Part 1
Today I was able to visit a little-known project called the ONSR in Second Life. One of my earliest memories in the 90s was watching old reruns of Mr Rogers on the Public Broadcasting channel. I absolutely loved the train car that would drive through and take viewers on an imaginary journey.
Later in life I was able to visit the National Railroad Museum in Greenbay, WI with my family. They have a great “library” of historical car types and purpose. Here we learned there are several such places in Wisconsin, by other visitors. I had plenty to see as a kid concerning trains.
It is always my dream to use a real train to visit the world, so imagine my surprise when I get to find one here in Second Life. Luckily for me it is provided free of charge. I was able to visit several regions of virtual valleys (about 16 acres each), each capped with snowy mountains and neat builds of varying development. I know people who’d lose their mind for the opportunity to ride on, and view a toy village, from the vantage of a toy train.
This train drifted at times through snow, alongside deep river gorges, stopping at each station with a musical chime like one would miss from a retro elevator. Each stop quaintly decorated with fine details one would see in a real rail station. I felt like a kid again, and I’m sorry how pathetic that sounds. But I had a lot of fun. There is truly nothing else like it in all of the metaverse. An effort to connect one or more regions. What coordination and sacrifices are made by private donors to make such an effort happen?
During one stop I got out to investigate a small village under construction called Rothenburg. The owner, Skimi Mission, was at first “away from keyboard”, but returned to chat with me in private IM long after I’d departed. He told me this train station is the first of many that were developed in Second Life. Pioneered by the ONSR group I mentioned earlier, he said it became a standard for later developments across the 3D map of Second Life. Everything from private shuttles and pods, to other train lines, roads for cars to drive upon, and recently opened spaces for boats to sail upon. There are also airports being made across the virtual environment to enjoy, he said. Some are private owned, many are group efforts like the ONSR.
Overall I was not expecting this treat, and almost did not log in today. But I am glad I did, and now I have so much to look forward to. Where will my travels go next in the often referenced Metaverse? Who will I get to meet next? I cordially ask you to join me next time and see.
Part 2
Readers may remember the name of the ONSR transportation grid. It is a privately funded train network built and operated by private citizens of Second Life. It brings a level of charm to the snowy mountains of this particular “virtual” continent, and I like to imagine it encourages people to visit the several small businesses sprinkled across the several valleys.
During my trip through the many valleys with a new friend I found, we both were amazed by the picturesque, made-for-calendar structures, lively displays, holiday trees, and all of the lights. We opted at several stations to remain seated, and made it as far as Wengen where it ended at the cozy Chalet Linden. An icy encased treasure made of 3D logs. Inside we found a warm fire to greet us, and free amenities. While warming up for a bit, we browsed the help guides and tutorials, and accidentally read someone’s letter laying on the desk upstairs. I cannot repeat it’s contents.
We took a few moments laughing about the fake reindeer gracing the doorway and snow man chilling out back, then made our way to one of the two available ski lifts. Because of the ice warning, we decided dodging cars on the highway was more safe, and got across the street to the ski lift on that side. We did notice a shuttle of some kind also going up the hill, but were not able to find another like it, so proceeded with our earlier plan.
While riding the squeaky line up the side of the mountain, we were mostly enthralled by the sites. Neither of us have ever been to the mountains in real life, though she says she has a friend in Colorado who is always asking her to visit. We both agree this is a nice opportunity to do something we could not ever do in real life. No wonder they call it Second Life. It’s like moonlighting.
Before we realized it we had arrived at the mountainous crest overlooking a plunging land form. I try hard to not let my mind trick me into thinking I’m in any kind of danger.
Here my friend locates for us snowboards and ski equipment, free of charge, for whatever adventure we choose. Soon we are fitting boots and staffs with pikes on the end to guide us on the way down. As I wait for her to reattach her body, because wearing things (fyi) sometimes does that (instead of “add to”), I used my camera tool to peak at the tower there. Some kind of control or observation deck. Probably both. Perhaps they are wildlife conservators.
A platform with “pose balls” attached seem to be the way down. A floating text brags that 11,318 couples have drifted down the side of the mountain this way since the park’s opening. Very impressive numbers for an out of the way location. Soon we bemoan our decision of taking the guided tour when it takes us away from the quaint structures along the hidden valley beside us. I make a note in my profile tab to return and see if they are public use, and also to see what is available the other side of the frozen river.
Down again by the highway, she apologizes but says she has to finish some kind of task. I hope to see her again, sometime. But even Second Life is about meeting new people, and I look forward to whoever I meet next, and welcome anyone who wants to return for a friendly chat.
Anyway I took some photos for my readers. Most of them I have already included in the telling of this story. A few others I will drop in a gallery below. I hope you enjoy this entry.
Let me know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to bookmark TeslaKuhn.com so you can share ideas with me in the future about where you think I should go next, and to see where else I have been after today.
This post originally appeared November 15, 2022 on another host. Due to limits of this new system, all images are hosted at Flickr