Flight of Fantasy

As you may have noticed, I have a little bit of a soft spot for medieval-esque builds of all kinds. This might be a residual effect of all the fantasy I read as a kid. Or maybe it's because this sort of build in SL is almost always created for sheer pleasure. Or maybe I just like to play dress-up with my avatar. It's hard to say.

I can't remember what I was initially looking for, but I ended up in the J. R. R. Tolkien Education Center (which does not appear in Find Places). There, I picked up a notecard with several landmarks to Tolkien-related builds in SL. Among those landmarks was one to the island sim of Tol Eressea, a charming retreat in the style of Middle-earth.

Beautiful textures, thoughtful landscaping and striking structures come together in Elror Gullwing's startlingly well-executed build. Tol Eressea is crammed full of the sort of details that bring a build to life: tables are set with supper in the inn, horses reside in the stable, boats float on the waters.

I am especially fond of the Millhouse with all of its working pieces.

The picture of industry!

Subtle paths lead you from one area to another. Perpetual sunset, while not the best light for pictures, brings the atmosphere of a warm summer evening with all the inherent possibilites and mysteries to the exprience.

Who am I kidding? Perpetual sunset is a great light for pictures.

The teleport in Find places lands you in the lower left hand corner of the sim. Underwater. So I don't reccommend arriving at on the island at that location. Instead you might wish to begin your explorations at the Prancing Pony and wind your way through the woods and up the snowy peak.

Don't forget, if the water doesn't appear, World --> Region/Estate will bring it back!

J. R. R. Tolkien Education Center, Glidden (45, 82, 594)
Windmill by the Millhouse, Tol Eressea (135, 75, 22)
Elostirion Tower, Tol Eressea (236, 123, 23)
The Prancing Pony, Tol Eressea (76, 61, 24) - the stable is out back

Toobin'

For those of you who are sick of snow, aren't interested in Christmas for one reason or another, or just like variety, I give you a dramatic change of venue:

Ride the rapids at the Tubes of Saturn!

The first step in your adventure is aquiring one of Ben Linden's world-famous InnerT00bs. These are available at the start of the rapids for L$1. They come in Classic Black Rubber, but are mod so that they can be customized. In fact, the InnerT00bs come with full permission so they can be shared with friends, enemies and newbies alike.

There are several parts to a t00b, be sure to "edit linked parts" when changing the texture.

Rez your beautified t00b in the water, right-click and select ride. The t00b will move lazily along with the current, but you can navigate the rapids with the arrow keys for a speedier ride (you'll wave your arms around as you careen wildly down the river).

Eeeeeeeeeee!

Take the fork to the right, and you'll go over a waterfall to continue your river journey through another five sims to open water. The fork to the left also has a waterfall but a shorter trip to open water.

Enjoy senic vistas and pastoral views along SLs many waterways.

Tubes of Saturn is part of the SL Public Land Preserve, a group that maintains many sites of historic and social interest throughout Second Life. Their group can be joined for a one-time L$50 donation.

Tinies don't need to feel left out of this particular SL pastime, Ben's t00bs are also available in miniature at Tiny Island.

Yes, I have a tiny sheep suit. I knit.

InnerT00bs are available for free not far from the Tiny T00bs, so if you are extremely short on cash, grab one there before heading over to the rapids. The t00bs work in all of the Linden water, so find yourself an area that has build enabled and go for a relaxing tour of SL waterways.

If the idea of donning a swim suit in mid-December gives you a chill, just remember: it's summertime in Australia.

Tubes of Saturn, Tethys (252, 154, 63)
Tiny Island, Yora (54, 37, 21)
Tiny T00bs, Yora (37, 52, 20)
InnerT00bs for FREE, Yora (2, 85, 20)
Wynx's Tiny Shop, Neverwhere (80, 98, 25) - you'll rez in the middle of the sim, just look for the red dot.

Winter Wonderland

The Holiday Season is upon us! Christmas builds are popping up all over Second Life.

Winterland, with toy stores, Christmas trees, and drifting snow, is an excellent way to get a dose of Christmas Spirit. Have a look around and take advantage of the fun free and nearly free goodies that are generously distributed around the area.

Follow the street to a coastline that has frozen over into a sizable ice skating rink - the perfect place to try out the Skoopf Icicles Limited Edition (a new pair each week) ice skates! These are the best buy that I have seen in ages. They are loaded with jumps, twirls and various unique features (depending upon the version you purchase) to occupy and amuse. Just watch out for thin ice!

Winterlude Village, designed by Adam Burma, offers another jam-packed Christmas experience. Designed with the Canadian winter festival of the same name in mind, the build offers rides, gifts, "live" Christmas trees, skiing and pictures with Santa! Its location on the edge of the snow sims adds to the frosty atmosphere.

There is nothing like a Victorian Christmas - just ask Dickens. A gentle blanket of snow has covered the Independent State of Caledon bringing fun and frosty pastimes. A skating rink with adajacent pavilion in Port Caledon provides not only entertainment, but education with an abundance of Victorian Christmas facts and Christmas Cards to drop on your friends! Be sure to check the notice boards for more Holiday Events in the area.

Mmmm! Hot Chestnuts!

Take the time for a stroll or a tram (or train!) ride through this beautiful estate. As always, there are unexpected treats and striking personal touches throughout.

With the touchiness of the in-world search lately, it has been difficult to locate areas of interest. Please feel free to add SLurls to other Wintery or Holiday-themed locations in the comments!

Winterland, Del Agua (114, 233, 32)
Second Light by Moopf Murray, Nepessing (16, 207, 104) (but there are vendors everywhere)
Thin Ice, Del Agua (24, 24, 27)
Winterlude Village - Main Entrance, Takalo (144, 139, 175)
The Skating Rink in Caledon Orchard, Port Caledon (148, 51, 23)

Note: As with all teleports into Caledon, you will materialize at a hub. Just look for the red circle on your map to find your desired location. Mind the tram - it has no regard for life!