Mysterious Journeys: Caledon

[LeonardoMyst]

A trip thru Caledon.

Part One: Kittiwickshire.

Home to countless shops and activities, Caledon is a rather large Victorian steampunk themed area, and we'll be beginning our journey at the Northwest corner.

Starting location:

Train depot in Northwest Kittiwickshire.

 



 

It's recommended to follow the rail by foot, to fully appreciate the experience of Caledon, however trains do depart once an hour.

A map of the rail system is here, and can be used to keep yourself from getting lost or as a guide for your own travels.

 

Kittiwickshire is a seaside village themed area of Caledon, founded in 2007, and the location of some of Caledon's finest shops, including Rainy Fey Creations and Doc's Men's Wear.

 

Near the start location, there are also kayak, canoe and row boat rezzers. And a refreshment stand with coffee, lemonade or, if you prefer, fine beer and ale. You may want to grab yourself a refreshment for the long trek ahead.

For those that like to fish, there's even a 7Seas fishing spot.

 

A short walk down the rail and you'll discover the Steamlands Community Theatre, where a classic black & white film is playing. Currently they're showing 'The Patchwork Girl of Oz'.

 

A bit further down and we come across one of the Caledon Air Transport docks, behind the Kittiwickshire Lighthouse (which also houses the aforementioned Doc's Men's Wear).

I watched for a while to see if an airship would come by, but didn't see one. And I really didn't want to get sidetracked from the tour if it did, so we'll continue down the rail.

 



 

Just past the turn of the tracks, I came across a sign advertising a Halloween event, 'Get Frocked'. It'll run from Oct 28th thru Nov 1st and more info can be found here.

There's a cemetary right next door... and I ventured in to investigate. While some would probably attribute the way I got pushed and pulled through the yard as a form of lag, I suspect it was possibly the spirits of the dead guiding me through.

I did manage to make it into the crypt and took a picture for those who might not have the strength to wander in alone.

 



 

Venturing forth down the tracks, we come across several more houses decorated lavishly for Halloween, including one with a sign outside advertising the 'Kikai Halloween Market', running from Oct 1 thru Oct 31. Go here for info and to pick up a free broom and hat.

Just beyond this point, we arrive in the Tanglewood Forest area of Caledon.

Part two of the trip through Caledon will resume from here.

 

As a side note, if you enjoy the film at the Community Theatre, you may also like Bijou Impromptu, at New Toulouse, which is currently showing Segundo de Chomon's 'Les roses magiques'. It can be found here.

 

-This travelogue has been brought to you by Mysterious Journeys, a rather quaint little art gallery and shop located in Coniston.-

[LeonardoMyst]

 Continuing our journey through Caledon...

Part Two: Tanglewood Forest.

 

At first glance, Tanglewood Forest seems smaller than Kittiwickshire, but that's because the railway is a straight line through the area.

This spot is very scenic, with many trees (of course, it being a forest and all...) and several fascinating houses to admire as you go by.

 



 

The house above is probably my favorite one here in Tanglewood Forest and it's right along the train track, so you really can't miss it.

 

Off to the left of the tracks, you'll notice a rock pathway. That's where the meat of Tanglwood Forst is. There are two such paths off of the tracks for you to explore.

 

Disclaimer: Unless a house is obviously set up for public visits, do not go into people's residences unless you are invited to. Usually, the ones open to public are marked with signs or some such that designate the building as a shop or a gallery. As in real life, respect others privacy and only go into places that are in some way designated as open to the public.

 

Between the two pathways, you will find a couple of interesting landmarks.

 

The first is Ye Cup and Spittle. It's nice and cozy tavern that serves up mead, ale, beer, wine and a couple other choice items: posset and wassail.

I went with the more familiar wine, however... And a goblet was more than I really needed, so I opted for just a half cup.

 



 

They also serve Tinies here and employ a special barkeep for those customers.

 

The tavern is well decorated. There's a map of Terra Aurea on the wall, as well as a spot for dancing. And a charming little music box sits on one of the tables to help give an authenticly medieval atmosphere.

It's definitely worth visiting and with the birds chirping outside while lounging about indoors, you may not want to leave.

 

The second landmark I mentioned above would be this hastily scrawled sign:

 



 

Yes, it may bring a chuckle from you, as it did me...

But you will quickly discover that it is not done in jest. There is a vindictive turkey, most likely trying to rebel against the upcoming Thanksgiving traditions.

You most likely won't see it until it's too late. And... well... I'll just let you find out for yourselves...

 

After you regain your composure, and continue down the tracks, you'll come to the other path that leads to the left. This one is a bit longer and will take you by a small pond and several more houses set amidst a scenic autumn forest landscape. About midway is a bulletin board with calendars of activities for the Alexandrian Free Libraries and the Aether Chrononauts. And at the end of this path is one of Caledon's Welcome spots.

Returning back to the train tracks you'll see, directly across from where the path was, an old airship that you can go up to and admire. It sits right in front of The Hangar Fine Edwardian Clothing shop. They specialize in women's attire and you can even pick up a free shopping bag to carry all the various souvenirs you've collected so far during your tour.

 

Leaving out from The Hangar, just beside the pathway we previously ventured down, is the office of Hope Dreier, a physician for both humans and furries.

Hopefully, you won't need to stop here. But it is a comfort to know where a good doctor is just in case you need one!

 

And as you pass under the nose of the airship, this episode of the tour comes to an end as we enter into Caledon Stormhold.

Thus concludes part two of the journey through Caledon. Part three will pick up from here.

 

-This travelogue has been brought to you by Mysterious Journeys, a rather quaint little art gallery and shop located in Coniston.-