To Boldly Go

“I really have enjoyed my stay, but I must be moving on.” – Supertramp, Goodbye Stranger

OOC:

This last week I set out to make a decision if I had the time to continue my blogging. Real life is taking more and more of my extra time. For those that don’t know, I travel for work a great deal and there at the first part of the year, I had less travel. Now however, it has started up again. My schedule as it stands right now, has me on the road pretty much until the end of July. Then depending on if another project starts up, it could be pretty much the rest of the year.

On the road means fewer things get done at home, so weekends tend to be catch up to get things done and with my son starting his first season of spring football, well … you get the picture. Other things have to fall to the side to take care of those things that are well … more important. That being my family, number one.

I’ve decided to stop the blog and planet exploration for now. I’m still going to keep my Eve account active to continue training and I’ll probably get to still wonder the stars from time to time. Just not at the pace I had started out at. Perhaps after July I’ll be able to start up again, but we’ll have to see. So, as it is not fair of me to hold a position in the blog pack, please drop me from there and I hope there’s another exploration blog out there that can replace me.

I want to say thanks to CrazyKinux and his Musing’s for giving me a chance and seeing something in my blog that was worthy. I also wanted to recommend Eve Travel as an excellent exploration and travel blog. I found reading Eve Travel was like reading a piece of professional journalism. Where as mine was more like the Griswold’s family vacation, lol. No really, I’m not kidding. Eve Travel is a great read if you’ve not tired it out and enjoy true exploration, then you should go give it read. You won’t be disappointed.

Lastly thanks to those who did take the time to read and follow my journey as far as I got. I do hope to continue and perhaps finish one day. I think I can count you all on one hand, lol.

Fly safe.

“Count the stars. We can only go so far.” – Alan Parsons Project, The Traveller

20.03.cy112 Lonetrek, Makiriemi Constellation, Saatuban

OOC:

If you’ve missed my re-introduction and you’re interested in what this blog is all about, then please go to this link.

Been meaning to do this for some time now, but just haven’t had the time to do so. I’m sure this makes me the absolute last one to do it.

The request was “What does your Eve space look like” and it was asked by Chocolate Heaven. Well finally here it is. Not the highest quality of pictures, but you get the idea.

You can certainly get an idea of what I’m a fan of. Star Wars, Star Trek, Tomb Raider, Babylon 5.

As for the system, it is one that I built myself about two years ago now. Probably about time I start some upgrading. Just upgraded the OS to Windows 7 – 64 bit. Here’s the parts list for those who are interested:

NZXT Zero Black Case
Intel 975X ATX Motherboard
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Processor
4 x G.Skill 2gb 240-Pin DDR2 800 SDRAM
Thermaltake W0133RU 1200W PSU
2 x VisionTek Radeon HD3870 512MB
NEC Black FD1231H-302 Floppy
Samsung SH-S203N DVD
2 x LG – 19″ L196WTQ-BF
MS Comfort Optical Mouse 3000
MS Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000
2 x WesternDigital Raptor X 150gig HD (Setup in Raid 1)
2 x WesternDigital Caviar SE16 500gig HD (Setup in Raid 1)
CyberPower UPS CP1500AVRLCD
Logitech G51 Surround Sound Speakers

This next question has been asked many times before and I’m not sure who started this recent round. The question is where have you been? Since my goal is to explore all of the planets in each of the systems, I thought this would be an interesting map to look at.

As expected … depressing, lol. It depicts a tight-low traveled journey so far. Taking one system at a time by region, it’s not surprising to see. I’ve visited all of the systems in The Forge and I’m currently working my way through Lonetrek. It will be interesting to see as time goes on how it progresses.

Next blog we’ll pick back up on our astrophotography. Until then, fly safe.

The Planets- Jupiter – Gustav Holst

06.03.cy112 Lonetrek, Okunda Constellation, Kiskoken

As I journey through each system in New Eden, I’ve wondered if there’s a single system that contains all of the planetary types. I’ve not kept up with the types as I’ve traveled, so I’m actually not sure if I’ve encountered such a system yet. I think there has been one or two that have come close. This last week, however, as I was taking my pictures in the Kiskoken system, I realized that each planet type was represented with the exception of a terrestial world. That’s when I wondered if there is a system that contains all the types out there some where and have I already encountered it not realizing. I was so taken in by the beauty of the planets, I never really thought about it thus far.

This weeks images are all from Kiskoken. It has all of the planets types except terrestial. I’ll try and keep my eyes open for one that contains all, but if you’ve been through one, let me know.

Kiskoken I, Ocean

Kiskoken II, Storm

Kiskoken III, Plasma

Kiskoken IV, Lava

Kiskoken V, Barren

Kiskoken VII, Ice

Kiskoken VIII,, Gas

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“Allow myself to introduce … myself.” – Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery

OOC:

As a follower of the blog pack via Capsuleer on my iPhone, I was glad to see CrazyKinux’s (CK’s) post about revamping the list. There seemed to be a lot of inactive blogs in the list. The ones that were active, I enjoyed reading. I never thought of the list as containing elitist or for that matter the results of some popularity contest. I felt it was a great list that contained a good cross section of different types of blogs in the Eve community. When CK put the call out for suggestions, I gladly responded with the ones that had in some way helped me in my Eve journey. Again, never really thinking of it in terms of a popularity contest.

Then it kind of hit the fan for CK. However, it was really great to see the community so passionate about the list. That really summed up just how much the list touched all of us in some way. The constructive criticism, for the most part, that came from the discussions which lead to CK rethinking how the list should be generated is another testament that simple communication can go a long way to positive outcomes. I was happy to see he had decided to expand as well as pick the list again, like he did with the original. I like having the 50 blogs which is about 10% of the Eve blogs out there and it looks like a good cross section of all types of play are included.

So how was I selected? I have no idea. I’m thankful for the opportunity and can only hope that others can learn from my shared experiences like I have gained from so many of the blogs on the old list. Thanks CK for seeing something in mine and giving me a chance, I appreciate it. If it had been a popularity contest, I would not be on the list. Of that I have no doubt.

So for the introduction. My character’s name is Katia Sae and she’s an explorer of planets. When the Dominion expansion came out, my character set out to explore each and every planet in New Eden. The blog is intended to share some of the new sights as well as journal her experiences. If you’ll notice the Astrophotography link on the right side of the page (here’s a link if you need one), you can visit her photo album of all the planets visited so far. Also, in the upper right hand side, you’ll see her progress.

So why only 2,500+ systems when there are over 5,000? I had to start somewhere and those systems contain all the known high, low and null security systems that can be reached via normal jump gates. Maybe after I complete this phase I’ll think about wormhole space and such. However, at the rate I’m exploring now, this journey will take about 4 years to complete.

Feel free to comment, tell me how crazy I am, whatever. I’d enjoy hearing from folks.

“It’s a blue world. It’s a new world.” – Moody Blues, Blue World

28.02.cy112 Lonetrek, Okunda Constellation, Dantumi

It appears a lot of folks enjoy the plasma’s as much as I or they’ve not seen one as of yet and are interested. So, this monthly stats update I thought I would share some of the plasma’s I’ve encountered on my journey so far. First, let’s see what the definition of plasma is in terms of physic’s from Wikipedia.

“Plasma is a gas in which a certain portion of the particles are ionized. The presence of a non-negligible number of charge carriers makes the plasma electrically conductive so that it responds strongly to electromagnetic fields. Plasma therefore has properties quite unlike those of solids, liquids, or gases and is considered to be a distinct state of matter. Like gas, plasma does not have a definite shape or a definite volume unless enclosed in a container; unlike gas, in the influence of a magnetic field, it may form structures such as filaments, beams and double layers. Some common plasmas are flame, lightning, and the Sun.”

How common are plasma’s in New Eden? – not too common. Out of 128 systems explored, only 14 contained a single plasma planet. That’s just about 11% of systems so far. So, if you are wanting to discover one on your own, you’ll need to visit all of the planets in 10 or 11 systems. You should find at least one … maybe.

Here’s my current stats on my journey:

Regions: 1/31 (3.23%)
Constellations: 18/368 (4.89%)
Systems: 130/2,573 (5.05%)

Ships Lost: 0
Pods Lost: 0

Here’s some of my favorite images of the plasma’s I’ve encountered so far. If you want to see all 14, check out this link to my Astrophotography album where you can also see all of my 1,300 images.

Kiainta V

Messoya IV

Maurasi I

Mitsolen I, Moon 1, Expert Housing Warehouse

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“And I’m giving you permission to be in my head.” – Pale 3, In My Head

19.02.cy112 Lonetrek, Mito Constellation, Oimmo

At long last, I’ve finished my Learning Skills training which also includes Science 3 and Cybernetics 5. All 11 learning skills are at level 5. I had already started my “Basic” training plan so the following pie chart is a little skewed, but you get the idea of where I’m at currently.

So, where to from here? As I’ve mentioned I’ve begun what I’m calling my “Basics” training plan. This plan will simply provide a foundation of shields, armor, hull and maneuverability that other ship skills will build upon. Basically I’ll be training up the following skills to level 5. Keep in mind as an explorer I’m more interested in defensive rather than offensive capabilities.

Mechanic V
Spaceship Command V
Navigation V
Afterburner V
Hull Upgrades V
Evasive Maneuvering V
Shield Management V
Acceleration Control V

After this round of training, I may go ahead and move into Covert Ops or what I’m calling “Advanced Basics” which would include Electronics and Power systems. We’ll see.

 This last week I’ve kinda gotten back on track with exploration. Still not up to where I’d like to be, but that’s life. Here’s some recent images for your enjoyment. If you haven’t checked it out, click the Astrophotography link on the right to see my photo album of more than 1,100 images to date.

Hageken VIII

Kappas II

Sobaseki X, Moon 1, Caldari Navy Assembly Plant

Vuorrassi I, Moon 1

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“When Saturday rolls around, I’m too tired for havin’ fun.” – Allen Toussaint, Working in the Coal Mine as performed by Devo

30.01.cy112 Lonetrek, Karnola Constellation, Airkio

OOC:

Well, this was a travel week for work and I’m soooooo tired. Didn’t get much done at all with exploration in Eve this last week, but the job pays the bills so I can play Eve. It’s a catch-22, but that’s life. So, I thought for this week I would repost my image that was selected for the latest EON magazine. You can get the latest issue here. Enjoy the image. It’s a plasma planet which are rare to find and my favorite of the new planet types. I dig blue, what can I say.

Hurtoken II, Okomon Constellation, The Forge

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“Ooh fall and free, fall and free.” – Donna Summer, I Feel Love as performed by the Blue Man Group

22.01.cy112 Lonetrek, Okela Constellation, Tsuguwa

Another major milestone crossed – 100 systems explored so far – In the words of a famous fictional character … Whoa.

I wanted to take a moment and thank everyone so far who has wished me well, encouraged me, posted replies, offered tips and suggestions, EON Magazine, CCP and even the ones who think I’m crazy. I’m an Astrophotographer – it’s what I do. It’s nice to know there are those of you out there actually keeping track of my journey so far and I hope you are enjoying the images as I go. Please be sure to check out the Astrophotography link on the right which now exceeds 1,000 images so far! .. Whoa.

Cheers and here’s to the next 100 systems.

Favorites from this last week

Nourvukaiken VI, Iidoken Gate

Sarekuwa III, Moon 6, Caldari Steel Warehouse

Tunttaras X, Sarekuwa Gate

Ichinumi VII, School of Applied Knowledge

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“So I’ve started out for God knows where. I guess I’ll know when I get there.” – Tom Petty, Learning To Fly

After a month and a half of flying, I’ve finished my first region. The Forge has been fully explored now with over 900 planetary images captured so far. To think that only accounts for a little over 3% explored . . .

Here’s some images from this last week.

Hykkota V, Outuni Gate

Ikuchi II

Outuni III

Eskunen VI, Caldari Construction Warehouse

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“The moon … beautiful. The sun … even more beautiful. Oh yeah.” – Yello, Oh Yeah

8.1.112yc The Forge, Ruomo Constellation, Vaankalen

Received some good news this week. It seems that myself and several other capsuleer’s will have an astrophotography picture featured in the new EON magazine issue. I’m not sure which one was chosen, as I had submitted several for them to pick from, but I’m looking forward to finding out. If you’re a subscriber, be sure to check it out. Oh yeah.

This last week I’ve have added another 11 systems explored to my journey. There’s now well over 800+ pictures in the astrophotography photo album. If you’ve not checked that out, see the links section on the right. Skill training continues with my base learning skills. Currently training Clarity V. Then all I’ll have left is Focus V and Presence V. Almost there, then I’ll be able to start training up basic ship skills and then who knows what.

Also of note this last week, I passed through Jita, the well known market hub of Eve and also New Caldari, the home system of Caldari. As usual, I’ve attached some of my favorite images of the week.

Kisogo IX

New Caldari Prime, Moon 1, Chief Executive Panel & Poksu Mineral Group

Urlen VIII, Perimeter Gate

Itamo III, Perkone Factory

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