aldara6166

Nice updates...I like the ruralness of the first update. I especially like the use of the fences around the highway. They aren't hard and city-like like the highway barriers are, yet they do seperate the highway from the rest of the area. Nice touch. The other update...with the snow capped mountains. Can't wait to see how that develops. Great job. Keep em coming...

Gloomy huh...first time you've seen blood in a CJ huh. COOL! I've done something nobody else has!! Woo-Hoo!! As for the next update...when is it? Patience my dear friend, patience... Who knows...if enought people get impatient I may do an update tonight or tomorrow. Maybe... Glad to see you like... keep em comin...

Wow. All I can say is Wow. Very cool update. The pic with the various transportation methods...nice. So many pedestrians! Reminds me of New York City! I only have one concern...that is with your El Station. In the one view, where you can see the diagonal street coming down beside the station, the one set of stairs comes down in the middle of the street. It isn't really a big deal, just a visual thing. Just thought I would point it out, since Darmok is now calling me Eagle Eye too! Great update... keep em coming!

For two days, the three set about uncovering the trail. They recorded everything including, map coordinates, direction, topography and anything else that would be archeologically significant. They had discussed it around the camp fire the previous evening and they had decided to present all of their findings to the archeology community upon their return. They knew that this would gain them international recognition as well as lots of grant money from universities and private benefactors alike. The third day started as the others had. Leo and Allison had not heard the strange noises for the last day and a half. They wondered if it had been just their imaginations running wild in the forest. Soon though, they got their answer. As if some strange mystical force had read their minds and enjoyed playing jokes on them, the noises started again. In that instant, Leo could have sworn he saw a face among the trees. He rushed to where he had seen the image, but could see nothing. What in blazes are you doing son? exclaimed the professor. I'm, uh, err, I was ah. Nothing, I was just playing around. Leo said nervously. Well then, get you butt back to work, we have lots to do. We still have to go back and map out the rest of the forest too. the professor said. Leo rejoined the group. Allison looked at him with a worried look on her face. They shared a knowing glance that told her everything would be ok. As they worked through the day, the noises increased. The clicking rose in frequency, pitch and volume. It was almost as if whatever was making the noises was getting excited about something. The sounds of someone or something moving about through the forest also increased in frequency and speed. There was some sort of urgency in the forest, but they knew not what it was. Soon, the group broke for lunch. As they sat quietly eating their lunches, Allison and Leo got that familiar feeling that they were being watched. This caused their hair to stand on end. It was now as if they weren't being watched as much as they were being observed or followed. They both felt very uneasy as they returned to the work in front of them. By this time, they had already uncovered several miles of the trail and it had led them deep into the forest. As they began to work again, Leo thought he saw something flash in the distance. He thought it was the sun reflecting off of something, but couldn't quite be sure. The day was slightly overcast, and the sun was not frequent enough for the object to glint frequently enough to get a good fix on it. Leo felt almost as if something larger than life had winked at him. A few minutes later, Allison saw the same thing. She pulled Leo aside long enough to ask him about it. Yeah, I thought I saw the same thing. said Leo. It looked as if a big statue or something winked at me. Allison replied. I know, I thought something like that too. Leo stated. The two knew that they needed to speak in hushed tones. If the professor had any notion that they were discussing this again, they just knew that he would stop the expedition and turn around immediately. He had made his feeling quite clear a few nights earlier when they had the incident in the middle of the night. They both went back to their work. They couldn't help wondering though if there was indeed something out there. It was almost as if the answer was right there in front of them, but they couldn't grasp what it was. It was like being on the merry-go-round on the piers of Coney Island. You kept going around and around and around, but it was extremely hard to reach out and grasp the big brass ring hanging beside the ride. They knew that once they were able to grasp their big brass ring, they would have found something truly amazing. The silence of the forest was soon broken though. LOOK! There is another site up ahead. It looks like this building is in tact! exclaimed Leo. He was pointing to the roof of a circular shaped building that reached just above the tree line. Allison and Leo began running flat-out towards the site when the professor shouted WAIT! The two stopped dead in their tracks and slowly returned to the professor's side. What's wrong? questioned Allison. In a stern, yet non scolding voice, the professor explained In your youthful enthusiasm, you have forgotten scientific protocol. If we have any intention at all of presenting our findings to the scientific community upon our return, we need to follow scientific protocols to the letter. With a long look on their faces and a dejected sound in their voices, they both replied with a sullen Ok. Now, continued the professor what we need to do is continue uncovering and recording the trail. Once we get to the site, we can then survey and record our findings there, but not before. If the two of you want to go ahead and begin uncovering the trail up to the site entrance, go ahead. I know that you can barely contain yourselves now, and rather than have you ruin any chance we have of presenting, I would rather have you helping me. Allison and Leo glanced at each other and very rapidly began uncovering the trail ahead of them. They were very careful as they worked, as careful as one can be when they are working so quickly. When they drew within about 10 meters of the site, they found something that surprised them. Professor, could you come here please? called Allison. What is it my dear? asked Professor Cricks. Sir, we've found a split in the trail. From what we can see, the trail continues south, while this part branches off to the east. said Leo. I see. It looks like this branch is a northern entrance to the site, while the trail continues on. I will be done recording my findings in a few minutes. You two wait here until I return. Then, we will uncover the path in both directions. said the professor. As they looked around, Allison and Leo found that the corners of the trail were marked by the same stones that the columns were made from. They were both tired, so they decided to rest for a few moments on the rocks. When the professor returned a few moments later, he told his pupils to work the northern branch while he worked the southern branch. They were all to meet back at the junction in 30 minutes to report their findings. At that time, they would decide how to proceed. After the 30 minutes had passed, the trio met back at the split in the path. The professor was the first to speak. It seems that the trail continues south on the fringes of the site. The tree line is thick, so I can't really make out any details of the site. I can see a vague outline of something through the trees if I really concentrate on it. But, if I weren't looking for it, I'd never had seen it. What did the two of you find out? asked the professor. Well, said Allison we found pretty much the same thing. The trail leads to what we think is the entrance to the site on the northern side. Yes, and we also think we found the site entrance as well. Leo interjected. We only have a few feet left of the trail to uncover, and at the end of the trail is a small break in the trees. We couldn't see anything though because there is a thick covering of vines coming out of the trees. It is almost as if the vines are acting as a door. Good work you two. I need a moment to think. said the professor. He sat down on one of the rocks and took out his notebook. He began sketching what they had found so far, and then sat staring at his drawing. After a few moments lost in his thoughts, he began to speak again. If my assumptions are correct, this trail leads to another entrance to the site. We will continue uncovering the trail leading south. But! Allison and Leo both began to exclaim, when the professor held up a hand to quiet them. Once we go a sufficient distance, the professor continued, once we are satisfied that there is not another entrance to the site, we will return to the eastern path and explore the site. If we find another entrance to the site, we will explore the site and then finish uncovering and notating the eastern path. With this plan in place, the younger group members were satisfied. For the moment. As they worked into the afternoon, they soon discovered a bend in the trail. After uncovering another 10 to 15 meters of the trail, they found an identical entrance on the southern side of the site as had been found on the northern side. With much anticipation, the professor was the first to proceed through the vines. Leo was next, followed by Allison. What they found left them all breathless. There before them, was a large clearing with few trees. What trees were there seemed to have been planted with deliberate placement. In the center of it all was what appeared to be an ancient temple of some sort. They immediately knew it had been built by the same people that built the columns, as they saw the familiar carved stone blocks. The temple reminded them of a gazebo, as it was circular in shape. It was, however, much taller and wider than a gazebo. At first glance, it appeared to measure 30 to 40 feet in diameter and approximately 25 feet tall. The perimeter of the column was peppered with circular stone columns. The columns were made of the same carved stones they had found before, and it seemed to hold up the roof with little effort and were spaced perfectly every three feet. At the center of the temple seemed to be an alter of some sort. The alter looked as if it had been carved out of solid silver. At each of the points on a compass, a small burning eternal flame like the one in the monument they discovered earlier could be seen. The flame lay burning in a small, silver plate. The roof, was something of beauty. It was a two tiered roof. On each of the tiers were what appeared to be hand carved silver tiles. With a knowing glance, Allison and Leo immediately looked at each other and smiled. They knew in that instant that the roof had been what they had seen earlier winking at them. They were all anxious to explore the temple. There was much to behold from the exterior, and they were sure there would be much more to see once they climbed the stairs to the temple floor. As they approached, they suddenly saw a small human form appear. He was only about 5 feet tall, and the trio towered over him. He looked to be wearing much gold and silver ornamental jewelry and was dressed in blue, green and yellow robes. Picture BI4-1 (notice at the extreme top and extreme bottom of the image, you can just make out the forest trail) The professor glanced at Leo. Leo instinctively knew that the professor wanted him to speak to the man. With Leo's impressive repertoire of languages, they would be able to communicate in a matter of minutes. Leo said hello to the man in a number of languages. After the fifth attempt to say hello, the man still had not acknowledged Leo or the rest of the group's presence. He seemed to be in a trance, almost as if he were meditating in front of the temple. The silence of the moment was unbearable for Leo. It was suddenly broken by a very loud scream, which Leo knew to be Allison. He spun around and saw Professor Cricks and Allison both surrounded by a number of small men, just like the one he was trying to communicate with. They all were dressed in loin cloths and small stone breast plates hung from their necks. They all had hand fashioned spears, the sharp tips of which were pressed against the necks of both of his companions. Before he knew it, Leo felt a knife tip enter his side, just above his right kidney. They pain was intense and Leo felt a warm trail of blood start to run down his side. This brought another scream from Allison, which caused one of the men to press the tip of his spear harder into the flesh of Allison's neck. A small trickle of blood slowly ran down her neck as the flesh began to bleed. Just before he passed out from the pain, he looked over his shoulder at the spot where the man had been meditating. He was no longer seated there, and Leo instinctively knew that is was he who had shoved the knife hilt-deep into his side. With that, the pain intensified and Leo crumpled unconscious to the ground. *********************************** Personal Messages: Darmok - Well my friend, looks like your time is severely limited. I feel honored that you graced my CJ with your presence. Anyway...Cussler...he has got to be my all-time favorite author. I am so ecstatic that people have compared my writing to his. Again, my wife was bugging me this morning that I need to write a book from my CJ. As for sore fingers...nah, not too bad. I type about 80 words a minute, and I work in a 911 center. So, I type all day every day for a living. Again, thanks for the visit...hope you enjoy this update as well... aasim45 and jacqulina - Thanks again to both of your for visiting. I'm glad you like the story line jacqulina, and the ruins do add to it as well, don't you think aasim45? Again, thanks for dropping by...please come again soon. Shadow_Assassin - Thanks for stopping by. Not too suspenseful huh...well, it is what I got for now. I know it doesn't stand up to Stranded by MrCinatit, but I think it does have some suspense to it. At least you like the story line, which means you will keep coming back! Thanks for the compliment, and drop back in sometime soon. screamomatic - First off, let me start by saying Welcome to the TRV. Second, thanks for stopping by. As for your question about the pictures...I use Paint Shop Pro for all of my graphics work (always have.) There is a Picture Frame function in there that I use. There are always new frames to download off their web site, so I'm always updating what I have available to use. I just pick which one I want to use for a specific city and apply it to all the pictures for that city. The program does the rest. Hope you like the story line. Hope to see you back often. Again, let me say welcome. To All - This update was kind of frustrating. First, I had to wait to post it. That was frustrating enough. Then, I got halfway through and my little girl hit the mouse back button and I lost everything! I had a few things I couldn't remember, but remembered most of what I wrote. *sigh* Oh well, guess thems the breaks! I will let this update sit for a day or two. Then, I'll be back with a new one. Give people plenty of time to comment. As you all know, I love your comments. Please, come back soon. And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

Personal Messages: DragonAnime - Nice to see you in the TRV. Glad you could stop by. Thanks for the compliments...I think the ruins lots give things a little extra umph...don't ya think? dhoppeii - As always, glad to see you stop in for the day. I almost gave you another Cussler style update this evening...but, RLS hit and the wife wanted to go see Star Wars3. So...you'll have to wait until tomorrow for another update. And yes, you questions will be answered...soon. To All - I am glad everyone seems to like my story line. Please, the more comments I get the more inspiration there is. We are rapidly approaching 300 replies and 5000 views. I never thought we would be this big. And it is all thanks to you, my avid readers. For those of you who have missed an update or two, you may want to get your reading done now, cause the next several updates will be just like today's. My wife keeps saying I need to turn this portion of my CJ into a book. To think...I could be rich just because I played SC4! And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

As always Darmok my friend, great update. As for fixing the one pic to dhop's liking...did you know there are diagonal sound barrier walls on the STEX now? Probably did, but I thought I would point it out in case you didn't. I like the new residential area. Definitely looks great. The night shot and the overall global shot both look great. My eagle eye has detected an unrepaired fast freight dock near the fire boat docks though. As always, another great update man. Take care... keep em coming...

gurrgkud - Wow! All I can say is Wow. That airport is huge...tremendous...awesome work! It looks so cool and realistic. My only idea would have been a cargo area...but that is just me. It still looks good without it. I like how the hotel and the tunnels and all come in to the center of the airport and tie it all together. West Point is looking good. Did I see some dead buildings in those pics? Hopefully there isn't a problem with radiation there. As always the canals look great. And West Point Estates...that is just great. That area is so beautiful. I wish I was famous...well, maybe just wish I knew some famous people so I could visit there. Any plans for a golf course there in the future? The entire update looks incredible. Keep em coming...

newyorkrunaway1 - Thanks for stopping by. And thanks for the compliments. Welcome to the Tarrytowne River Valley. Feel free to stop by again and make yourself at home.

Allison was the first to wake the next morning. She was normally an early riser, but today she rose a few minutes before the sun crested the tops of the trees. She slept after the previous night's incident, but not well. She looked around the camp site to see if it was real or if it had all been a dream. When she saw the new pile of fire wood and the toppled over water bucket near the smoldering fire she new it was not a dream. With this realization, she wanted to make sure everyone was still where they should be. She quietly peaked into Leo's tent, and with much relief saw him curled up on his side inside of his sleeping bag. She did not need to check on the professor, because as she began to approach his tent she could hear him snoring. I don't see why we need a fire at night. His snoring is enough to scare off even the nastiest of forest creatures she thought to herself. With everyone safely tucked into their tents where they should be, she set upon her daily routine. First, she put some more wood on the fire to get it going again from the ashes. Next, she refilled the water bucket with fresh water. She would either fill it from a nearby water source or from water they had carried with them. With fresh water in the camp, she then set about making coffee and breakfast. For breakfast, they usually had an assortment of berries and plants that they found to be plentiful in the forest. They also usually ate some sort of small bird or other forest creature that they could catch and cook. As she was cooking, she heard the strange clicking noises again. This time, they sounded like they were very close to the camp. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up and she twirled around, armed with an iron frying pan. After her eyes adjusted to staring into the dark forest, she saw nothing. But, she couldn't keep her fear from growing. She slowly turned around and sat back down. I'm a grown woman, capable of taking care of myself. Why am I getting so scared over nothing. We've heard noises in the forest on numerous other trips. she said quietly to herself. This quite pep talk seemed to quite her spirits for a short time. She was able to ignore the noises for a few minutes. But then, she heard something in one of the trees immediately behind her. She rushed over to the tree and stared intently upward. As she was running over, she could have sworn she saw some sort of human face amongst the leaves about halfway up the tree. Even though she stared for several long moments, she could not reacquire the strange aberration. What are you looking at? questioned Leo. Allison jumped with fright and let out a loud high pitched shriek, startled by his sudden appearance. With the speed of a gazelle, she immediately began to charge him with the iron pan raised above her head. Leo had seen this before, though and new she would not strike him. He actually took great pleasure in trying to startle her on their trips, and she normally ran after him and would try to strike him with something. I hate it when you do that! she screamed. Sorry, I just can't help myself. Leo said laughing loudly. You should have seen yourself. You look like you had seen a ghost. She regained her composure, and with all the seriousness she could muster said I think I did. Leo was confused. He asked what she was talking about and she explained all about the previous night and the aberration she saw in the trees. You know, replied Leo I've felt like we were being watched or even followed since we got here. I also started hearing those clicking noises when we found the first column. They continued to talk about what they found over several cups of coffee. What the heck is all the commotion for out here. You people kept me up last night with your noise and now you wake me up with it again. The professor emerged from his tent, looking very angry. Allison and Leo were used to this though, as he was not a morning person and often was very grumpy until 9 or 10 A.M. They shared a look, which was their silent pact to keep their feelings secret...for the time being. After setting out for the day, they continued mapping the region and studying any other columns as they came to them. Just as suddenly as they found the monument, the soon found a set of ruins as well. The ruins were located relatively close to the monument. They studied the ruins for a short time before they all agreed that it was some sort of large building that has long since deteriorated. They methodically picked over the site, but were unable to find any kind of relics or antiquities. It was almost as if the building had been stripped and abandoned by it's builders and left to the elements. Picture BI3-1 Since there was not much to see here, they documented what they could and moved on. For several hours, the only other things they uncovered were a few more columns and a ton of trees. Along the way, they found no good place to camp so they made their way back to the monument and made camp there. This night went much the same as the last. Allison laid awake most of the night listening to the strange noises that seemed to surround the camp. Tonight however, she was able to keep her emotions in check and remain in her tent. In the morning, she woke and again followed her normal routine. The group then set out a short time later. As they were leaving the camp though, Leo suddenly noticed something he had not seen before. There seemed to be a line of stones leading away from the camp. They were uniformly shaped and spaced evenly along the ground. He had not seen it before because of the massive overgrowth of vegetation. As he pointed this out, he found the flashlight that he had dropped a few night earlier. Darn. The batteries are dead. he said. What's that? asked Allison. It's my flashlight. I had dropped it the other night when I was out getting fire wood. I was almost back to camp when I tripped on something and dropped my flashlight. I had completely forgotten about it because that was when you showed up and blinded me with your flash light. said Leo. It was then that Leo noticed that the underbrush covering the stones was unlike the rest of the overgrowth in the area. This was brown and dry. It was dead. It was then that he noticed that what was covering the stones was not overgrowth at all, but rather large clumps of branches that had been removed from the trees. After a minute of looking around, Leo then found an identical line of stones a mere three feet away. It too was covered with tree branches. It was at this moment, that the professor finally chimed in. It's a path of some sort, laid by human hands. It appears to have been hidden for some reason though. Quite deliberately hidden. Allison replied That means we aren't alone in these woods. Someone is out there. She shared a glance with Leo, and they nodded in recognition of what they were thinking. For the next several minutes, Allison and Leo explained their thoughts from the last few days about being watched or followed. When they were finished, the professor exclaimed Nonsense. Just a bunch of gobble-de-goop from a bunch of scared kids. If you aren't up to this expedition, then maybe we should head back now and I'll go get two other students to accompany me. The two were taken aback by his frank attitude. He was their mentor, their hero and they had no intention of disappointing him. Their silence was his answer. I thought you would see it my way. Now put it out of your head that you are hearing things and let's get going. This is obviously a trail of some sort and we need to uncover it. The trio set out removing the branches. After several hours of uncovering the trail, they realized that they were at what appeared to be the end of a long trail that led out of the woods. The trail went not only to the monument, but also to the ruins that they had found. The professor was being completely scientific and analytical, looking at just what they had found. But, Allison and Leo knew better. They knew that there had to be more. They knew that there had to be something more to this trail than meets the eye. But what could it be they wondered... Picture BI3-2 ****************************** Wow. This is probably my biggest one yet. I can't believe it...I have so much to type, but I don't want to blow the whole story in one update! There will be several more updates for this story line, you can be sure of that. And this story line will connect with the story lines for all of the islands in the island chain. Ohhh...I'm so excited about this story. I just want to keep typing and typing and typing. But, I guess I'll just have to be patient. Isn't that what you guys keep telling me in your CJ's (dhoppeii and Darmok) And as always, each visit is appreciated and each comment is treasured. Keep em coming... Copyright

I have one of the Oregon Files series...can't remember which one. Is that the series with Paul Krempcos (sp). If not, I have one of those books too from that series. Can't remember where they are though...we moved a year ago into a house and I can't find where the wife put half my stuff!! As for hardcover...bet that was an expensive collection. Would be great to have but not great to try to come up with all the money!! I am on my 2-day break for this week. I am not working at my part-time job, so I actually have two whole days off. So, expect one if not two updates over the next two days...the next update is actually probably coming in the next few hours. Take care and enjoy your holiday as well.

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... Copyright

gurrgkud, DUDE!! This update is AWESOME!! I've never seen anyone use screen shots from The Sims to illustrate their story line. That is truely great!! And as always, I love the story line and the newspaper idea...very fine work!! Keep em coming...

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... Copyright

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

First of all my friend, let me start by saying my family's prayers and sympathies are with you and your family. We too suffered a similar loss a few years ago, so we know what you are going through. One thing is important through all of this...don't forget to take care of yourself. Now, with that said, lets get to the update. This city is developing very nicely. I definitely like how you have given the commercial sectors PLENTY of parking. It looks very natural. In the second picture, I didn't recognize the 3 biggest buildings though...still racking my brain. The little park near the industrial and commercial sectors for the workers to eat lunch...superb idea. I really like the random shots...like how the area is growing. In 3_10, is that the plop-a-lot shopping center that you used of did that grow? If it is the plop-a-lot shopping center, that is pretty cool looking. If it grew there...well...you need to make it historic cause it looks cool! The residential area looks great...especially with the trails. Everything looks great. This was an awesome update. Keep em coming...

KOSC, First off, I must say... WOW! My manor looks awesome! The finished pond, with the fishing village looks great too. I took a stroll around the property right after I got home from work around midnight and decided to take a dip in the lighted pool. Brrrrr...I'll need to get a heater installed in there right away. But, sitting in the jacquzi for a while made up for it! And the view...I love looking out almost any widow in my manor and seeing a big lake. Same thing with the view from the property. It is all just simply amazing. Thanks again dude, and keep em coming...

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

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...

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

*sigh* Sorry for not commenting on the last update sooner. This update, unfortunately, won't be a long one like normal. RLS for sure this weekend. I must say though, despite the little zots that appear on some of them they all look great. I like the idea of building profiles. I may have to swipe...err, borrow...that idea for my CJ. They all look great though! Good job with jeronij's tarmac trail sets! Keep em coming...

Good job Alek...the region is looking great. The development of the port is gonna be great. Can't wait to see it finished! I see that you too are fond of the Japanese BATs. Those guys over there do such an awesome job, it's kind of hard not to use them. I also see that you downloaded the new Asian set of buildings to use in this city as well. Looks cool. Great mix of development through the entire CJ. Can't wait to see more. Keep em coming...

Wow. I missed two updates. As always, both were great. I still love the postcard idea that starts each one of your updates...truely original. The whole area...each and every area...looks great. The newspaper idea was also a great one, one I've used before in my CJ. Although, you did go to a little bit more effort than I did. The university looks cool too. I do have a couple of buildings I wanted to question though...in the next to last update, what is the name of the buildings which I am assuming are hotels. They are in the pic just after the network shot of the region, just above the hospital. They are tall and tan and orange. The next two I wanted to know were in the last update, last picture. The building in the middle and the one in the lower left corner. Nice job. Keep em coming...

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...

Date: 5/27/2005 8:18:45 AM Author: godwin1020 The development is very good, i want the cloverleaf on this pic Thank for posting in my new cj quote> You can get it with the most current version of the NAM. Hope that helps...

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 --------------------------------------- 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...