Bellisseria Coast /SS Galaxy / River Excursion

 

I experienced the good fortune of having a friend who just moved into a Victorian home in the vicinity of a Rez Zone off the coast of Bellisseria, near the mouth of a river, and within reach of the SS Galaxy. So I figured I'd make the most of the situation and do some exploring.

I began by putting my boat in at this Rez Zone:

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bloodroot/162/166/22

The first point of interest I discovered was Ebb Tide Island. Part of Bellisseria, the island is inhabited by one resident who won a contest for this lovely property. There's a public Rez Zone on the eastern side of the island here:

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ebb%20Tide/206/117/21

Ebb Tide Island Rez Zone

Continuing north, my next stop was Kuga Island. On the way there I noticed some wreckage on the sea floor... some poor explorer failed to heed the lighthouse's warning.

The Kuga Lighthouse stands out like a pillar of hope for storm-tossed sailors.

And has it's own massive Rez Zone:

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Baxby%20Gulf/250/47/21

Kuga Island is also known for its curious "Candle Worshiping Cult" - Apparently candles play a big part in their ceremonial sessions as they can be found prominently all over the island.

Refreshing beverages and sunbathing also play a part in this culture -

The Lighthouse can be climbed via a dizzying, fractal-like circular staircase inside, resulting in a fantastic view of the SS Galaxy from the top -

Back in the boat, I continued on my way to the SS Galaxy (or "Queen of the Sagittarian Sea") it's the largest and most famous virtual cruise ship in Second Life. Spanning 3 regions, the 650-meter-long,110 meters wide liner functions like a real cruise. It is a historical SL landmark operated by the SS Galaxy Preservation Society and docked off the coast of Bellisseria

Features over 100 rooms and luxury suites available for weekly rental or vacation getaways. Including a nightclub, ballroom, indoor garden, ice skating rink, skydiving, Holodeck, and a shopping mall. Designed by Bill Sterling, it launched in 2007. It temporarily closed in 2015 but was later preserved and permanently reopened to the public

The activities on the ship are remarkably all still functional, along with it's built-in teleporter. I played some golf, shot some pool, and was joined for dinner by a lovely and mysterious women who shall remain nameless. The dining room affords fabulous views of the Bellisseria coast.

PART 2 THE RIVER EXCURSION

Heading back from the SS Galaxy, I made my way into the river and what a sightseeing treat it was. This are has been very well designed.

Gorgeous homes, beautiful landscaping and quaint stone bridges and roads dotted the shores on either side.

The River lets out at an inland lake with a small island, named Oleander that has Lighthouse.

I'm going to do a separate exploration of the lake and the eastward continuation of the river at another time in the future.

The Oleander Light House has it's own Rez Zone here: 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Oleander/216/217/21

I noticed some very strange flotsam and jetsam at the bottom of the lake ... some rusted traps and an umbrella ... I wondered to myself, 'had Mary Poppins shipwrecked here?' and 'was she that into shellfish?'

All in all this was a great journey  The SS Galaxy is a MUST see for any Second Life history buffs or those who simply enjoy the ingenuity of older pre-mesh builds.

Until next time - Stay curious and enjoy your travels!