so slightly towards me.   

He might have scared me but he was certainly more pleasant than the Santa I saw in Mad City.

 

One Christmas Night

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Calas Galadhon, nature, virtual destinations

Here are more photos from my wonderful visit to this years holiday sim at Calas Galadhon. I’m warming up in front of the fireplace in the pavillion in the top picture.

It’s very peaceful and like walking around in a holiday card. 

Lots of friendly critters and larger beasts.There’s ice skating and reindeer rides. Thanks to Ty and Truck for sharing this with the rest of us.

Reindeer Ride

Tags

Calas Galadhon, virtual destinations

I’ve  made sure I got at least one reindeer ride at Calas Galadhon’s ‘One Christmas Night‘. The custom silvermyst windlight is beautiful. It feels like you’re walking in a holiday card everywhere you go.

I learned that I have fabulous ice skating skills!

I exerted myself so much that I had to take a little nap with one of the bears. My visit was the first evening it opened and people were already enjoying themselves. The pavillion has seating and snacks when you need to take a break from the skating and rides.

Veil of Darkness

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Calas Galadhon, Halloween, Veil of Darkness, virtual destinations

Veil of Darkness is this year’s Halloween offering from the creators of the Calas Galadhon Park sims. There’s so much to see and I’m glad I made time from my usual Second Life shenanigans to check it out.

I used the region settings for light but kept my graphics low. It needs to be seen in person to be appreciated. Going with friends would be enjoyable as well as exploring alone like I did. You’ll find you aren’t really alone as the area is populated with the undead, severed remnants and all sorts of other interesting things.

Some of the things you’ll encounter are amusing and some are gruesome.

Here I’m caught in the web of a giant spider. I managed to escape.

I didn’t get too terribly lost in the maze-like interior of the castle; I believe I saw most of it. I made it to the top and rested proudly for having survived the quicksand and ogres and such I endured on the way to the castle. But I couldn’t find my way out and had to teleport.

Yesterday I posted some photos of the swamp raft tour. Attention to the sound details are very well done as are the visuals treats.

Swamp Raft Tour

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Calas Galadhon, Halloween, Veil of Darkness, virtual destinations

Last weekend I visited Veil of Darkness and went back again yesterday evening because there are so many details to experience. These are photos of the swamp raft tour which I survived. The fate of some famous, beloved animated characters is shockingly not so fortunate.

I chose to use the region setting but kept my graphics low for ease of movement. I seemed to be in less danger riding the raft and it was certainly easier, a little break after being chased by the undead and enduring other startling ghoulish occurrences.

Veil of Darkness is shared with us by the creators of the Calas Galadhon Park sims. Besides the raft tour, there’s a village with a cemetery, a pavillion for dancing, a park ranger’s station and a dark castle with a maze-like interior. There are numerous photo opportunities. I especially enjoyed the yard in front of the visitor’s center and while my typist is usually very protective of me, we find having my avatar carcass surrounded by three vultures to be rather amusing.

No, there won’t be a photo of that but I will post more pictures soon.It’s a very busy time of year in Second Life and Veil of Darkness won’t be open for much longer after Halloween. It takes a while to see most of it; the care and attention to details by the creators are evident.

Mini-Vacation to the Sea of Nurnen

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Calas Galadhon, Sea of Nunen, virtual destinations

Riding a Sea Turtle in the Sea of Nurnen

Many of the creatures in our world are quite accommodating about giving rides and that was so with this large turtle under the sea.

After thoroughly exploring underwater I returned to land to enjoy the views here one last time. Then I made myself comfortable in a well-appointed little place on the water with yet another friendly cat nearby.

The Sea of Nurnen is one of four sims that won’t be here when the Calas Galadhon park system gates are reopened in September. There will be other changes as the owners consider options while on hiatus.

I’m glad I got to experience these four places that I’ve written about in the past week. And I’m looking forward to once again visiting the Gulf of Lune, one of my favorite places.