Going to Colonia

[yianniv]

A short while later I end up hitting a gravitational anomaly and decide to call it a day.

Tomorrow, unless I have a dramatic change of mind, I begin the long journey home!

Colonia Jedis Confirmed!
Fly safe, cmdr. Thank you for your visit.

 

[Zaxoosh]

Going to California Colonia

Spent my days with a woman unkind​

Smoked my stuff and drank all my wine​

Made up my mind to make a new start​

Going To California Colonia with an aching in my heart​

Someone told me there's a girl out there​

With love in her eyes and flowers in her hair​

(Led Zeppelin - 1971)​

Spoiler

I've been putting it off for a long time but I'm stating my intention to finally take a proper trip out to Colonia (just as soon as Speedbowl IV is over). I want to do it properly tho, not rush it (which is why I deliberately avoided taking part in Exigeous' Colonia Speedrun earlier in the year) - but try to make a proper journey out of it.

For that reason I'm looking for suggestions of "must see" waypoints along the way so I can break the journey there (and back) into a whole bunch of shorter stages, each with a specific destination in mind along the route (and I don't mind taking a few detours either ... within reason).

I'm looking for all sorts of things. Systems of inherent natural beauty, awesome planets for a spot of SRV exploration, locations of cool stellar phenonema (I've only really seen the common variants in the bubble and not void hearts or peduncle trees for example) plus any other locations of special historical or community interest (for example, I definitely want to visit Evelyn's Light).

So ... please post your suggestions with descriptions (and preferably screenshots or short videos) and I'll start to try and compile a route plan here in the OP of this thread.

---

Colonia Connection Highway

Conflux abandoned settlements

"Evelyn's Light" - a memorial to jellowiggler's daughter (maybe take "Shan's Charis Orchid")

Thanks to @zibadian I've already been referred to EDSM's galactic map and prominent POI search facility plus its selection of interesting surface features, and also a few specific examples:
Floalt WC-C b16-6 (Chilled Views) - ice world with "spectacular views"
Trifid Sector OI-S b4-12 (Lucifer's Lair) - a rocky ice world in the trifid nebula with Pomeche like surface features
Nyeajaae IT-M c9-19 (Viridian Dreams) - a glowing green gas giant
Preae Ain CG-X e1-14 (Galactic Helium Reserve) - a system containing 23 Helium rich giants (a galactic record?)

Boeph ZJ-R e4-62 AB 1 a - planetary circumnavigation candidate (137 km Radius = 860.79 km circumference)

Spoihaae XE-X d2-9 (World of Death) - the planet that goes inside a neutron cone

Eol Prou RN-I C10-203 1 A - beautiful ridges to drive along

EOL PROU SR-W D1-1199 - binary pair of potato moons (maybe user geyser to jump between them?)

"Skaudai sites" - ruins of the Guardian exiles

Eoch Flyuae PY-R e4-684 (Clockwork nebula)

Clooku GR-U d3-112 (Fields of Elysium) - two ringed ELW's just 1ls apart

Smojoo ZE-R d4-109 (Musica Universalis) - An underappreciated system relatively close to the bubble but somewhat off the direct path

Eor Aowsy GR-W e1-1381 - glowing green giant
Eol Prou KW-L c8-32 - glowing green giant
Dryooe Prou FF-Z d696 - glowing green giant

"The festival grounds" - a short way before Colonia, has enough nebulae to keep you interested in finding your own sights for weeks[/url]

Things to see around Colonia

Foster Terminal in Coeus DONE
the twilight mountains of Concordia Hub in Edge Fraternity Landing
Mortimer's Charm in Kinesi DONE
Hyford's Wreck in the Colonia system DONE
mysterious wreckage orbiting Kinesi 3b DONE
Cmdr commemoration beacon outside Jaques Station DONE
Dove Enigma memorial megaship DONE
"Colonia Point" - a pair of Wolf-Rayet stars at Thaae Pruae AA-A h5 giving a spectacular view of the galactic plane DONE

An 11g planet in KYLOALL CL-Y G1518 D1

Updated Traveller's Guide to Colonia, with some bonus content

Well, it's been an exciting six months out in Colonia with lots going on - expeditions, research, wars, community initiatives - and the Traveller's Guide for Colonia is definitely due for an update. information on the events of the last six months some new photographs (just one site still in...

forums.frontier.co.uk

TODO while I'm there ..

• Rank up with Etienne Dorn (also the other Colonia engineers) and get Grade 5 lightweight life support pinned (see advice on levelling Colonia engineers, superceded by this update) DONE
• Have a go at the Colonia Trophy Dash Buckyball race. DONE
• Climb mountain at The Bone Yard DONE
• Have a go at the "Surly buys a round" SRV time trial at Surly's Nest in Rodentia (see Buckyball Discord for details) DONE
• Go ridge running at Kraken's Retreat in the Los system DONE
• Use a research limpet controller to get tissue samples from molluscs, etc DONE
• Visit Hyford's Wreck in the Colonia system, and the mysterious wreckage orbiting Kinesi 3b DONE
• Visit "Colonia Point" - a pair of Wolf-Rayet stars at Thaae Pruae AA-A h5 giving a spectacular view of the galactic plane. DONE
• Decide which Colonia engineer blueprints to pin based on information from operation La Forge

---

Table of locations (note to self: I've added up to Musica Universalis from the above list of suggestions so far)

Name	Description	System	Distance from Sol	Done?
Mammon Monitoring Facility	Asteroid Base (Colonia connection highway)	Mammon : 2	999 ly	Y
Hillary Depot	Planetary Outpost (Colonia connection highway)	Blu Thua AI-A c14-10 : A 4 a	2,105 ly	Y
Amundsen Terminal	Planetary Outpost (Colonia connection highway)	Lagoon Sector NI-S b4-10 : 1	4,481 ly
Attenborough's Watch	Asteroid Base (Colonia connection highway)	Lagoon Sector FW-W d1-122 : A 5	4,510 ly	Y
Musica Universalis	Underappreciated gas giant with colourful collection of moons	Smojoo ZE-R d4-109	4,737 ly
Observation Post Epsilon	Asteroid Base (Colonia connection highway)	Trifid Sector IR-W d1-52 : 1	5,219 ly
Rock of Isolation	Detention Centre (Colonia connection highway)	Omega Sector OD-S b4-0 : ABCD 1	5,503 ly
Omega Mining Operation	Asteroid Base (Colonia connection highway)	Omega Sector VE-Q b5-15 : 7	5,513 ly	Y
Eagle Sector Secure Facility	Asteroid Base (Colonia connection highway)	Eagle Sector IR-W d1-105 : A 1	7,006 ly
Eagle's Landing	Planetary Outpost (Colonia connection highway)	Eagle Sector IR-W d1-117 : 2 a	7,018 ly
Mjolnir's Wrath	Detention Centre (Colonia connection highway)	Nyeajaae VU-Y a27-9 : 1 a	7,688 ly
Eudaemon Anchorage	Ocellus Starport (Colonia connection highway)	Rohini : AB 1	7,692 ly	Y
Eudoxus Hithe	Outpost (Colonia connection highway)	^^^ : AB 2	^^^	Y
Alpha settlement	Conflux abandoned settlement	PRU AESCS TY-J A64-1 : 3	9,165 ly	Y
Beta settlement	Conflux abandoned settlement	PRU AESCS HW-S B31-2 : CD1	9,166 ly	Y
Delta settlement	Conflux abandoned settlement	PRU AESCS NC-M D7-192 : A3A	9,167 ly	Y
Gamma settlement	Conflux abandoned settlement	PRU AESCS OI-K A64-0 : 1A	9,169 ly	Y
Sacaqawea Space Port	Planetary Outpost (Colonia connection highway)	Skaudai CH-B d14-34 : 1 a	11,797 ly
Skaudai sites	Guardian ruins, sites 68, 69 and 92	Skaudai AM-B d14-138 : A B 7 A	11,797 ly
Fields of Elysium	Two glorious ringed ELW's	Clooku GR-U d3-112	13,423 ly	Y
Gagarin Gate	Planetary Outpost (Colonia connection highway)	Gru Hypue KS-T d3-31 : 4	14,317 ly
Penal Ship Omicron	Detention Centre (Colonia connection highway)	Stuelou AT-J c25-24 : 2	15,615 ly
Caravanserai	Ocellus Starport (Colonia connection highway)	Gandharvi : A 1	15,620 ly	Y
Marlin's Reach	Outpost (Colonia connection highway)	^^^ : BC 2	^^^	Y
Polo Harbour	Planetary Outpost (Colonia connection highway)	Boewnst KS-S c20-959 : 2 a	17,589 ly	Y
Eor Aowsy GR-W e1-1381	Glowing green giant	Eor Aowsy GR-W e1-1381 : ?	18,008 ly	Y
Boeph ZJ-R e4-62 AB 1 a	Planetary circumnavigation candidate	Boeph ZJ-R e4-62 : AB 1 a	18,261 ly
Vihara Gate	Ocellus Starport (Colonia connection highway)	Kashyapa : 1	19,470 ly
Martyr's Rest	Outpost (Colonia connection highway)	^^^ : 2 a	^^^
Clockwork nebula	Nebula	Eoch Flyuae PY-R e4-684	19,648 ly
XTE J1856+053	Black hole on the edge of the "festival grounds" nebula collection	XTE J1856+053	21,000 ly
Evelyn's Light	Memorial for jellowiggler's daughter	Evelyn's Light	21,464 ly
EOL PROU SR-W D1-1199	Challenge to jump SRV between two binary worlds	EOL PROU SR-W D1-1199	21,725 ly
World of Death	Planet inside neutron cone	Spoihaae XE-X d2-9 : A 1	21,817 ly	Y
Kremmen's Respite	Station named after ElvisKremmen	Kioti 368	21,972 ly	Y
Jaques Station	Colonia	Colonia	22,000 ly	Y
Eol Prou KW-L c8-32	Glowing green giant	Eol Prou KW-L c8-32 : ?	22,006 ly
Eol Prou RN-I C10-203 1 A	Planet with awesome ridges to drive along	Eol Prou RN-I C10-203 : 1 A	22,058 ly	Y
Dryooe Prou FF-Z d696	Glowing green giant	Dryooe Prou FF-Z d696 : ?	22,821 ly

---

Link to the start of the adventure proper.

All I'm going to say, is good luck. And can i come with lmao?

 

[Alec Turner]

All I'm going to say, is good luck. And can i come with lmao?

Thanks! You'd be welcome to come along, the only issue being the fact that, since you're replying to post #1 here, I suspect you might not yet have read the subsequent 42 days worth of adventures which bring me to my most recent update from this morning where I declare my intention to start heading back home again. I've had an absolute blast so far tho' so by all means follow in my foosteps and maybe we'll cross paths somewhere in the middle!

 

[Rat Catcher]

The guardian sites in Skaudai are amazing (if you have yet to visit them) and are my 'must do' stopover going to and from Colonia, even after a double handful of visits there it still holds sufficient 'mystery' to drag me back for another look around - another site that I have yet to visit in daylight too...

 

[Zaxoosh]

Thanks! You'd be welcome to come along, the only issue being the fact that, since you're replying to post #1 here, I suspect you might not yet have read the subsequent 42 days worth of adventures which bring me to my most recent update from this morning where I declare my intention to start heading back home again. I've had an absolute blast so far tho' so by all means follow in my foosteps and maybe we'll cross paths somewhere in the middle!

Thanks for informing me, good luck back home. Make sure to keep an eye out on your fuel, I'll be waiting if you run out, make sure to have a snicker!

 

[sgurr]

...

I submit my runs and joke about how difficult it would be to make that jump from the "Back To Rehab" run while driving in reverse but Hojo assures me that the whole "reverse" thing wasn't supposed to be taken seriously ... but if there is a way to pull it off, I will surely make a "You need an Intervention" category.

Hmmm.

As soon as I saw Hojo say that I knew what was going to happen

Day 42 - 1.02.3307
RIDGE RUNNING

Awesome!

Can't wait for daylight on my world now.

Some of these views do take patience - there's a particular screenshot from Prisma Renata which I knew was possible but it took me four years to actually be there at the right time for it

You can't say that and then not post the image Ian!

 

[Ian Doncaster]

You can't say that and then not post the image Ian!

It's the one on the front of the Traveller's Guide - transit of Aurora Astrum 2 across the star, viewed from the Prisma Renata surface port on Aurora Astrum 3.

 

[Alec Turner]

Day 43 - 02.02.3307
GOODBYES ARE NEVER EASY

And so it comes at last, time to say farewell to Colonia and head for home. Rather then setting straight off from Eol Prou RN-I C10-203 I make one last visit to the Dove Enigma which, more than Jaques strangely enough, has become my home while I've been out here. I'm assigned pad 07 again which I find unexpectedly touching.

It's going to be an emotional day ... my next stop is to be Evelyn's Light.

Course plotted we leave the Enigma one last time ..

.. and just a few short hops later I'm jumping to the system which has been on my itinerary since the very beginning.

For those that don't know, Evelyn's Light is a tribute to Evelyn Faye Roy, daughter of Cmdr @jellowiggler, who lost her fight against cancer at the shockingly young age of eleven.

You can read more about this brave young lady, the incredible support from the community and the creation of the Evelyn's Light tribute by visiting the forum thread posted by her father on the 29th February 2020.

memorial-for-my-little-commander

As for me, I honestly don't know what to say. Like many here I'm a father myself. For me this system is a place to reflect on life, on the beauty of it all and yes, sometimes the heartache that's a part of that and reminds us of its value.

Near to the central neutron star you will find a beacon.

The beacon contains a message which perhaps is best left for those that choose to make their own pilgramage to this beautiful spot.

And so I read it, and reflect, and shed a few tears as I fly.

I do my best attempt at writing an 07 in salute.

I deploy the Guardian fighter, don't really know what to do with it, and recall it again.

And lastly I pay tribute with fireworks and words (by Evelyn) which those who visit this place will better understand.

Source: https://youtu.be/ElrMc4JgnDE


May the colours of Evelyn's Light shine forever.

 

[Biff Stryker]

Have a safe journey back and thanks for visiting us. We'll keep your landing pad at Dove Enigma ready for you when you decide to return. Thanks for sharing your journal as well, it definitely added some more must see sights to my list too.

o7

 

[sgurr]

May the colours of Evelyn's Light shine forever.

❤

o7

 

[Max Bothin]

I will be at Evelyns Light end of February. Fly safe Commander Turner! O9

 

[Alec Turner]

I will be at Evelyns Light end of February.

Quite right too ... I hadn't spotted the anniversary approaching until I wrote my post this morning.

 

[jellowiggler]

I'm logging in for work and saw this post that I was mentioned in and am reminded of my Evelyn. During our year and 1/2 long fight she was always the eternal light, even under duress. I'm also reminded of my family and friends and then this community who carried us through and offered condolences afterwards.

Thank you Alec for the wonderful images and words.
Everyone is welcome to visit Evelyn's Light and remember what a gift life is and to kiss your loved ones. Thank you Frontier for the little place to remember.

I'm having a little weep before I start the day.

o7


(The Distant Screws 2 expedition will be at Evelyn's Light on Feb 26, the anniversary of Ev's passing)

 

[Osashes]

Thanks for taking us along on this journey with you so far, Alec! It's been a blast to follow along, but I'm excited to have you back in the promised land.

 

[Alec Turner]

Day 43 (continued) - 02.02.3307
THE NEUTRON HIGHWAY

With 4 days left to get back to the bubble for the start of the Buckyball race it's time to get on board the Neutron Highway ... aka the Spansh neutron route plotter.

No time for detours now ... I'm making time!

That said, there are a few places to visit that are actually on my way. First up is the Clockwork nebula in Eoch Flyuae PY-R e4-684.

It's a neutron system ..

.. but as you get away from the star the harsh blue glow turns to a softer purple which makes a nice backdrop for the system's only landable planet.

Can't linger tho' ... I'm making time!

Next stop is the system of Kashyapa, home to two ports of call on the Colonia connection highway, the primary starport being Vihara Gate which is in close orbit around this beautiful ringed earthlike world.

I pay a quick visit just to get the FSD (which takes a beating from the neutrons) back up to 100% integrity and then we're off again.

When I finally stop for the day I'm 6,102 light years from Colonia and 15,911 light years from Sol. With luck (and lack of distraction) I should be able to cover a further 4 Kylies tomorrow.

Next stop, the Skaudai Guardian ruins ... and after that? There's nothing but distance between the Outworn Dalliances and home.

 

[Alec Turner]

P.S. thanks for kind words everyone ... this has been an absolute blast so far and all the better for some virtual company along the way.

 

[Rat Catcher]

Next stop, the Skaudai Guardian ruins

I hope you get them in daylight - poor quality video of my first visit below: (I hadn't packed a SRV)

 

[dysonl]

Hope you don't mind Cmdr, I've sent you a friend request in-game. I'm heading in the opposite direction to you because of this great thread and would love to see where our journeys cross. You appear to have a 200ly range, whereas I have a more modest 40!

o7

 

[Marbat]

This was a good read this thread, very enjoyable and glad that we did cross path.
I went to see if I could see The Pillars of Creation in Eagle Nebula as like pictures I had seen but never happen, I might of came in too quickly.
I am also heading back to the bubble once again, might get back there this evening.
Maybe we cross pathonce more and join you this time for some fun adventures.

 

[Alec Turner]

Hope you don't mind Cmdr, I've sent you a friend request in-game. I'm heading in the opposite direction to you because of this great thread and would love to see where our journeys cross. You appear to have a 200ly range, whereas I have a more modest 40!

o7

No problem, friend request accepted. My jump range is actually just under 60ly but I'm using mostly neutron scooped jumps now which gives a 400% supercharge to the FSD.