Schimmerland, Part Two

Creating something from scratch is exhilarating and exhausting, exciting and … frustrating. If the end result is pleasing, then it brings enthusiasm, energy, and enjoyment. I felt all these during the creation of Schimmerland. It was born out of an idea and grew into something that was more than I could have imagined. Yes, I’m pretty pleased with the result.


Schimmerland was created to share with friends…the more the merrier. I have learned that unless a creation can be shared and enjoyed with friends, then it seems to become pointless. Getting positive feedback from others is very satisfying and makes it all seem worthwhile.


It really is with much sadness that I had to make the decision to close Schimmerland. It will be there until at least the end of August…possibly into September, but that is yet to be decided.


Let’s continue our tour and let me show you the green side! I hope you enjoy the trip.

The pirate tunnel takes you from the tropical area into the other side
of the island. You will find evidence that not everyone makes it through
the tunnel to the other side.

If you make it through, you will find this pond and waterfall on the other side.

A friendly parrot awaits you!

Looking out to sea, you will see a long abandoned raft...with the remains
of the last passenger.  Looks like he met a sad fate.

Atop pirate hill are some ruins and a pirate camp.
I wonder when they were here last.

I take a brief rest on the cannon.

You will pass through pirate territory into the wood by crossing this bridge.

You might want to take a dip in the 'ole swimming hole.
But watch out for that swinging rope...I warned you!

A quite stream flowing from the hillside.
I love to listen to the sounds of the water trickling over the rocks.

Coming back into the cove area is the rocky shoreline.
Such a nice place to sit and relax after our tour.

Schimmerland is located at:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Monhegan%20Island/106/121/23

Schimmerland, Part One

I’m a little adverse to highlighting my own sim, yet that is what today and tomorrow's post are about. Schimmerland is located on Monhegan Island. This sim was originally located in the SL New England estate, but was pulled away and placed elsewhere on the Second Life grid as a standalone sim…that is, it has no neighboring sims.


One advantage of this is that I was able to create this exactly as I wanted…no restrictions and no theme to follow. I considered my options…what kind of theme would I like on this sim? I knew I didn’t want to make a fantasy theme, but I couldn’t decide on what kind of geographic area I wanted.


So I came up with the brilliant (?) idea to put a bunch of different regions on one sim. I’ve seen that done before and it mostly looks pretty bad. People sometimes use a backdrop or mountain divider and suddenly you are in a different kind of landscape.


I wanted to try to make the transition between the different regions gradual and more natural. I decided I wanted a New England type harbor, a tropical area, a surf area, a pirate area, and a wooded area. So began the challenge of creating all that together.


One of the reasons for my chronicling this sim now, is because I will be giving it up soon. I spent a lot of hard work creating it and I wanted to be able to preserve it somehow.


So, let’s go on a little tour.

An ariel view of the island. Doesn't look like much, does it?

The Rose Cottage. This home has breathtaking interior walls and ceilings.

The horse barn just before heading onto the pathway.

The pathway from the main landing point heading into the tropics.



These pathways lead into the tropical jungle area. It is shady and cool here.

Here is the marsh area with a heron looking for fish.

The dancing deck...with surf spray!

Every beach scene needs a token lighthouse!

A beach to relax and catch some rays.



Hippie Surf Beach! Grab a board and come on!



The tour is taking a bit longer than I expected. Tomorrow we will visit the green side of the island. I hope you will have a chance to come visit Schimmerland soon.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Monhegan%20Island/106/121/23