NEXT THURSDAY, HIGH NOON: THE GREAT EXPEDITION, REDUX!

Two hundred days past, in late July of 2003, I set out on foot to document the full length and breadth of the in-world, in all its marvelous flora and fauna, and spectacular human achievements. Two hundred and twenty five days to that day-- that is to say, Thursday, March 4th at Noon, as time is reckoned in Standard Pacific-- I shall reenact that trip, in a world made anew. I invite all who read this to meet me on the far South-Eastern shore, and join us on that journey North.

But be forewarned, you who would accompany me. For in those seven some months since, the world has grown twofold, as if a full continent of land had risen from the sea, joining with the homeland on the North, West, and Southern shores. What was then two score and seven regions, or simulators, has grown now-- not counting dis-contiguous islands-- to four score and twelve. (Peruse the illustrations to the right, to gain a fuller sense of that growth.)

With that proviso stated, I now seek the un-intimidated to go with me. I shall need a party of brave scouts, braver soldiers, and wanderers and visionaries of all stripe. If you count yourself among that number, dear reader, then read on.

THE EXPEDITION'S BOUNDS As before, I will travel on foot through every region (that is to say, "simulator") of Second Life, and in each, make for its very heart, pausing there at the center to make a Daguerreotype (that is to say, "screenshot") of myself, my party, and the surrounding area. The first expedition took two hours and twenty minutes; at twice the size, and a Northern archipelago that I must double back on, once I reach its tip, I entirely suspect the voyage all told will take at least twice that-- but likely, an hour or two more. (See the expeditionary map to your right.) I shall also write and send one or two posts to my online journal, during the trip, to make a report from the scene, and this will of course contribute more time, to the journey.

So in your accounting, expect a trip that begins at Noon, Pacific Standard, and ends at Six or even Seven in the O'Clock. (Those who must depart before the trip is complete may bid farewell without feeling shame; those who must join the party in the middle of its journey will be welcome, no matter their tardiness.)

THE PARTY I SEEK

- SOLDIERS OF FORTUNE (UP TO FIVE)
We will oft be traveling through treacherous territory, in the free fire regions of Jessie and Rausch, and perhaps find ourselves in just as much jeopardy, in other damage-enabled areas. To prevent any interruption of the trip by armed bandits or griefers, I shall hire seasoned veterans of foreign wars to scout out dangerous territory, ahead of us, and to guard the convoy-- and most important, my person.

- CARTOGRAPHER
To make the trip without redundancy, it will be necessary for us to go on a path that will take us sometimes Northwest, sometimes Southeast, and so on, in every direction. Therefore, I require a good man or woman to carry the map by my side, to make sure our path is sure at all times.

- WHEELED TRANSPORT AND OTHER GROUND CONVEYANCES, AND RIDERS OF SAME
For those who prefer this means of travel-- and for giving succor to those who weary of the walk.

- DIRIGIBLES AND OTHER AIRBORNE CONVEYANCES, AND PILOTS OF SAME
The same as above.

- JESTERS AND ENTERTAINERS AND THE CHEERILY INSANE
Self explanatory.

GRAND SUM OF THE PARTY: 25, MAXIMUM

In the last expedition, I was accompanied by a soldier and a minister and a madman who carried a cross on his shoulder. This one, I trust, shall be even grander and yet more bedlam. Contact me, and reserve your place on that convoy across the continent!