Grand River Valley

[BarbyW]

mrbisonm started a project at Simtropolis for players to show their way of dealing with the same region. I decided to join in and have just posted my 4th update. The thread is here: http://www.simtropolis.com/forum/messageview.cfm?catid=36&threadid=96453&STARTPAGE=1
for anyone interested in seeing what is going on and maybe joining too.

[BarbyW]

For those of you who may not have visited the thread at ST, I am posting my updates here.


Spinnaker was originally named Hej Sjømann after its founder Erik the Viking, a young sailor who spent his early adult life in a constant round  of raiding, much like the young bucks of the City of London and Wall Street today. He grew disillusioned with his actions and under the close personal tutelage of Father Olaf a Christian priest resolved to change his ways. To redeem himself he undertook a quest, set by Freya, to blow his horn in Asgard, wake the Gods and end the age of Ragnarök.

He was thrown off course in a great storm and only the sheltered bays of Spinnaker saved his ship and crew and provided them with sanctuary whilst they made emergency repairs. In honour of the fates who guided them to safety Erik built a shrine on the shore which is now the site of the appropriately named Erik's landing museum.



The Great Saga states that Erik endured many hardships during his quest, fought many battles, resisted many fair maidens on the advice of Father Olaf and eventually succeeded having his Horn blown on the plains of Asgard by the persistent Father Olaf.

As a reward for a hand job well done Odin deposited Erik back on the shores of Spinnaker where he met and fell in love with the beautiful ice maiden Lady Audi (known to her school chums as Stainless Steel). They married and built a state of the art farm, where their descendants still reside.

The independent farming community is well represented in Spinnaker, where the dead hand of the Mighty Maxis Corporation and the slavish devotion to mediocrity no longer holds sway.



Central to that community is Viking Farm, home of the Doge, a rustic rambling building set around a semi enclosed courtyard in the Italianate style. Its quiet charm only being disturbed by the occasional rattle of chains and crack of whips.  It is surrounded by neatly set out and well tended fields of vegetables, where time seems to pass at a more natural and tranquil pace.

This may in part be due to the predominance of Japanese Fukitol plants on the neighbouring Goober Farms. Created by an anonymousethnobotanist , the plant is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Fukitol, the leading brand of anti depressant available throughout SimCity. It is said that waiting for one of the plants to grow will send even an insomniac into a dreamless sleep.

Also adjacent to Viking Farm is Gallic Acres, whose magnificent pastures were landscaped exclusively by Barby Inc. 'The Gaul' was originally the idea of Callagrafx who, after an unfortunate kick by a horse, considers them his very own acres. It was he, along with Mistress April Rose, that supplied the start-up resources which have made this farm what it is today. Its renowned pastures of lush sweet grass and dappled shade engender a remarkably soothing atmosphere for the animals that graze there.

Abutting Gallic Acres is Mika Market Gardens, a daughter house of Viking Farm (which also provides extra location shoots for the Doges fledgling film interests). The tidy fields of healthy vegetables provide an abundance of succulent produce available to the whole of Spinnaker. You will regularly see crates stamped with the farm's 'Absolutely Fabulous' trademark being loaded onto trucks for delivery to Kwakelaars Market.



Kwakelaars Old Market Hall was one of Spinnakers first masonry structures. This smooth stone building, with its wonderful brick detailing, graceful arches and clay tiled roof, has ushered in over 300 springs and epitomises Spinnaker. It was built by Sir Gjermund, later first Lord Kwakel, who needed somewhere dry for his assignations with local milk maids. The family owned it until only a few years ago, when it was given to the town as a bequest.

Inside you will find stalls decked with the finest produce of spinnaker. Ripe round cheeses, preserved meats of every description, poppers, foie gras, caviar and vintage wine are but a few of the delights that await you under the arches. The temptations do not end there; Madam April has a quickie corner for those patrons who just can't wait until her regular opening hours. Outside; the brick paved square is home to even more stalls selling the very best that spinnaker can provide.

Not unsurprisingly, visiting tourists have offered to buy the quickie corner, dismantle and transport it across the world, after all, who could be blamed for wanting this rewarding and historic 'gem' in their home town, especially with all the healthy benefits it bestows.

After the farmers have finished with the Market for the day they often cross the road during the evening to visit BLS Farm Supplies, the legitimate cover for Madam Aprils Bistro, where a veritable treasure trove of goodies awaits the prosperous local farmers.



Surrounding it is the established residential neighbourhood of Freya Park. These  attractive roads are lined with mature trees, where original cottages stand cheek by jowl with bungalows and higher density town houses. The area is particularly popular with young families due to the good sized gardens and low traffic flows, along with local health being boosted by the adjacent Old Market Hall. It is also a short commute to the commercial heart of Spinnaker.



Spinnakers small but growing commercial district of Berg Voe is centred on Steinbjorn Drive, where St Olaf's Church occupies a prominent position. Local businesses particularly favour the Goober Franchise organisation, with such perennial favourites as Boomland Fireworks with their 'more bangs for your buck 'promotion and the Waffle House doing excellent trade. Also of note is Guido's Red Hots, a Jestarr Inc property, where the topless waitresses have proved particularly popular.

Profitably meeting the everyday needs of the inhabitants and bringing upmarket visitors to this growing community is the principle function of the Berg Voe District Action Committee. It was they who petitioned the Mayor to change the areas name from Hej Sjømann  to Spinnaker (with its upmarket nautical connotations) which they felt would attract a wealthier class of punter than those always complain about how things don't work right, how much they cost and how none of them has ever managed to satisfy him.

[BarbyW]

The Jötunn hot springs in Riverbend were originally created by earthquakes in the area which caused significant changes in the local landscape. These depressions rapidly filled with water fed from underground hot springs that are rich in minerals like silica and sulphur and bathing in the pools is reputed to help many people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis with the water temperature averaging 40 °C.


The area of hot springs was a favourite of Sir Gjermund, who received strict discipline there from his personal chaplain, the stern Father Bernhard. In his later years the first Lord Kwakel built a chapel there in penance for his dalliances in the Market hall at Spinnaker and dedicated it to his old master, now St Bernhard, which now attracts many tourists to the area.

To make use of the valuable natural energy source BSC Power Inc has created a geothermic power plant, where superheated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow and used to run turbines that generate electricity. The water is then fed back into the pools for recreational and medicinal users to bathe in.




The main city of the region is in Low Wastwater where the main source of energy for the area comes from a CSX "gas from the sea" production facility, which produces enough energy to meet the needs of the city in an environmentally friendly fashion. Count Colyn has long been a convert to environment protection in his enterprises and his old saying, 'its all about power' is as true today as it's always been. Despite clamours for more more more energy by the uneducated, Colyn has always followed the mantra of quality designs for quality users with an environmentally sensitive application of resources to maintain balance. His unyielding dedication to this principle has had its detractors from time to time, however these whims of fashion come and go on the winds of hot air and he remains undaunted.   



The CBD of Low Wastwater, known locally as Low town, is focused upon a delightful sunken plaza created by the Deadwoods Architectural Practice around an ornamental fountain, which produces a cool and relaxing atmosphere for the office workers and tourists who throng the area. Surrounding it you will find some notable historic buildings from Spa and the Nettan building by Sandrasim Associates. The central area also contains numerous mid rise buildings appropriate to a young but growing city, where some of the best architectural practices of SimCity are represented, these include designs by Cannon Gascooker (who has not returned from his pilgrimage in the desert, where he fled to escape the mob) Goober Enterprises (whose CEO has only recently emerged from seclusion), JimMyers2043, Matt325 and Spa. In keeping with the growing respect for environmental issues Ripptide Oyj has established a Smart car dealership for clean green motoring.



As with many farming areas country pursuits have been a major part of the social calendar for generations. The village of Crinkly Bottom in Twin Rivers is home to the local Hurling Chuckemup Hunt which meets at the Foxhunters Arms near St Bartholomew's Church, a favourite of Cannon Gascooker. The leader of the Hunt Vapaaherra Ripptide can often be seen riding out from the pub after a pink fox with a pack of hounds in front and shedding sequins behind, ever the showman in his sumptuous costume, followed by his merry band of men.



Their route often leads then to the local Twin Rivers woodland preserves, studded with peculiar architectural fancies or follies such as fountains and statues (classed as stage 6 CAM farms). The pink fox, being a wily animal and understandably not wanting to be caught, often chooses a route through the heath with its many distractions for merry men and then goes to ground in the woodland. There you find shooting parties enjoying pheasant shoots, discussing the grouse season and generally talking about new guns, old guns and who they will get to marry their horse faced daughters. This, of course, totally discourages the hounds and the pink fox invariably lives to play another day.



Cattle are big business in the region, and the dairy herds of Low Lindale, with its lush pastures and water holes dotting the landscape, are a prized asset. The concentration of model dairy farms in the area designed by mickebear and the resultant wealth generated has created many attractive villas and rewarding flower farms by D66. The unusual mix of money, cowboys and flowers produced some unexpected results earlier this year when the local Drag Queen Mardi Gras organising committee came to order flowers, fell in with the cowboys and have since then been entertaining the local money, who enjoy the colourful shows and costumes and still haven't twigged that six foot six is rather tall for a girl.



Transport links in the region consist of streets, roads and some railways, as agricultural development has been at the forefront of development in the area since it was settled, which enables NAM to take care of transport at this stage. It is rumoured that at some stage in the future a highway will be built across the region. Some of the residents are beginning to demand an airport and the giants of industry are demanding a seaport but the final plans have not yet been submitted for any of these projects.

[BarbyW]

The latest update:



The cricket ground in Estuaire(tile #7) was designed by Lord Callagrafx for his workers. The intention to educate his staff in the gentleman's game of cricket has paid off handsomely in higher productivity as they spend less time down the 'Dog and Duck' drinking and more time in the club house discussing the finer points of the game.

At first, those unfamiliar with cricket may be forgiven for thinking that by a strange quirk of fate, they have happened upon some medieval ritual. Those relaying a description of the game to others not in the vicinity, use terms such as 'hitting the ball down to long on', or 'driving it through the covers', and 'he trickles the ball down into the gully'. A batsman is 'out' if the ball leaves the bat and is 'caught in slips', by those other men who are 'in the field', and who, incidentally are called 'fieldsmen.'

Another puzzling term is when a bowler is said to bowl a 'no ball' and the batsman, if he is quick enough, can belt it and still score a run! When a fieldsman is at 'silly point', he is almost within striking distance of the batsman's bat. This term then is self descriptive.

The extra profits generated for Imperial Callagrafx Industries (ICI) has enabled them to sponsor the regional county cricket league so that all industrialists, err workers, can enjoy the profits, oops err, uplifting benefits, of cricket. 



Estuaire's Mediterranean climate has resulted in an attractive and rustic style of architecture which can be seen best displayed in public building like the Fire station. This was designed by Master Mickebear and blends in beautifully with the surrounding homes and the industrial buildings of the BMD consortium in this locale.

Inside the building is state of the art, with a soothing pastel colour scheme and personal gym for the firemen to maintain their athleticism so in demand from local photographers.

It is understood that the architect spent a considerable amount of time with the firemen before he designed the fire station so as to completely understand their needs and desires, especially in regard to that singularly iconic piece of a fireman's equipment, his pole, without which he can't slide down into action.



From Estuaire it is a comfortable and carefree train journey to Low Wastwater (tile #8), the largest town of the region where the line terminates in a classic European regional style station designed by Xannpenan and suitably arranged on its site by BLS SA, to ensure passengers do not fall out of love with the 'romance of rail' the latest advertising slogan from the Great Eastern Railway Company, which has enjoyed a resurgence in fortunes with the environmentally driven switch from road to trail for long distance travel and commuting.



The environmental credentials of Low Wastwater do not end with its emphasis on rail travel, it also encourages water conservation. One of the oldest water facilities in the town is the Goober Inc Water Castle, known locally as 'the fort' a disguised Victorian style water tower that people actually like living nearby because of the character it imparts to their neighbourhood and the tourists (and their money)it attracts.



Another great tourist attraction that is enjoyed by visitors and locals alike is the waterfront at Low Wastwater, designed by Vapaaherra Ripptide and integrated into the BSC Parks system by BLS SA. The artistically cobbled waterfront with its inspired planting is an ideal place to promenade on those warm summer evening where the light breeze from the river provides an invigorating luxury.

Families bring their children to play in the exquisitely landscaped park adjacent to the waterfront, in the sure knowledge that all the exercise of running around and frivolity will tire them out and ensure a sound nights sleep for all the family. The waterfront parkland is also a great meeting point, especially at the prominent statue to the Goddess of Divine Intervention who it is said rewards integrity with fun and intolerance with flame, rumour has it that none who cross her retain their luck for long.



The regional rail system runs through the particularly attractive rolling farmland of Twin Rivers (tile #9), sometimes known as the garden county for its proliferation of small holdings and flower farms which gives the area its renowned patchwork appearance of fields and forests. There are a series of halts (small stations which handle both freight and passengers), created by Colyn so even one horse hamlets can enjoy the benefits of a rail stop.

This enables passengers to stretch their legs and smell the roses, even sample the local homemade lemonade (and vino) whilst the freight is being loaded. It is the combined relaxing experience that makes this the most popular recreational excursion on the rail network.



Those who want a more individual scenic experience, a long lazy weekend, often visit the village of Stackton Tressel in High Fells (tile #2), which after years of effort final received a revitalisation grant from the Senior National Association of Institutional Largess, universally known as SNAIL (wonder why?, lol).

This enabled the renovation committee to hire BLS SA and  Ms April Rose for the project. They restored the renowned cobbled paths that meander through the village, with the assistance of Lord Callagrafx, and planted the surrounds with a year round selection of flowering shrubs and rose bushes. Particular attention was paid to the area alongside the local canal, originally dug by for the navigators of Trans Wast Associated Transport by Newman Inc and now given over to recreational uses after the company went bust.

A  long weekend is not complete without a wonderful hostelry and Stackton Tressel has the exceptional Lamplighters Inn, rebuilt by the renovation committee, it is now owned by two local residents Dr. Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket (known locally as April and Barby) who have long entertained the inhabitants of Stackton Tressel with their Gala Concerts.

The Lamplighter caters for those who appreciate tradition and charm, coupled with the modern facilities required by today's guest. So, from a picturesque cobbled lane; step back in time to experience the unique atmosphere of the regions oldest and loveliest Inns. Over the years the Lamplighter has been visited by artistes of stage and screen, musicians, politicians of the day and royalty.

Painters from all over the world have spent many a happy hour with brush in hand, capturing the rare character of the chamber maids of this beautiful Inn.

For those with a less ample wallet there is the delightful Georgia Lynn Guesthouse located just next door.

[CabraBuitre]

First time I've seen this project... good work Barby!

I love watching you build, because you always seem to highlight things I've never seen before...!

Sometime's they're in the "private collection" but other times I've just missed 'em!

The "End of the Line" really looks great.  It looks familiar, like I've seen it before, but I just can't put my finger on the name.  Unfortunately, I'm recovering from a hard drive crash... and the most backed up plugin folder I have is from a year ago (yikes!), but I don't remember seeing it, just the same!

[BarbyW]

I think it was you who asked about one of Colyn's lots some time ago. It was a restaurant that had been made from a station. Well this is the station and when I needed a new one I remembered the model was in a pack. It has been with the scrutineers for testing but it will go to the LEX this weekend.

[BarbyW]

Update #6 - each week we are set a challenge. This week was to do some terraforming.
Felldeep (tile #12)




The sky roared, the land trembled, the Great God Wou was angry at the sight of a world so riddled with imperfections. He clapped his hands and said the magic words, "++??++ Out of Cheese Error. Redo From Start." (with apologies to Terry Pratchett). The oceans rose, the mountains fell, the land was engulfed in chaos. Then just as suddenly as it had started it was over, an eerily quiet stillness descended and slowly the dust cleared, revealing a new landscape of near Arcadian perfection. The Great God Wou was happy again, his magic was a success, mere mortals could take up the challenge from here on in; he still had the X_Tool to finish.




With a rocky high plateau, the source of a prolific natural spring and a series of linked lakes perfect for fishing, set around with artfully rolling countryside composed of rich alluvial soils the Great God Wou had left the Mayor with an abundance of natural riches to exploit. 



I set my powers to work weathering the plateau and providing a reasonably flat area on its top around a depression filled by the natural spring for development. I also deepened the lakes and linking watercourses to provide adequate navigation for commerce and recreational vessels. This of course was complemented by aggressive planting of deciduous and evergreen trees to provide a natural woodland habitat for animals and birds and an attractive environment for later sensitive residential and commercial development.



The grand boardwalk of the new water front at Felldeep was designed by Colyn and is a wonderful place to view the river and watch the marlin boats come in and land their catch, much of which goes immediately to the Feskekörka, the historic fish market directly behind the boardwalk.

The town council, ever short of funds for anything but their own expenses, went to the design house of Sandrasim and specified a vaulted market hall with tall windows and an off the peg design to keep the cost down. Since Sandrasim had been working on an ecclesiastical concept for a religious order of monkfish devotees, and the town council were too cheap to pay for advice, they got an outstanding white stone landmark building that matched their design brief perfectly, it just happened to look like a church.

It was first called the Horace. O. Glimpulstiltz (after a particular pushy councillor) Fish Market Hall but due to its shape it was quickly nicknamed Feskekörka (Fish Church) by the locals and this has stuck and become the official name of the building. It is the home of several fish shops and is the best place locally to buy really fresh fish and seafood. If you get hungry whilst shopping there are a couple of speciality fish/seafood restaurants in the building.

Also situated on the waterfront of Felldeep is The St. David's Hotel & Spa, a striking Felldeep landmark, with dynamic and contemporary styling, the building incorporates a glass-backed atrium from ground to roof, giving a vision of space and natural light.

It is one of the principle resorts of Imperial Callagrafx Industries hotel division and is set amongst its own private waterfront designed by ripptide. The hotel is a particular favourite with sports fishing enthusiasts who often hire out the local marlin boats.

Lord Callagrafx has his own marlin boat tied up outside and loves to catch rebellious fish, particularly the increasingly common Turquoise Marlin, who can devour small and large fish alike in their unprovoked attacks. He sees it as his social duty to rid the oceans of this carnivorous and cannibalistic creature, which often turn on their own when in a feeding frenzy.



Set at the base of the High Plateau across the outflow gorge from High Lake Massingir are the massive concrete walls of the Katze Dam (designed by Colyn), which supplies renewable carbon free energy to all of Felldeep. Sales of electricity produced by the dam have been a key source of funds for development in the area.

Below the dam is a picturesque set of gentle rapids and rocky outcrops which used to be scoured of vegetation by the spring floods from the plateau before the dam was built. Now we see the starts of scrub and young trees colonizing this rocky area which provides an excellent spot for fisherman.




New residential neighbourhoods have been springing up all over Felldeep, as development, funded by electricity revenues, powers ahead. Along Constance Avenue we have seen good sized plots with single family homes being developed by amongst others mattb325, cycledogg and jen_p, all of which have produced particularly pleasing residential designs that appeal to growing families.

The area has proved popular because of the environmentally sensitive nature of the residential development, with woodland preserves in the centre of the blocks which allow natural drainage and prevent overdevelopment. They are a cool and tranquil haven on hot summer days where children have adventures and learn about the natural world first hand without the dangers of traffic or health and safety officers banning wonky trees and 6 inch deep brooks.




Regional economic expansion has produced a boom in commercial development in Estuaire the largest town in the region. This has resulted in the recent construction of a new commercial tower, the Citizen Building by JBSimio Inc, whose architecturally updated retro designs have proved highly popular with the community who value style over cost accountant (several of whom are known to have had a fit of the vapours over the cost of the building's copper sheathed mansard roof) banality.

This is not just an office building to be discarded after 30 years; it is a landmark that will endure for generations as a symbol of good design and adaptable function that enhances the built environment and makes people feel good about their city. 

[CabraBuitre]

I think it was you who asked about one of Colyn's lots some time ago. It was a restaurant that had been made from a station. Well this is the station and when I needed a new one I remembered the model was in a pack. It has been with the scrutineers for testing but it will go to the LEX this weekend.

You're right... that was it!

Thanks for posting this... I love to see how BAT and lot creators use the things they've created!

[Pat]

Hey Barby Im glad you have brought this over here and I love your transition with the damn pic and game water!!!

[wouanagaine]

The sky roared, the land trembled, the Great God Wou was angry at the sight of a world so riddled with imperfections. He clapped his hands and said the magic words, "++?Huh?++ Out of Cheese Error. Redo From Start."

ROFL 

Very nice pics, the residential avenue is really great, CC to its best !

[BarbyW]

I nearly used:
+++ Divide By Cucumber Error. Please Reinstall Universe And Reboot +++

but thought mrb might be offended.

[Pat]

  LoL barby that would have been tooo good!!!!

[BarbyW]

I have been slacking and had forgotten to post my updates here.
Update #8




The region contains a large garrison, at Khyber Barracks, home to the feared 3rd Foot and Mouth Regiment, more usually known as 'Barbie's Own Highlander's', whose reputation is said by some to be based on them not wearing anything under their kilts, a tradition reinforced by Lady Barbie's snap inspections of 'her old boys', especially when they are using the parachute jumping tower.




Khyber Barracks was originally built by the British to defend the region from rebel tribesmen led by the Khasi of Khalabar, a bloodthirsty tyrant, who believed he was a direct descendant of the Medusa. His efforts to ferment rebellion all came to nothing when his accusations were proved baseless, and although his ranting continued, his grip on reality quickly slipped away and he was consigned to the history books as just another 'old horse' unable to move with the times.
Since those days the base has expanded considerably from the original barracks, now the Company Headquarters Building, into a complete modern self contained military facility with all the services you expect of a small town. This was accomplished under the direction of General Ripptide, a formidable military architect, strategist and historian, whose buildings have stood the test of time and are still considered to be amongst the best military designs available.




Of particular interest to the locals is the parade ground, where soldiers are regularly drilled by their sergeant majors in full view of civilians who are allowed to watch. The strict discipline on show is particularly useful when unruly teenagers are brought along and told 'if you don't behave I will let the sergeant major drill you', it seems to scare most of them back into line and even improves recruitment amongst those who want to be drilled.




In keeping with the modern militaries family friendly policy the bases married quarters have expanded to meet the needs of the wives of the regiment, with accommodation completely refurbished to the highest standard and improved on base shopping.



Adjacent to the base is the 'service district' of Bonkington, where all the usual needs of a young solider can be met. There are lots of small eateries by JMyers2043 and bars galore, alongside several more interesting entertainment venues from Goober Inc, including The Queer Steer, LappersaGoGo and Chippendale's, all designed to separate a solider from a paycheck in double quick time.



The military has provided the region with a reliable source of income and jobs. This has enabled the Mayor to maintain high education spending as a key developmental priority and the results as shown in the educational graph speak for themselves. A highly skilled workforce brings the best employers to a region and pays the best wages.




The development of an education district has been a pet project of the mayor for some time now. It started with the founding of JBSimio's school for the gifted, a classically themed civic building, enhanced by the CSX Library directly opposite it. This centre of excellence provided the educational foundation that enabled the construction of Jestarr's Cajun Culinary Catering College, an institution dear to the hearts of the region's gastronomes, a veritable breeding ground for celebrity chefs, complete with their foamers and blow torches.
Citizens wondered what would come next, as the scaffolding rose across the street from the culinary institute, a university was planned, but in what style?, would it be just another value engineered concoction? They needn't have worried, at the official unveiling; as the screens were drawn back a hush fell upon the crowd, waiting patiently in the buildings grand oval plaza. Then it started, first a gentle murmur, followed by an enormous roar of approval and applause. The building was an Athenian inspired classically proportioned masterpiece, the Swi21 University, designed to lift the spirits of all those who enter and set the intellect free. Sir Nikos had surpassed himself with a truly fitting structure that would raise the educational achievements of the region to new heights.

[BarbyW]

Catching up with updates.
Update #9





A day in the life of the Lady Barby, know to the world as the Goddess and to a select inner circle as the 'Governess'. 

After becoming bored of the high pressure environment of working as a British Governess around the world Barby decided to turn her hand to becoming a nightclub owner.
She opened her nightclub , known as 'The BSC Dungeon', with guest artistes from other cities and countries featuring frequently. Her job is like being head girl in the sort of boarding school she had always dreamt of attending, with crushes, romances, friendships and feuds among the staff. Along with the manager, April, she is in charge of recruiting and training the novices, sorting out the supplies and deciding who works when and schedules the photo shoots and promotions.

Barby rose for the day just after 1 pm.  It was now almost 2 pm and there was so much to do around the house, her schedule had been totally thrown out by last nights antics, so there was nothing else for it, a quick phone call and 20 minutes later a ring at the door and in walks Fred, her well muscled young cleaning hunk for the day. After a quick discussion on what needed a wipe down and fluff up it was on with the business suit and out the door of her chocolate box country cottage, which had been built by Swi21 and landscaped by D66. 



Today was the day she allotted the 3 hours a week needed to be mayor in her well run city, "Such a nice place", she thought as she dashed through the light afternoon traffic in her mini Cooper S. First stop on the schedule was St Trinians School for 'young ladies', an institution dear to her heart as she had once taught  etiquette and decorum there, with side studies in lock picking and counterfeiting for the under thirteen's, such happy memories. The schools new buildings were built to the Enyati design by Goober Inc.
It was a quick meeting with the headmistress, Patsy to her friends, who had got the school finances in a pickle again, something to do with the Grand National, the wrong horse being nobbled, and the bookmakers pressing for payment. There was nothing else for it, so Barby authorised a transfer from the Wayward Artful Girl's Rehabilitation Fund in Trust, or WAGsRFiT as it was more commonly known. She was sure that Patsy's next scam, erhhhh school fundraising effort would be more successful and reverse the transfer.



Then it was off again, this time to the Greater Ridgeway Interregional Preserve Enclosure; a vast expanse of protected land that takes up much of the northern uplands of Grand River Valley.



On the way Barby stopped off at her weekend retreat, a wonderful holiday residence designed by MrBisonm in a perfect secluded spot where she could shut the door and forget the world, a great place to recharge her batteries and the various tools of her trade.




A quick check of the fridge to make sure it was stocked for her planned weekend soiree and it was off again to the enclosure/park entrance with its upmarket housing and cable car facility by CSX.



On the cable car Barby held her next scheduled meeting, this time with Shaun Ginger Beard, the renowned Landscaper and Snowboarding Champion, who is here to discuss a new landscaping project for the enclosure whilst whingeing about architects who don't understand slopes.

Barby had been very impressed with his landscaping work on Twin Peaks Falls, where the top lake is only accessible by seaplane. There are a series of Cabins picturesquely dotted around, perfect for bird watchers and botanists as hunting is strictly forbidden. There is also a camp ground for climbers and walkers, an excellent activity holiday location with reservations at a premium, in part no doubt to the cache of the snowboarding landscaper and his digging.



This time he wanted to establish a naturist colony at the secluded High Pass Lake, which was fed by melting snow from the high mountains. There is no drainage from the lake and no trail up to it, only a scenic railway line for those who want to get away from it all. It is a wild place, already a haven for nature lovers, and Shaun Ginger Beard maintained that privacy would be ensured by his water features and artful planting of fashionable shrubs, allowing people to admire a well tended bush without embarrassment. Barby said she would think on the matter and get back to him.



Then she was off again, this time to the Newman Inc camping ground, Scottcamp, complete with cabins, bars and a store. A great place for a few days relaxation in the country, fishing boating and hiking are all on offer as well as the biggest luxury, flush toilets. The area is always a popular destination and demand is high all year round, they even cater for day-trippers with a beautiful picnic ground near to the camp along with deadwoods forest trails and a special lookout tower by the falls.








Barby's meeting was at the fisherman's bar, the 'Jolly Hooker' a favourite with Lord Colyn, who got right down to business with Barby over a double espresso and a plate of ginger nuts. Business was agreed and she returned to the Dungeon where a new artiste from USA was appearing that night. More of that at a later date.

[BarbyW]

Last catch up. The challenge for this update was to provide a route and reasons for needing a highway through the region.

Update #10 GRV needs a highway



There are several reasons why an expressway system is now required for the region. Principle amongst them is the need to link the two major population centres of the region with themselves and the rest of the nation. Whilst rail links remain adequate for city centre to city centre public transportation, there is an increasing demand from business for a fast road link to reduce rail freight congestion, increase competition to the rail operators and drive down costs.
As the economy of the region has developed there has been a shift away from bulk agricultural and raw material production towards the development of food processing facilities and finished manufacture with a higher value added content and just in time production values. These developments have lead to the requirements for much quicker response times between order and shipping which have been difficult to factor into a rail freight timetable based upon long term production schedules.
Another important reason for the building of a comprehensive expressway system is the requirement to spread development to other areas of the region and relieve population pressures in the major cities. There has been considerable development in the coastal area based upon port development and trade, and in the middle of the valley based upon agricultural production and tourism. An expressway link between the two will open up more land for residential and commercial development at reasonable cost, improve commute times for residents and maintain their quality of life.
The third main reason, after industrial development and open up new land for growth, is the linking of regions within Simnation together. This will obviously spur trade and therefore wealth creation, a major concern of any government interested in the welfare of its citizens. More importantly, on a national level, it will help to bind the disparate regions of the nation together as a unified whole, with trade, wealth, culture and personal interaction. The sum of the whole is far greater than that of its individual parts.



The planning process is all important to this project and different areas have viewed the expressway network with differing degrees of enthusiasm. For the Farmers of rural Upper Lindale the whole idea of a major traffic artery running through their land was anathema. It took all Mayor Barby's much vaunted powers of persuasion to push it through the rural district council planning committee, that and the application of copious amounts of bribes erhhh local amenity enrichment, to compensate them for the inconvenience of having a major growth enhancer in their area.

It had been expensive enough to get them to agree to the rural highway that had originally been planned for the area, especially after the interference by the eco warrior crowd led by Dog Breath, a renowned soap dodger, who describes his aversion to all personal hygiene products as an eco protest against commercialism. It is rumoured that he was once a fireman but gave up the job because of his aversion to water and the rest of the crew repeatedly spraying him with deodorant.
It is said that DB can often win a case just by walking into a planning committee meeting room; however Mayor Barby trumped him by holding the meeting in the open and thereby deprived him of his greatest weapon. His arguments about protecting a 20 year old conifer plantation along the route of the proposed expressway as a sanctuary of nature and beauty failed to hold water and the route through Upper Lindale was approved.   

Once the residents of Felldeep heard that Upper Lindale had approved the expressway route their half hearted opposition to the project collapsed and they were rewarded with an upgrade to an elevated expressway along their main avenue transportation corridor. Although this would require the demolition of some existing property, it would not add significantly to the cost and any inconvenience would be far outweighed by the economic benefits that the 'Goddess Expressway' would deliver.



The route of the 'Goddess Expressway' now splits, with the direct route through the heart of Mid Fell requiring significant alterations to the built environment, even with the use of an elevated Expressway.

Area 1 shows the slum housing to be demolished to make way for the Lord Hogmeister Bridge which will carry the 'Goddess Expressway' over the River. The Hogmeister Foundation will generously provide funds for new social housing to enable those residents displaced by the bridge to be relocated to a new apartment complex designed by the up and coming Architect Sir Marczsar of Troy, which incorporates his latest concepts for energy efficient living.

Area 2 depicts an area of older established housing and ancient Jacaranda trees that will have to be demolished to make way for the 'Goddess Expressway'. Whilst the objections from the residents were loud, the increasing levels of pollution from the heavily trafficked avenue (mostly through traffic rather than local commuters) that the expressway would replace are having a detrimental effect on property values, so a generous compensation package for homeowners was sufficient to secure the route.
The ancient Jacaranda trees are becoming increasingly stressed from urban pollution so Newman Inc has been contracted to move the trees from their existing location to a new home at the Gosford Park National Arboretum on the outskirts of Mid Fell, once the home of Lady Xxdita Von Beaverhousen, a renowned socialite said by her many lovers to be the hostess with the mostest. Her catch phrase of "Rosario where's my pills?" is still synonymous with wild excess and fun. She generously donated Gosford Park to the nation to settle her late husband's tax bills and currently resides in the Caribbean for her wealth erhhh health.

Area 3 presents significant problems for the planned route as it borders a world heritage site that encompasses both the Radcliffe Camera by Caliban and the Old Washburn Water Tower by SimGoober. The only acceptable solution will require the demolition of some valuable commercial properties and funds from central government will be essential if this project is to proceed.

A circular spur of the 'Goddess Expressway', The Randy Parkway, has been named in Honour of General Ripptide who has been instrumental in lobbying central government for the parkway spur on the grounds of national security. The fact that Lady Beaverhousen has a thing for men in uniform had absolutely no bearing on the matter whatsoever, and her comment of 'Randy by name, Randy by nature' was purely coincidental.

From Low Fell the 'Randy Parkway' passes through the upper quadrant of Tumpton as it is constrained by the Masuda Hills from heading directly to Twin River, and so rejoins the 'Goddess Expressway' at Riverbend.

The 'Goddess Expressway' continues along the route of the existing arterial avenue as an elevated highway all the way through Midfell and Twin River, where major development potential will be opened up by the expressway. There are several large estates in the area owned by prominent regional families who will all make substantial profits from this development and Mayor Barby believes she can extract significant planning gain from the developers.

The 'Goddess Expressway' terminates in Low Wastwater, the commercial and industrial heart of the region, where it joins with Imperial Avenue, the cities principle thoroughfare. The cost of trying to upgrade Imperial Avenue in Low Wastwater to expressway is financially and politically unacceptable.



Low Wastwater prides itself on the quality of its public open spaces, principle of which is Goddess Gardens, part of the hotel/waterfront complex known as Deadwoods Plaza, a haven of peace and tranquillity in this bustling vibrant city. The Gardens now stretch across the railway line up to the old brickworks which are currently being environmentally renovated as new parkland by Deadwoods Pty, the main operating company of the Duke of Melbourne, the regions foremost IT millionaire and environmental philanthropist



His IT programs have been instrumental in modelling the existing transit scenarios in Mid Fell, which has enabled the high walk to work ratios that the city enjoys along with good public mass transit usage and minimal car commute. He knows the city intimately from his military training days in Low Fell where he especially enjoyed blowing things up and alleged visits to Lady Beaverhousen's estate.



One of the problems of growth has always been garbage disposal, so in keeping with Mayor Barby's solid environmental credentials she has encouraged the use of rail for garbage shipment to reduce road congestion and carbon emissions. The SFBT garbage removal yard in Low Fell loads rail cars in its own dedicated sidings with sorted non recyclable garbage for transport.




Non recyclable waste from all over the region is transported via rail to the Upper Lindale Waste Management Facility of Newman Inc where it is incinerated in the low carbon clean generation plant to produce electricity. This plant distributes power to much of the surrounding area and was built in anticipation of the expansion expected after the highway is built

[Diggis]

Looking great Barby.  I love what you've done with the place.

[xxdita]

Echoing what Mr GingerBeard said. It's great to see some of the best of BSC shown off a bit.

Rosario!!!!!

[Pat]

Fantastic stuff here Barby you have done a great job!!!! Loved it that poor DB got stinked out in the open lol....

[BarbyW]

I missed posting the last two updates:

Update #11

Governor Freddy Bison wanted a new office to see what was going on in the region. Mayor Barby offered him the top floor of the newly built GooberGen office block - known affectionately locally as the suppository - in Mid Fell. The Suppository of Knowledge was misnamed as it was supposed to be Repository and is a building specifically created to represent the outflowing of the Governor's wealth of knowledge to the wider community.   This was handily placed along the avenue that, if all went well, would be upgraded to a highway in the near future. Governor Freddy could see for miles from the top floor and often stayed late into the night to keep an eye on development in GRV.



By this time Estuaire had grown to be the industrial centre of GRV. Many companies were to be found in the main Industrial park like Betania Software built by mickebear, Satellite Systems by prepo, small units by jestarr and jmyers2043, and a GooberGen factory whose products were desired -especially the flavoured ones - but rarely spoken of.



There are many natural resources in GRV although in the protected areas these are not exploited at the moment but who knows what corruption may allow development in the future.



In Estuaire General Ripptide found coal and clay so he left the army and started his own mining enterprise. The coal was close to the surface so could be extracted via an open cast mine despite the complaints about the mess from the surrounding factories. He thoughtfully provided a rail line so it could be transported away without too much disruption.



The clay is needed to provide the many bricks required for the developing region and again is the subject of an open extraction process. Once again this caused disputes but Mayor Barby was swayed by the income generated for the city. The local Thikasa Brickworks was built shortly afterwards to actually make the bricks for building.



The sea has also provided a wealth of resources that began with simple fishing but has now expanded into a tourist facility for sport fishing and fine dining. The renovation of the waterfront was undertaken by CSX under the guidance of Lord Colyn. This renovation took a long time to complete but the local fishermen were pleased with the final result.



Further afield in Plainfell Lord Colyn discovered a source of pure spring water and erected a bottling plant so it could be sold to the stupider - err more discerning citizens of GRV. Plainfell water was deemed to have many health giving benefits although there were runours that the bottles just contained water from the taps.



The citizens of Plainfell had languished in their backwater for many years with just their spring water to export but then GooberGen arrived and discovered iron ore in the hills. Initially the citizens were horrified by the prospect of mining spoiling their landscape but they changed their minds after copious amounts of money changed hands. The mining company provided housing for the workers so they did not have to commute.

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Update #12

(I have to admit to not enjoying building airports so the challenge will lose points as it does not truly fulfil the requirements. On with the update.)



Grand River Valley commercial sector started to demand an airport. There were now no suitable areas for a large airport in the valley and the population would not allow any wholesale demolition so the ACT and GooberGen Inc came up with some ingenious ideas.
The city that demanded the development of air travel first was Low Wastwater. It had very little spare land and certainly not enough to build an international size airport but there was an old plaza area that spanned an avenue and was available. GooberGen were called in to design something that could be used and keep the avenue access for the commuters.




First of all GooberGen built a heliport that could transfer travellers to the airport over the hills and out of the valley. The heliport upgraded automatically until it could transfer over 120k passengers. As the demand grew he extended the heliport upwards until the citizens said they needed something to move more of them much quicker. At that point Mr Goober bowed out of the development to return to his roots designing commercial buildings.





The ACT under Ripplejet's guidance took a redundant spaceport and made it functional to carry huge numbers of passengers(373K) out of the valley. The spaceport has to be earned, however, unless you feel that you deserve to be able to build one. The journey was interesting to say the least and most passengers enjoyed the experience. There were, however, no inflight movies or meals as the journey was so quick that they had no time to do much more than sit down and strap themselves in before they had arrived at their destination.




The city flourished but despite the two airports the city had changed very little from a satellite view. It may not look as though is an airport in the city let alone 2 but the citizens are very happy with the developments.



Once the citizens of Mid Fell heard about the airport they also wanted one. The mayor said that there wasn't room for even a heliport but she did allow BLS to provide a shuttle service to the heliport in Low Wastwater. This kept the businessmen quiet as they enjoyed the novelty of a bus ride instead of driving their Mercedes or BMWs. The transfer vehicles were luxury coaches with TV to keep the travellers abreast of current and business affairs and attractive young ladies to provide them with drinks or other services. The airport started as a small facility but grew until it could transfer 70k passengers.




Low Wastwater is the heart of the commercial community of GRV and Caliban arrived to build his beautiful Gherkin for up market office space. He had designed and built this elsewhere 4 years ago but was delighted to build it again here. It was built alongside deadwoods' plaza and was soon surrounded by many office blocks. As the Gherkin is such a striking building anything built close by had to be much lower in size: that is until ks_jpn arrived and proposed building a very up market residential tower. He was granted permission and the Tower Building was erected close to the Gherkin. This was where most of the young executives who worked in the Gherkin had their appartments and it is rumoured that there is a tunnel under the road so they can get to work without actually going out into the real world. In the background is one of GooberGen's most enduring buildings. The historic Mitchell Building holds a wealth of information on the state of the commercial sector and looks good too.

[BarbyW]

Penultimate update.

Update #13

Grand River Valley was about to have the biggest shake up since its inception. Governor Freddy ordered the start of the construction of the new Highway 17. The citizens were generally excited although our friend Dog Breath, the ecowarrior, seemed determined to stir things up. He organised a sit-in in the jacaranda trees in Mid Fell (tile 11). His banners read "Ban logging and motorways" and he got together his group of friends - not many and usually they kept their distance - like Banana Dundee and LU2. They adorned the trees with the banners and climbed up to prevent the removal. This didn't work as the contractors from Newman Inc just dug up the trees complete with protestors and replanted them in their new location. DB and co were very unhappy at being transplanted to Gosford Park National Arboretum on the outskirts of Mid Fell as they had to walk a long way to get home. Some of the group fell by the wayside and were invited by Lady Xxdita Von Beaverhosen, who was visiting from her new home in the Caribbean, to a wild party in the grounds of the house. They took a long time to recover from the party, in fact some haven't a clue what happened while they were there, and never went to try to save trees again.
The demolition of the commercial and residential properties went ahead watched over by Governor Freddy from his office. This city had the most work to be done so Freddy wanted to keep an eye on Mayor Barby to make sure she did only allow the planned changes.



The highway was built and new zones provided to replace the old. Soon the commerce and residents returned and once again Mid Fell was flourishing. Dog Breath and his remaining eco warriors left Mid Fell seeking another futile cause. The mayor and city council breathed a sigh of relief as they had pure air again.



The highway had begun in Upper Lindale - a sleepy village cut off from most of the valley by the range of hills in the east. The residents there had asked for a rural highway but when the engineers built the first section there were a lot of protests at the way the street crossed the highway without proper precautions. The engineers also came to a halt at the river crossing as they had no suitable bridges. The council and the engineers had a lot of discussions and some changes were made. First of all the street was upgraded to a road and the highway was changed from a rural one to a ground highway. This allowed the residents to have a bridge over the highway with access points and also the bridge could be built. Thus the village of Upper Lindale remained relatively unchanged by the highway that now flowed through their area and on to Felldeep (tile 12)



In  Felldeep highway 17 made two connections. One to the east to Mid Fell and one to the south to Lower Lindale (this was omitted from the original plan in error as it barely touched the village and caused no disruption at all to the residents). The southern exit was merely a turn in the highway to allow it to connect to Low Fell(tile 14)



Parts of GRV remain untouched by the new highway. One such place is Spinnaker(tile 6), home of the first landing in the region by Erik - you may remember his story was told in Update 2 so long ago. Before he and Lady Audi built their farm they built a village on the promontory that adjoins the landing site. You may remember also that the original name of the village was Hej Sjømann and was built around the holy stone that they found. There was a longhouse for Erik and Lady Audi facing the holy stone where the whole clan met for important discussions. The clan members lived in round houses as was the custom. The stone was called Fallossteinur and was the place where the men worshipped and prayed. They danced round and sang to the gods for fertile crops, good hunting and successful viking raids on the surrounding land. Their battle cry was "Hej sjómaður" which is the origin of the first name of the settlement. The women were excluded from these ceremonies and had their own secret ceremonies in a cave at the end of the promontory.



As the settlement grew and the population icnreased they had to move away from the promontory and further inland. There the first farms were built and instead of sailing around they settled into the quiet life of farming. It was at this point that Father Olaf appeared and turned the vikings from worshipping the Fallossteinur to Christianity. The vikings were resistant to this and tried to point Father Olaf to the  winged horse that had appeared to them at Fallossteinur. He exposed the winged horse as a false god who could cause destruction of their cities if they were not very careful. Recently the Spinnaker Historical Society under the leadership of Erica Eriksdottir has renovated the old village. They rebuilt the round houses and the long house and added two smaller long houses - one as a shop for tacky souvenirs and one as a bistro with the usual overpriced food. It has become a very popular tourist attraction and makes a lot of money for Spinnaker's coffers.




On the western shore of the bay where Spinnaker began is a special place for the youngsters of the city. On sunny days they flock to this beach as it is a shallow sloping beach that is very safe. They come down with their inner tubes and float around for hours free from life's cares - and their parents' influence. The youngsters can enjoy themselves but it is not a place where bad things happen. The beach is visible from many places and, although they don't know it, the youngsters are supervised from afar.



Another village untouched by the highway is High Pass(tile 3). This small village with less than 2 000 inhabitants nestles in the high mountains and is predominately agricultural. It is well looked after by its residents and the council takes great pride in the appearance of the village. It has won several awards in the region for the floral displays in the gardens and is the current holder of the title "GRV Small Town of the Year"