Tarrytowne River Valley

[MrCinatit 30]

welllllllllllll....time for me to come out of lurking mode once again, but this time for a good reason.

just wanted to let you know how much i'm enjoying this journal, aldara6166. your parks, as always are quite spectacular.

i really like your dock system...the industrial docks look quite nice, but i like your olde towne docks all the much better.

then your railroad system...simply spectacular.

keep up the great work.

[jacqulina 162]

wow awesome update such details and design

[aldara6166 109]

 

 

With all of the major construction projects completed, and the city running virtually on auto-pilot, Mayor Emily and the Board of Directors for Regional Shipping, LLC. settled back and relaxed.  They surveyed their city, enterprise, their creation and breathed a collective sigh of priase.  They talked, smoked cigars and drank fine imported wine (which of course was now legal due to the end of prohibition.)

 

Mayor Emily had something on her mind however.  She was unhappy with their current arrangement.  Not only was city government housed in city hall, but so were the corporate offices for Regional Shipping, LLC.  She was afraid to say anything however, afraid for the repercussions that it would have.  After she broached the subject with them however, they all agreed that they had overstayed their welcome.  They needed their own space; they needed to be the land lord rather than the tennant.

 

With that, Mayor Emily gave them a small piece of land near city hall on which to build.  A glorious tower was created in which to house their corporate offices.

 

Picture LC11-1

 

 

With the creation of the new corporate headquarters, there was an empty space in between their and Riverside Park.  Since Emily was now a strong advocate of open park land, she hired a local contractor to build an addition to Riverside Park, to cover the empty space.  In the picture, the entrances to the corporate headquarters of Regional Shipping, LLC. are on the left and the original park space is on the right.

 

Picture LC11-2

 

 

With that, we complete our construction of Lighthouse Cove.  In my next update, I will present overall city pictures, an updated region pic, and some Census Data.

 

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Personal Messages:

 

jacqulina - As always, thanks for stopping by.  It's always nice to have an oil tycoon visit town!   Hope all goes well with your CJ.  Can't wait to visit.  Thanks again, and stop back soon.

 

oroen - Thanks for dropping by.  I really take great pride in trying to make my cities realistic looking, or at least believable.  I spend alot of time creating those spaces around my buildings because in alot of situations, that is what is found in real life.  Creating these park spaces and such is probably my most favorite part of the game.  It gives me great pleasure when people enjoy my work.  The park-n-ride idea...well, that was just something that came to me.  I was thinking of Interstate 70 when I created that.  I-70 runs from Baltimore, MD to somewhere in California.  It is one of the few interstates in the country that actually runs from the east coast to the west coast (I realize there are several, but compaired to the total number of interstates in the country these number few.)  In Baltimore, MD, where it starts on the east coast, there is a large park-n-ride area at the beginning, which is where I drew my inspiration.  I also have several in my area as well along the interstate, but Baltimore is where I got the general idea from.  Again, don't be a stranger and drop in again sometime soon. 

 

MrCinatit - Ah, my financial benefactor.  Always glad to see you come out of lurking status.    First of all, I appreciate your praise and how much you enjoy my CJ.  Coming from someone who's writing skills and imagination rival mine, this is a HUGE, truely GIGANTIC compliment and I am humbled.    Your CJ is truely awesome, absolutely undescribable in proper terms and I hope that my CJ one day measures up to yours.  For this, I thank you.

 

As for the parks, see my response to oroen above.  As for the fishing docks, this is probably one of my most favorite areas in Lighthouse Cove.  That and the parks near city hall.  They are all simplistic in design, yet very spectacular areas.   The rail system, well that is another story.  It took me between 3 and 4 hours to do that one.  I kept building and destroying, building and destroying just to get the right look.  Again, I thank you for stopping by and commenting...especially such wonderful comments.   As for lurking, please feel free...and comment any time you wish!

 

Darmok - As always, thanks for stopping by.  As written above, the parks are my pride and joy.  I really try to give them a life of their own.  I guess these are the parks I would conceptualize for my neighborhood if I had the opportunity to build them.  Chaeau Grand Cru...um, not familiar with that name.  Can ya explain for me...sorry.  As for the cathedral...yes, it is on STEX.  It is the San Diego Mormon Temple if I remember correctly.  As always, a pleasure reading your comments.  Keep em coming...

 

sloppet - Thanks for stopping by.  Hope all goes well over in your CJ.  Come back again sometime soon... 

 

dhoppeii - Thanks again dear friend.  As always, a pleasure.  PEG's creations...well, I don't need to say much about them.  They all look fantastic.  I just can't wait to use his new lighthouse in my CJ!    The cemetary...funny how that came about.  I was actually terraforming for something else...don't even remember what now.  Probably another park Anyway, I got the terraforming done and didn't like it.  So, I just started messing around and realized I didn't place any of the reward cemetaries yet.  So...there is the cemetary.    The path across the river...the whole river under the buildings idea...also last minute.  But, if I do say so myself it turned out quite well.  And yes, I do realize if you build it they will come.  Thanks again.

 

To All - This is the last update for Lighthouse Cove.  The overall pics I was talking about will come this afternoon or sometime tomorrow morning.  I do appreciate all of the wonderful comments.  I have taken so much from other people's journals.  I'm glad to have been of some inspiration to others as well.  I don't have enough room to thank everyone for their individual inspirations, but those of you know who you are.

 

Until the next update...  Keep em coming... 

[sloppet 3]

great update! the pictures are really fantastic! Good job!

[Darmok 34]

wow!

Now that is an original building! On the stex? japanese?

And on second look, it may have been inspired by a gas mask don't you think!

If you have a link, I'm interrested!

The park as always great, with only one thing that bothers me a bit (sorry!) those are the transit enabled entrance where there's no parking lot. But it's just an opinion! Besides that I simply love 'em

I was wrong in the spelling it was - BLS GA Farm Chateau Premier Cru that I wanted to say it's the name of the vineyard you have in one of your pictures.

And as for having my comments comming, if you keep those updates comming as well don't worry, comments will come

Take CAre

[aldara6166 109]

Darmok -  I am pretty sure that I got that one off STEX.  As for the Mormon Temple, here is the link to it https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?mode=files&filetype=all&category=default&sortby=DatePosted&show=12&Str=mormon .  I guess it does kind of look like a gas mask...I never noticed that before!!    I will have to see if I have a link for the gas mask building as we will call it for now!!

 

As for the farm...I now understand your comment!!  Dang nuns...all I ever wanted to do was get them patrons drunk and send them back for a joke...guess the joke is on me now!!    The farm is one of Barbyw's most recently released BSC Farms.

 

As for your criticism...it just broke my heart and now I can't stand to type any more!!  Just kidding...I like constructive criticism...reminds me I'm still human.   I thought about just using the straight pieces like I've seen in other CJ's.  But, the reason that I use them...and will continue to use them for my parks...is because with Jeronij's park fences the transit enabled tarmac trails make a clean transition into the park.  The fences meet, and I like the clean look that it gives.  Otherwise, to me anyway, it looks like it is very choppy...no continuity to the entrance.  If that makes any sense anyway.  Just look at my pics, and you will see how they transition smoothly.  That is the sole reason I do it that way.  Now ya know.  And knowing is half the battle kids!   (Go ahead, date yourself with that one!!

 

sloppet - As always, your visit to the TRV is truely appreciated.  I may be looking for a Commissioner of Tourism in a future update...I'll have to keep you in mind for the job. 

 

To All - As always...each visit is appreciated...and each comment is treasured...  Keep em coming...

 

(Hmmm...maybe I have just figured out a NEW AND IMPROVED tag line...since Darmok kind of pilfered mine...hmmm )

[aldara6166 109]

 

 

Well everyone, here is the final, FINAL update for Lighthouse Cove that I promised.  First of all, I will present the overall city picture.  I will then move in a clockwise motion, starting in the northwestern corner.  Afterwards, I will provide some census data and a region picture.

 

Picture LC12-1

 

 

Picture LC12-2

 

 

Picture LC12-3

 

 

Picture LC12-4

 

 

Picture LC12-5

 

 

Picture LC12-6

 

 

Picture LC12-7

 

 

Picture LC12-8

 

 

Picture LC12-9

 

 

Picture LC12-10

 

 

********************************

 

Census Data / Region Picture

 

 

 

A.  Tarrytowne - 222,380

B.  Smithsfield - 18,707

C.  The college campus preview everyone liked so much - N / A

D.  Lighthouse Cove - 29,249

E.  The highway project that was started in Lighthouse Cove - N / A

 

Total Region Population - 270,336

 

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Sorry for the area's I had to color in folks...I already have some stuff started in those areas and I didn't want to reveal them yet.  I think next we are heading for the area with  the bigger island in the southeastern corner of the region pic, but I haven't decided yet. That's all for Lighthouse Cove.  I hope everyone has enjoyed reading this CJ as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

 

And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured.  Keep em coming...

[kingofsimcity 5,739]

Your terraforming skill amazes me aldara, I'll be sure to pop in more often.

[____----____ 37]

looks like this cj is set to grow quite a lot huh?

nice update and keep it going

 

AK

[dhoppeii 12]

Hey aldara - so let's go back to the second to last update.  The parks are just WOW, you are making us all look bad with your park creations.....

This last update.....Wow that was a big one....The overall city pic looks great.  The whole grid really has come to life....And the fill in with the trees looks great....especially in pic 12-3.  I really like how that tiered section turned out.

 

Ahhhh, a region shot.  I love those region shots, and this one is particularly great because you have so much more land to develop.  Guess you'll be running this CJ for quite some time....

 

Kudos my friend excellent finish to Lighthouse Cove.

 

Take Care,

 

D

[oroen 0]

The way you've terrace those farms with the walls is really impressive. I haven't brought myself to do any of that terracing or walling yet.

And I was thinking of the Park and Ride at I-70 in Baltimore as well when I saw that! I went to school in Baltimore, so I'm pretty familiar with the area. The unfortunate end of a cross-country interstate at a park and ride, where you have to loop through the park and ride to get to one of the exits. And just FYI, I-70 has its western end at I-15 near Cove Fort, Utah, pretty random there as well.

[Darmok 34]

Great one aldara

Really like how pic 12.3 with the falls, now all finished with the forest turned out.

The farms pics 12.4 and 5 so peaceful!
I like the sport park in 12.7 with lots of parking space!
And those great parks in 12.9 one can walk his heart out in those!

Again great work man.

Bring 'em

[jacqulina 162]

wow that was an awesome update love the waterfalls as always love farms and your farms are very nice

[aasim45 1]

I like those farms!

[godwin1020 1]

What a far cj!!!

Far too good than i expect, Omg, what a ultra-mag trail park, i know you'll soon change the industrial complex into High-tech.

 

But man, i know this is disgrace, but the frame is odd, even when it is better than the previous one, sorry to say that.

[aldara6166 109]

Wow.  So many comments to respond to.  I like it! 

I have hit RLS bad this weekend, and I have just gotten home from work.  I have over 100 emails to go through right now so I have no time to respond to all of you individually.  I will however get to that in the morning.

 

Until then, thanks for all of the wonderful comments.  I am glad you all liked Lighthouse Cove.  I hope the next city area is as well received.  Until tomorrow's update...  keep em coming... 

[aldara6166 109]

 

 

Well, here is the first update for the next area in the Tarrytowne River Valley.  This area, as you can see, is named the Britaney Islands (pronouced Bri-tain-ye).  For this area, I am actually going to be using several city squares to get my ideas out.  There will be several islands in this chain, and to accomodate the right sizes, I will have to do this.  Here is a picture of the area.  It is a square or two east of the mouth of the Tarrytowne River.

 

Picture BI-1-1

 

 

The red areas are where we will start this portion of the CJ.  The island names are:

 

A.  Esidito

B.  Mare Nandito

 

Each of the circles is an undecided area.  I may or may not create additional islands, depending on what kind of response I get from the first two.

 

The names will be explained in the update in which the individual island is introduced.  This update will begin in the upper left corner, still on the mainland.  I hope you all enjoy.

 

****************************************

 

Sitting in his lab at the University of New York, Professor Alexander Cricks poured over the maps of the Tarrytowne River Valley.  This area had recently been settled, with the help of the US Government.  Unfortunately, many of the maps of the area were severely outdated, some dating back to Columbus and the Louis and Clark expidition.  The government had contracted Professor Crick to survey the area and provide detailed maps and other various pieces of scientific information back to the local and US governments.  He had been provided with all of the equipment he could possibly need, along with enough money to pay two other scientists to accompany him on his journey.

 

Professor Cricks was an accomplished archiologist and cartographer.  He was widely considered one of the best in his fields, and many universities competed constantly for his attention.  Occassionally he would take on a project like this, and when he did he was always paid handsomely.  The government had chosen him because he had done several projects like this before, and the results were always more than his benefactors could have ever dreamed.

 

For this occassion, he decided that he would hire on two of his top doctorate students who had already accompanied him on several archeological digs in the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Mohave desert.  They had helped him to uncover and identify over 25 new species of dinosaurs in a period of only a few years.  The first was Allison Sturing.  Her specialty was outdoor survival and identification of rare antiquities.  The other was Leo Maynelle.  His specialty was botanical and biological identification, and rare native languages (of which he could speak fluently almost 30 native languages.)  He was also one of Professor Cricks favorite students, and he was privately studying to become a cartographer on the side with Professor Cricks.  These were easy choices for him.  On several of his mapping expiditions in the past, he had run across ancient burrial grounds, remains of lost cities and the like.  His ultimate dream was to find an entire civilization that had been lost in the past, such as the Anasazi, the cliff dwelling peoples of the US deserts.

 

The set out on their journey on a Saturday.  The weather was beautiful, hovering around 75 degrees with plenty of sunshine and little humidity.  The region where they would be exploring it remained this way for approximately 5 months per year and that season had just begun.  It would take them a day and a half to reach their starting destination.  From there, they would make camp and start out first thing Monday morning.  They reached their starting point at around 5pm Sunday afternoon.  This left them with enough sun light that they could have a relaxing dinner before pitching camp and turning in for the night.

 

Their first night was rather uneventful.  All three, being accomplished explorers, were used to camping in the wild.  None of the average forest noises even so much as raised a hair on their heads.  Many experienced campers would have been petrified by some of the animal noises that could occassionally be heard throughout the night.  They awoke and set out with the sunrise on Monday morning.

 

They began by surveying the outer fringes of their survey area.  This took several days to accomplish, however when they were done, they had very detailed topographic, elevation and biological maps of the outer fringes.  None of them were in any kind of a hurry, because they knew that rushing a job like this could mean precious details would go unseen.

 

It was around mid-day on Thursday of the first week that they decided to finally enter the woods.  They had arrived back at their original camp site, which had been marked by several carvings Allison had left in the trees to serve as markers.  Without hesitation, they entered the forest.  This forest however was unlike most others.  The undergrowth was thick, thicker than it should have been under such dark and dry conditions.  All three made notes along the way; all of their notes would be sent to a colleage when they returned for further analysis.  Samples of the vegetation were taken to be sent back to a botanist in the labs at the university.

 

For the first two days in the forest, things went relatively normal.  Measurements and readings were taken constantly, and the maps were beginning to take shape.  There was something amiss though.  Leo couldn't help feeling like they were being watched.  He had though he saw something following them out of the corner of his eye shortly after they entered the forest.  When he turned to look, he saw nothing.

 

The second week started like any other.  The group packed up camp from the night before and returned the forest floor to the condition that they had found it in the night before.  Allison wouldn't admit it to anyone, but she was beginning to get the same nagging feeling that Leo had had since the previous week.  She told herself that nothing was there, it was just her imagination.  She didn't want the men to think of her as weak.

 

Suddenly, around mid-day Allison and Professor Cricks heard an awful shout.  It had been Leo, and it sounded rather shrill.  They ran in the direction of his voice and came upon Leo within a very short distance.  He had not seen a large rock on the ground and he had tripped over it and banged his arm on another rock.

 

Are you ok? inquired Professor Cricks.  Yes, I'm alright.  I think I just scraped my shoulder when I fell.  It's nothing, but it sure hurts like you know what! explained Leo.  Now that their attention was not 100% focused on Leo's condition, Allison began to look around.  When she looked at Professor Cricks, she was startled by his motionless stare.

 

What is it Professor? she asked.  When he didn't respond, she looked in the direction of his gaze.  Her mouth immediately gaped open and she exclaimed Oh my god!  It's magnificent!  Leo got to his feet and turned to see what everyone was staring at.  What he saw left him awestruck.

 

A large, stone column jutted from the ground just yards from where Leo had fell.  The column was about 5 meters tall, and was masterfully crafted.  At first the group thought that the column had been carved, but upon closer inspection they found that it was made from hundreds of individual stone bricks.  Each brick was precisely laid so that the entire object was perfectly level, perfectly symetrical.  The rocks that Leo had tripped over and fell on were actually several bricks that had been worn by time and Mother Nature and had fallen from the top of the column.

 

Professor Cricks by now had regained his composure and was beginning to sketch the object and rapidly scribble in his notebook.  Over there! shouted Leo.  Off in the distance, only some 50 meters from where they stood was another identical column.  Professor Cricks remained at the first column, while Leo and Allison rushed to examine the second.  After several hours of sketching, measuring, comparing and charting, numerous other columns had been found in the immediate area.

 

Picture BI1-2

 

 

What are they Professor? asked Leo.  I'm not sure just yet.  But, we will find out soon I hope. replied the Professor.  Again, amidst the excitement of their find though, both Leo and Allison couldn't help but feel like they were being watched.

 

*********************************

 

Ok.  Well, since there was a ton to read in this update, we'll continue the next chapter in a day or two.  MrCinatit, I may not be as gifted as you, but if I do say so this ending is rather suspenseful!

 

I need to wrap up this update without replying to everyone's comments.  I do appologize, but a bad case of RLS is causing me to have limited time this weekend.  Don't worry, I will respond to everyone.  At this point, I have 10 comments from the previous update to respond to...and I will.  Like Darmok recently said in his CJ...if someone takes the time to comment in my CJ, I should at least take the time to respond in kind.  Or was that Dhop that said that?  Oh well, someone who's CJ I follow said it... 

 

And yes, to answer your question Dhop, this is the idea that I came up with a few days ago.  I have a very elaborate story already penned in my head for this area.  So, it is off to work I go.  What fun.

 

And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured.  Keep em coming...  
Copyright

[dhoppeii 12]

Hey aldara - The story sounds intriguing (sp?), Is this the idea you mentioned that you had come up with a few days ago?  Well, I can't wait to see where you go with this.

Later,

 

D

[gurrgkud 2]

Wow! Great CJ! I love the mix of green with development! it makes it look amazing!

 

I love it! Keep it up!!

 

EDIT: Wow... i missed the update on the last page!  I LOVEEEE GURRGKUD LAKES!!! THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kb 0]

Hi ther!! I like to say that this CJ is really nice, so in my ketchupy City Journal Rating it gets 8,7/10!! Good luck and let the Ketchup be with you!!

[aldara6166 109]

kb - Thanks for stopping in and giving my CJ such a high rating.  I definitely appreciate that.

dhoppeii -   Yes, this is the idea I was referring to.  The rest of this update is done, please go back and finish the story. 

 

gurrgkud -   I thought you would like the lakes.  I'd love to go over them in a barrel just for fun!!

 

I was just looking...over 4700 view for my CJ.  Woo-hoo!  As I said to dhoppeii, the rest of the first update is complete.  You can now finish reading the first update. 

 

Thanks all... keep em coming...

[kingofsimcity 5,739]

Great Work Aldara, the stork seems rather suspenseful...I really like those ruins in the forest...keep it up...

[dhoppeii 12]

Dude, the story accomanied by the pic is brilliance......Let me just say that I am an avid reader.  I read anywhere from 25 - 30 novels a year.  Alot of times I will even re-read the book....I'm weird that way.......I tell you this because I believe it qualifies me to identify wonderful storytelling and this my friend is it.  Anyway, the story that you have just started here is awesome.  I can't wait to see how it continues.

[aldara6166 109]

Personal Messages:

Well then...while I'm up getting a midnight snack after getting home from work, I need to address some comments...from both this update and the last few.

 

A special thanks to sloppet, jacqulina, aasim45 and godwin1020 for their continuing support.  Thanks for the visit, and especially the comments.

 

kingofsimcity - Welcome to the TRV (in case I didn't say it before ).  Thanks for dropping in, and thanks for the comments.  I welcome comments from another fellow CJ'er, especially one with a CJ the likes of yours.

 

aleking - As always thanks for the visit.  I started this CJ with the intent that it would go for a while, so hopefully I do have so room to grow.

 

Darmok - Thanks for dropping in.  I'm glad you liked the pics.  The parks...well, you know me.  .  I do try.    I am rather happy at how the falls turned out.  I really, most definitely like how PEG has redone the stream and pond kits.

 

dhoppeii - First, I want to address your most recent post.  I am flabergasted.  I am totally and completely floored at what you said.  I definitely appreciate your kind words.  Coming from someone who is such an avid reader, those comments were truely heartfelt.  Ok...the previous post.  My parks... hehe ...like I've said before, I really do try hard with my parks.  Maybe I should ask one of the mods or admins to change my name to The Parkmeister    Just kidding.  I am with parks like you are with farms.  Like I said before, you make me look BSC Farm retarded!!  And yes, as I said earlier I will be running this CJ for a while (as long as my wife stays off my back about it! ).  Thanks again, I truely mean it.

 

oroen - Ahh...someone else from the east coast.   I'm glad someone recognized my inspiration.  Great minds must think alike or something like that.   And thanks for the info on I-70.

 

Now, for anyone I missed, thank you for stopping by.  I hope to keep this CJ running for a long time, and you comments certainly help with that.

 

In out next update, we will pick up with our explorers.  Hopefully, as long as RLS doesn't hit I will do the next chapter before work on Sunday.  Oh...just one thing to ponder until the next update comes out...  Do you ever get that feeling that someone is lurking, watching you but when you turn around noone is that?

 

And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured.  Keep em coming...  
Copyright

[Darmok 34]

Aldara

RLS hitted me too very hard, long story you'll see explanation in AV, had to post though, didn't have time to finish reading your storyline, will definitely read it all today I hope! Sounds really intriguing! I also am an avid reader, I even read the milk cartons! If nothing else to read at breakfast!

So hope to see more of that promising story soon!

Take care man!

[aldara6166 109]

 

 

Well, seems as if I've gotten a decent reception so far for this part of the story.  Guess I'll continue...

 

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The next day, the trio ventured further into the woods.  All along their way, they found columns just like the ones they had found the previous day.  Shortly before noon, they made another discovery.  This one was even greater than the columns that they had discovered.  As the group encircled the area, they gazed in wonderment.

 

Do you know what this is? asked Professor Cricks?

 

It is some sort of ancient monument. replied Allison.  And look, there is a flame burning in the center. replied Leo.

 

As they examined the monument, they noticed that it was built with the exact same stone bricks that the columns had been made out of.  The monument was an engineering feat.  The blocks started approximately 8 feet fromt he center, and extended updwards at approximately a 60-degree angle.  Each block was perched a little further inward than the last.  The monument shouldn't be standing; the blocks should topple inward into a heap of stone.  But, the way they were placed they connected at the top.  All four angled columns pressed inward against each other, providing support.  Should one column topple, the entire monument would become an instant rock pile and history would be burried forever.

 

As they examined the flame in the center of the monument, they found that the flame was burning in some sort of large plate.  It almost reminded them of how the Romans lighted and burnt the first olympic flame.  This could not possible be Roman though, because they had already dated the monument and the columns to approximately 2000 years before the Romans.

 

The flame seemed to burned on some sort of oil.  It seemed that the area contained some sort of flamable plants, and the oil from the plants burned but never dissipated.  Professor Cricks wondered what this would mean for humanity, finding a never-ending, ever-renewing sorce of fuel.  He made a mental note to send some of the local plants to many of the nations top research facilities.

 

Picture BI2-1

 

 

After the stars were firmly planted in the sky for the evening, the trio settled down for the evening.  They made camp near the monument.  On one of the monument's columns, Allison had found some inscriptions earlier in the evening.  They were in some sort of native pictographical language.  Leo had studied them for almost two hours before he finally groaned in frustration.  He could find no hint, no trace of any of the languages that he knew.

 

They sat around the camp fire speaking of the days events.  They spoke of their rare find and what it would mean for history.  After eating the last of their dinner, each one of the three retired for the evening.  All were exhausted from their day, and fell asleep rapidly.  But it was not to be a restful sleep.

 

Around 3 A.M., Allison was jarred from her sleep.  As she laid there staring at the top of her tent, her thoughts driften to the first column they found.  She remembered the shape, it's texture, the craftsmanship.  As she was remembering the column though, she began to remember hearing a clicking noise while she had been examining it.  It had not been a loud noise, nor had it been of particular consequence at the moment.  It had been irregular in frequency and pitch.  It also sounded as though it had come from different directions.  Sometimes it was a single click, others it had been a series of different clicks.

 

As she was remembering the sound, she suddently realized that the clicking noise was not just in her head.  She was actually hearing the clicking noise again.  This time though, it was accompanied by the loud cracking of branches outside her tent, almost as if someone was walking around the camp site.  She grabbed a flashlight that she kept in her tent and slowly unzipped the tent entrance.

 

As she slowly gazed through the half-open zipper, she began assessing the camp.  As she scanned around, she could see nothing out of the ordinary.  Then, she noticed that the camp fire was no longer burning.  This was odd, as they always put enough wood on the fire to keep it burning throughout the night.  This ensured that the forest dwelling animals steered clear of the humans while they were out hunting.

 

She then swung the beam of her flash light towards the tent.  It was then that she realized that Leo's tent was open, but he was not inside.  A fit of fear gripped her heart, as the bile rose in her throat.  Looking at the empty tent, she remembered the feeling that someone had been watching them, following them.  She instantly had a very bad feeling, a feeling of doom, and for the first time she began to panic.  Images of someone stealing into camp in the middle of the night and kidnapping Leo, or worse, filled her mind.

 

She burst from her tent, driven by fear and terror.  She searched frantically around camp for Leo, but couldn't find him anywhere.  She didn't dare venture out into the forest at night alone, but she had to find Leo.  She was becoming almost hysterical, on the verge of crying when she heard the footsteps again.  She swung the beam of her flashlight in the direction of the noise.  He beam drew down on a human form, and it looked as if it was carrying something.  Momentarily the person was blinded and dropped what they were carrying with a loud crash.

 

Hey, get that damn light out of my eyes! yelled Leo.

 

Leo! Allison yelled as she ran towards him, nearly tackling him.

 

Hey, what is the big deal.  I just went to get some fire wood for the fire. explained Leo.  Allison then explained to him about the sound she heard earlier and now as well.  She also explained her nagging feeling of being watched.  Leo then explained that he had the urge to use the bathroom in the middle of the night.  He had forgotten that he had put the water pale beside the fire when he went to bed, and when he got up he tripped over it.  When he tripped, the water put out the fire.  He had walked into the woods with his flashlight to find some wood for the fire with the intention of relighting it when he returned.

 

What's all the racket out here about? questioned Professor Cricks as he popped his head out of his tent.  Leo and Allison shared a knowing glance.  Leo said Nothing professor, just relighting the fire.  Go back to sleep.

 

Well then, keep the noise down so I can sleep. replied the professor.  With that, they quietly relit the fire and went back to sleep.  But Allison didn't sleep well.  She still couldn't help feeling like they were being watched.

 

**************************************

 

Personal Messages:

 

Darmok - Sorry to hear about the death in your family.  My condolences are already over in AV.  Take as much time as you need to read over it, I know these two were big reading updates.  I know you will comment when you are done. 

 

To All - I realize that the last two updates were a lot to read, but I need to set up the story line to create the islands.  I have already started working on the coastal area in this sector which will lead to the discovery of the first island.  I must say, it is coming along nicely...and, it is something I've never built before.  What hasn't he built before you ask?  Well, you'll just have to wait for that.

 

As for the ending of this update...well, you will all just have to wait until the next update to see where this is going.  Believe me though, it is going somewhere very interesting.  I think you will all like it. 

 

And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured.  Keep em coming...  
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[Pixter 0]

great CJ, aldara

Your parks are beautiful, and from looking at the pictures I got some new inspiration to use in my own city.

 

 

[aldara6166 109]

Personal Messages:

Pixter - Thanks for stopping by.  Thank you for the compliment...glad you like the story.    It is definitely a good feeling when you can give someone else some inspiration for their own game play.    And welcome to the Tarrytowne River Valley.  Please, stop back in soon.

 

To All - Well, for those of us here in the US, today is Memorial Day in memory of all of our current and former military service members.  I received a PM a few days ago from someone in Iraq serving in the army that really likes my CJ.  He didn't really have time for a lengthy comment which is why he sent a quick PM.  For all of those US service men and women out there, I say thank you.  We certainly appreciate what you do for us.

 

Now, I wonder where everybody is that is normally in here.  RLS maybe?  

 

And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured.  Keep em coming...  
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[dhoppeii 12]

aldara - Good Morning my friend.  I would have commented yesterday, but the day was completely filled with those things that make RL a challenge.

Loved the story continuation.  I am actually reading a book right now called Inca Gold by Clive Cussler.  It's cool that there are some comparisons in the story.  The monuments, trekking through the jungle.....all that great stuff.  I said before that I really enjoyed your writing style and this past update is no different.  I really liked how you built up the suspense as Allison was looking for Leo only to find out he was out getting fire wood.  Incredible job my friend.

 

BTW, the pics you have been using so far a fantastic.  I love how you have done the borders on them and the in game part, well, I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

 

Take Care,

 

D

[aldara6166 109]

Ahhh...Dirk Pitt, he lovely Senator quasi-girlfriend...his Senator father...his position in NUMA as Special Project Director...the admiral...his wild range of adventures through the Sahara finding long lost Civil War warships, raising sunken ships such as the titanic, etc. all while saving the world from sure destruction...you mean that Clive Cussler?

 

Nope.  Never heard of him.  I have not read all of the books in that series or any in the other NUMA Files series or the new series with Pitt's kids!!    Gotta say, I love Cussler and that entire series.  I noticed you mentioned the Pitt series earlier in the CJ but didn't get a chance to respond.

 

I guess you could say I'm influenced by that style of writing.  I really hadn't thought about that until now, but I guess you are right.  It follows along the lines of a Cussler novel, but it is my style and flair and storyline that make it different yet the same.

 

I desperately want to read the new book Cussler has out with Dirk Pitt, but I don't want to spend $25+ for a hardback book...will wait until it is in paperback.   The last and most recent book is the only one in the Pitt series I haven't read and I can't wait. 

 

Thanks for the compliment.  And epecially thanks for comparing my writing to that of one of my favorite authors.  I'm touched.

 

And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured.  Keep em coming...  
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