Welcome Back to Nature

Situated 4,078 metres above the Jeogeot mainland continent, high above the region of Cha, Cha Redwoods in Second Life is a tranquil sky platform designed by Julia Trouble. It floats quietly above the world, yet somehow feels natural, as if it has always been there.

Julia first revealed her plans on Flickr in January 2021, and the platform officially opened on 1 February that year. Since then, Cha Redwoods in Second Life has offered woodland immersion for more than five years. In a world where many regions disappear quickly, that continuity feels remarkable

Inspired by Redwood National Park, this destination offers a gentle escape from everyday bustle. On arrival the outside world falls quiet. In it’s place, birdsong and the sound of flowing water. This peaceful atmosphere encourages you to slow down and relax.

Thoughtfully placed benches and scattered seating allow a chance for quiet reflection, or to sit and chat with friends.. Winding paths welcome horseback rides or unhurried walks. It is a place for nature lovers, for photographers, and for anyone who simply wishes to sit in peaceful surroundings and recharge.

Paths, Water, and Woodland Detail
The platform itself has an unusual, irregular shape, formed by land availability. Narrow sections stretch eastward from both the southern and northern points.

You arrive at the narrow south eastern corner, between high granite cliffs. From there, a path slopes gently down past a wooden fence and into the trees.

Soon the path divides. Continue east and you follow the southern bank of the stream towards the lake. Turn north and you cross a bridge towards the Park Lodge and a nearby wooden cabin. In truth, the order hardly matters. The platform invites complete exploration.

The woodland colours feel natural with greens and browns dominating, broken here and there by white foxgloves and Queen Anne’s lace, and the soft yellow of buttercups.

These touches are used sparingly, which makes them more striking. Dragonflies skim the lake’s surface, bright darting flashes of colour that bring the scene to life.

At times, the immersion feels so complete that I almost imagine the rich scent of redwood forest earth.
Sound, Story, and Small Surprises
Ambient sound forms part of the experience. However, those who prefer music can enjoy a stream provided by Megaton Cafe Radio, offering music from the 1920s to the 1950s. Several trees also contain a hybrid dance machine, allowing both solo and couple dances, which adds a playful touch.

The Park Lodge introduces a subtle mid century narrative. Postcards displayed as if for sale have a 1950s feel. A framed notice declares “Best Small Motel of the Year 1954.” An old brown radio, when clicked, plays Glenn Miller,

On my most recent visit I noticed something new. The telephone at reception rings occasionally. When answered, a voice delivers one of several brief messages. It is a small detail, but adds interest.

At the north eastern corner, where the stream enters the region, a waterfall conceals another surprise. Walk carefully through the rock and you discover a hidden passage beneath the Redwoods, leading to a small bar tucked quietly underground. It feels like a reward for exploring thoroughly
Other bloggers have also explored this peaceful sky retreat, including Inara Pey and Maddy Gynoid. Their posts are well worth reading alongside this one.
I cannot improve upon Julia’s original invitation:
“Welcome back to nature. Come for a long walk in the woods or just sit and think by the lake watching the dragonflies play… just relax and let the stress of the world slip away.”
Whether you come for solitude, photography, or simply to sit beside the lake and watch the dragonflies, there is plenty here to reward you. Cha Redwoods is, by any measure, one of Second Life’s more enduring natural environments.
It is, without question, worth a visit.
Useful Links
Cha Redwoods Flickr Group
Julia Trouble – Flickr
Teleport to Cha Redwoods
Exploring Second Life
If you’d like to see more places like this, follow my blog, Exploring Second Life, where I share both the grand builds and the smaller “quick stops” that make the grid so rewarding.
Join us in the Second Life Destinations Facebook Group, where bloggers share new finds.
Photographers: post your snapshots in the Second Life Destinations Flickr Group.
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