Secret spots

We all have our secret safe spots; Quiet rooms or mental places to go to when everyday life is too chaotic. In the world known as RL, these zen-spaces has become almost a collectors item. SL is full of those spots, and I love them.

Gotta love those blue colours

Sometimes hard racing can do the job: Clear the mind. Erase worries and stressfactors because it is so immersive. Sometimes a quiet place is more appropriate. For instance it is quite impossible to think straight about something while racing. Except for racing itself of course.

Remote beach

Billionaires can buy an island. Ordinary people cannot. SL comes to rescue. In SL everyone can afford a private island. Even better: It's not even neccesary to own an island for yourself. There's loads of remote beaches with only the view, the ocean sounds and an occasional bird flapping by.

Relaxing

Crazy? Hmm... I don't think so. It's a matter of convenience; Add a bit of imagination maybe ;-) Who'd have time to visit a real remote island once every week? In the virtual world you can have a quiet moment anytime you need it. Had a bad meeting? Need a five minute break with your mind at rest? Just click teleport and you're there. Too weird? Then check how Taru uses whil...

I am a sunseeker

I learned something new about my real self this past month. I am a sunseeker. Not that I feel like a mobilhome at sea. Lolz. Let me explain: This january set a really unwanted record. It was the darkest, most sunless month in 45 years. I'll just repeat that: This past january was the darkest month in 45 years!!

Sunseekers paradise

I am only glad I didn't experience the former recordholder month. Never really thought about it, but the sun seems to influence my mood quite a lot. SL to the rescue: It's called Las Islas, and it is a beautiful place. There's all sorts of stuff there, but I'll just focus on the ambiance... it's the most fantastic thing. There's little shops, secret beaches, secluded islands with hammocks, reefs, wildlife and much more... go there and see for yourself...

Yeah!

For a long time, this has been one of my favourites for relaxation and peace of mind after a stressfull workday. However, something was always missing: There was no boats, and no place to launch your own boats. So I wrote to the owners, and asked for that. Boats. Sailing. What happened? Check the picture above.

Laser sailing at ISL

That's a virtual Laser allright. I know exactly what to do with it. Click it, choose board, raise the sails and I am off to the sailing wonderland. Woohooo. This is just what I need in these dark and cold months.

Mind the reef

Las Islas is not a huge area, but there's a handfull of sims. If a sim is 256 x 256 meters thats's a fair amount of sailing area. You do the math, while I dream of having this area attached to on of the major sailing areas: The Blake Sea or the North Sea. I don't have any charts of the North Sea, so that last link is just pictures from there. And of a beautiful little boat.

See the islands

There are many islands to visit. Most of them are small and uninhabitated except for the birds and the flowers. It only takes a few minutes to get there, so you won't have a "cross pond"-experience. It's more of a daysail-thingy with loads of little places to explore. 

See the islands up close

Here's me passing one of the very small islands. In fact it's just a tiny dune sticking up of the water. Let's take an ever closer look! Maybe there's a treasure burried in the sand...

I mean real close

Hoppetihop. It's only knee-deep here. I'll need to drag the boat up the beach or it will take off and be gone. Or get stuck at the edge of the area. Or that's what I thought, hehe. Turns out the owners of Las Islas set something called autoreturn to be pretty fast. In a matter of seconds after I hopped off the Laser, it vanished into thin air. It's a good thing I can swim. (And fly ;-)

My brand new Laser, hehe...

Too bad cause the experience of island hopping sorta gets ruined when you have to go back to start each time you land... Makes sense in a way though. Wouldn't want the place to be littered with abandoned Lasers. Maybe give us a couple of minutes to explore? Still, it's a beautiful sailing area, so bear with me when I post just one more picture that speaks so much to my heart... It's just water, a tiny boat and me - and an island...

Ahh... 

Can you feel the urge? I wonder if someone is doing this for real right now... Me? I just need to get out there. Badly.

PS: Ahab made me add this PS with a link to the winter blues.

Puerto De Malla

I better rush with some fresh images from Puerto De Malla. Rush while it is still there, hehe. Someone mentioned yet another possible rebuild coming up, but I hope it is a false alarm. I honestly think it is quite nice as it is. I walked around for like half an hour and I didn't find any plywood at all.

The fountain and central square

Here's that fountain I mentioned in my previous post. I suppose this is kinda the central town square, whereas the church has moved a little bit into the background. There's a coffee shop to the left and all sorts of boatly shops to the right. In the back there are stairs up to the church and more little shops.

From across

This shot is from across the harbour. It's pretty pittoresque, oui? It shows the beautiful skyline, if that's the word for an old city like this. Dunno. There's also a few boats on the left. Bandits mostly. On the right there's a handful of Nacras getting ready for action. (Behind the tug). The smaller sails are Lasers.

The church

Here's the church. Not an easy picture to take form a tiny helicopter, but I think it turned out pretty good. Sadly, there's nothing inside the church at the moment, so in that respect Plywood City 2.0 was better. In 2.0 the church had a beautiful and authentic inside, complete with those coloured glass windows and all. Loads of details and way bigger than this little chapel. 

Bandit 50

Enough of that culture talk. Let's get back to the boat stuff. Here's me in a Bandit 50 equipped for cruising in the tropics. Bimini and all. There are loads of nice details on this boat, so I'll probably have to do a separate post on that. Now you've seen it. I kinda like this pic. It's like right out of a RL summercruise.

Zodiacs and VOs

But there are other boats to sail. In the back there's a couple of VO65s. Amazing boats if you ask me. Sail like a dream even though they're rather big. Not much accommodation below deck though, so if you are shooting for a cruise, the Bandit 50 is your weapon of choice. Right behind me, down the stairs, there's a couple of zodiacs. Different styles and colours.

Having a look at the sea

So let's get out there and have a look at the surrounding sea. I picked this Zodiac, because I've never seen a zodiac with wood fitted here and there where there's a piece of "deck" that needs covering. It's a nice touch though. Makes it feel a bit more luxury. Anyway, Puerto De Malla is worth a visit. Go there while you can. It's in Tschotcke.

Plywood Marina 3.0

Here's an update on Plywood City and Plywood Marina, remember? It all began so well, but then it came to a sudden halt. Now, there's an entirely new Plywood Marina, and this time it looks like they got it right. At least there's almost no Plywood left...

Waterfront

Here's a view along the waterfront inside the Marina. Left to right it's Ana, me, Dutch and Rituals. Those three are the architects, builders, carpenters and painters of this new place, and now it even has a name: Puerto De Malla. Have fun translating that, hehe. (It's only around 90% true according to Ana).

Coffeeshop

The shops are still empty, but the surroundings look pretty much done... and pretty too. I'd love to sit and have an espresso and a chocolate chip cookie in this little corner. There's a beautiful fountain nearby, and its sprinkling sound mixes up with the heavy waves hitting the shore.

Coffeeshop view

Here's the view from the coffeshop. Like I said - it's not quite finished. You can walk most of the stairs, but it's impossible to sit on those chairs. There's no sitting while having the coffee you cannot yet order, teehee. But the view... it's spectacular, wouldn't you agree?

Outside in

From the coffeeshop you have the inside out view. The above shot is from the outside in. Just imagine having a Cup, the whole marina filled with boats and sails and flags and people. Not that it's empty by now. There's Lasers, Nacras, Bandits and on the right side of the shot above there's a handfull of VO65s.

VO65

This one in particular caught my eye. Is it the colour? No. Is it the backstays? No... and btw there aren't any soft shackles. It's the blocks. Check them out... The boat is pink, and the wheels in the blocks are - can you guess it - pink - wooohooo. Just how many boats have that feature? I've never seen it before.

Checkout from Puerto De Malla

So where are we after all? Dunno... Somewhere in the Mediterranean? Modern boats, ancient castle, palms and coffeeshops... Marseille or something. Perhaps even further south. Regardless, it has the look and ambiance of a place I wanna be. Can't wait till the opening ceremony... I mean, there will be an opening ceremony, right?

That question

So... The times of wonderful summer cruises are over. At least for 2013. It's august, and it's back to work. Some call it the chaingang, others call it the treadmill. Whichever name you prefer, it is true that it's somewhat of a transition: From a mindset of complete laissez faire to a stressfull workday with goals, deadlines and bosses bossing you around.

Relaxing in Havna

I've been offline for almost a full month. No phones, very little internet, just a few papers and lots of water. It's most recommendable. After a few hectic days back at work, it's great to hop online and just sit and relax in Havna. I think I'll go there for a sail one of these days. It kinda reminds me of Nyhavn i Copenhagen, except Havna is more quiet.

Beautiful Berdav cruiser

I found this beautiful Berdav cruiser. It looked very inviting, so I sat there and just enjoyed a magical moment. No stress, no people, just me, the waves and the virtual sun-up to the east. That's when that question popped up. Not fair actually. I mean, I am just back from my vacation, and this question usually pops up some time in february. I tried to make it go away, but I couldn't...

The question is

The question is: Why don't I sail more. Right now it is raining in RL, so it is more of a work day than a sail day. The thing is, this question is pushing for an answer, which I cannot provide. I begin to fear that I'll have to make changes so that I can sail more. RL & SL. The more I think about it, the more it seems right. Sailing is the answer to so many questions.

The answer is

Hmm. I'll start planning for more sailing today. No wait. No time for that today. I'll set a deadline for when I start making plans for more sailing. Hmmm. It is nice to get back to work, but sometimes the vacation mindset just won't leave. That makes it hard work gettting back to work, dont' you think?

Coconut Island

So someone emailed me about islands in the virtual world. Probably because of my last post with palms and stuff. There's a few really nice ones, and I probably don't know them all. This shot here is one of my favourites. I took those beachy images here. There is also a great hammock hanging from a palm over the ocean...

Coconut Island

What do you think? Pretty huh! Sadly, waters aren't always sailable in this virtual world. Some places allow boats. Some do not. Too bad. Mooring here in my RM20 would be sooooo nice. Of course I'd have a windsurfer lying on deck. I wonder if the RM20 has room for scuba gear...

By the way, - this could have been the island I gazed at in this post here, but it is not. This one is way more remote...

Summertime

It's gonna be summer time some time soon. Actually, any day now. Boat packed and ready to go; Just waiting for the weather. I won't be seeing any palms this year. At least not while sailing in RL. Those palmy beaches are too far away. Maybe next year. It's no surprise how RL can inspire SL. The reverse is also possible: A few days back I found this spot...

I kinda like this pic. It is almost artsy. 

Now I wanna sail there for real! So - does anyone know, where to find a spot like this in RL? It has to be within reach of a 14 days charter boat trip, - not in the middle of the ocean with 20 days of sailing. Croatia,  Italy, Crethe, - or maybe the West Indies?

Moored and explored III

Just a few more shots from the Island due south of Tradewinds YC. Last time I was standing under a pine with the northern lighthouse in the back. From that point I took the following shot looking westwards...

Houses for rent

Yup. Residences at the picture perfect ocean front. There is  a terrace with a fantastic view of the sunset over the strait of Eliades. Moving further south there is a wineyard terrace at the center of the island...

Wineyard terrace

It is very nicely made with lots of tiny streams and gurgling fountains. The view isn't too bad either. Here's a look to the east:

Looking east from the wineyard terrace

The whole wineyard terrace is surrounded by wines. Sadly you can't pick one and taste it, but it looks tasty. Note the european union flag... above and below.

Grapes

Then there's the house where I moored in the first post. Who wouldn't wanna live there? It's a dream house.

Dream house

Further south there's more oranges and pines. The ground is covered with flowers. This next shot reminds me of a certain place in Sweden called Kullen. Well, except for the oranges ofcourse.

Kinda like a certain spot in Sweden 

I could go on and on... there are so many fantastic spots. This next shot is the last I will show you.

Sunrise

At the south end there are all sorts of activities going on. Hot air balloon trips are offered. There's houses, and there is the Schiffsratten YC, a very active YC. They have a lot of races and also racing classes. You know, - rules and tactics and stuff.

Schiffsratten YC club house ahead

All in all it is not a big island, but there are plenty of sights to see, people to meet, and waters to sail, so these three posts here - Moored and explored 1, 2 & 3 - they are only a teaser. Go there and have a look for yourself. Or rather... sail there and moor at the Schiffsratten YC. It's a genuine marina with keen and experienced sailors.

Yes, SL is a sailing simulation, but there is so much more...

Moored and explored II

There are those who believe that virtual sailing is nothing but a couple of pretty pictures with an ocean of bits inbetween. Not entirely true. The scenery isn't just a flat picture. A month ago I moored at an island south of Tradewinds, and I promised a few more pictures from there.

A beautiful cruising destination

So here's a shot of the place, where I moored, - and here's a link to that mooring post. Next you see me at the top of the stairs. It's definately a nice view. There is land out there to the south west, but you can't see it today.

Upstairs, mooring spot in the back

I am sure the view from the living room of the house is equally nice. Hot bath, - favourite chair, nice cup of yogi-tea, a blanket and a good book. Mmmmhmm. Music? Perhaps some relaxing Buddha-Bar.

Beautiful house by the sea

However, the house is privately owned, so I won't run around and take pictures without being invited to do so. What I can do, is take pictures of the island itself, so this next shot is from the northern end of the island. See the light house? I sat right beside it, - here...

So many light houses

Stare at the picture for a moment. Then close your eyes. Take a deep breath and feel the intense scent of old pines, orange trees and long grass. Got it? Virtual worlds are so much more than just sailing. 

A breathtaking boat picture

However, this is a sailing blog, so this post ends with a beautiful shot of a boat. Look closely and you'll find Beccas Baby Sloop moored at the island. It's such a nice little boat for exploring, and this place here... I totally love it. Oranges, pines and lavendar? Hmm... kinda like a place I know at the Cote d'Azur. Not just a dream world.

Moored and explored

I was out sailing, and I passed this place. I simply had to moor and explore, go see what's up there. It is a perfect example of a number nine: Approaching a new island, - being excited about what will be there.

What's up there?

I've sailed past this island a hundred times. Always on my way to some exotic destination far away. Kinda like in RL. Those distant isles always seem more enchanting, - even though that island right across the water is just as mysterious and fun to explore. Different language, different money, different icecreams...

Anyway, you can see the south end of this island here, and the north end of the island here. What's up there I'll save for another post, but I'll tell you it's beautiful.

What's inside

A few weeks back I wrote about ISAF rules in virtual sailing. Many people read that. Few people commented. A single individual emailed me about something entirely off topic. This guy wants to know, if we're sailing in dead sceneries with empty houses and deserted islands. In particular he wants to know, what's inside the little chapel.

A real island with a real pier and a house with real stuff inside

Of course there is something inside. Most islands can be visited. Go there by boat or by plane. Many of them are privately owned. People live there, and the houses are often beautifully decorated. Anyway, I decided to go have a look inside. Packed a sandwich, pulled out my Flying Fizz, set sails, and set the  course to Eden...

A really really real island with a chapel

And here we are. I simply had to sit on that bench again. It's truely a secret and magic spot, and the view is absolutely fantastic. Birds singing, ocean waves crashing onto the beach, butterflies looking for honey, and the chapel bells chiming every hour.

The little chapel

So many details. There's even an automagic lawn sprinkler; It started last time I was here. This time it seems to think there's no need for watering. Oh, and the flowers... The flowers are amazing. I'll save those for a separate lingering post. Let's get inside.

Two hours of sailing and then a locked door?

It appears to be locked, but no worries. This is a virtual world. There's gotta be a virtual solution. Squirt a little snakeoil in the lock - et voila - we're inside. 

Inside the chapel

Phew. That's pretty breathtaking. Awesome really. I had to hold my breath for a few seconds and think: "This isn't real, this isn't real". Sure enough it isn't real, but there is definately something inside, and it get's to you. The real you. My heart skipped a beat when I first saw this... Awesome. Just awesome.

In fact there are so many places with flowers, gardens, buildings and architecture in SL, that it would seem an impossible task to cover that on a blog. Oh, and let's not forget the artscene. I'd better stick with sailing. 

Lets dance

It doesn't have to be about sailing. SL is many things. Gardening, architecture, art, racecars, flying, diving and a whole bunch more.

Me at Woods

Yesterday I logged in to test Traps new navigation device, but then I got a note about Woods celebrating the 3rd year birthday.

Lets dance

I rushed off, because Woods is one of the first clubs I found, when I was new. Always good music. Always nice people.

It's a good thing I am not wearing high heels

That's it for this short post. Need a party? Go to Woods and dance the night away. See ya. Oh wait, there's live music in SL too. More on that later. Later ;-)