The Grand Repubic of Pheonoia

[sebes]

SIMplMn9, you have started a great new MD here last month. I don't know how it's possible that I missed this one entirely - but that will change. 
I like your suburbian Belview, but also your downtown. (Maybe a bit to much repetitive buildings there however ....) And the Capital District is realy very fancy: good work friend! 

[Emperor Stormont]

OH ITS FABULOUS

The white trees look fantastic, also love the purple trees along the boundary. A wonderful new governmental centre for a newly revitalised nation.

Looking forward to future updates from you, fab work. 

[SIMplMn9]

The Grand Republic of Pheonoia

presents:

Part 2:
The City of Mt. Fresca

This is actually the prelude to Part 2, which will be posted in a  few minutes.  This will give some history of Mt. Fresca, curtousy of the SCJU Union Wiki.  (Or, will be).



The History of Mt. Fresca

The city of Mt. Fresca was founded in 1985 by mountaineer and explorer Jason Fresciopa, an Italian-born American citizen known for climbing every peak in the 50 states. But there was one mountain he had not climbed. The govenor of the state of Pheonoia agreed to let the first person to scale the highest peak in the state to give the mountain the official name. After a harrowing 2 weeks, with thinner air and freezing temperatures, Fresciopa planted the state flag, with his name sewn onto it, into the top peak on February 7th, 1984.

As promised, the Govenor allow Fresciopa to use his name as the name of the mountain, but when the reporters could not accuratly spell it, he changed the name of the mountain to Fresca. In July of 1984, Jason built a cabin at the base of the mountain, having bought the land of the mountain using an inheritance from a relative. He reserved the mountain as a National Park, after much petitioning in Congress, and from there devted his life to the mountain. In September the 24th, 1984, Fresca Peak National Park was made official, and open to naturalists, tourist, recreationalists, and most importantly, mountain climbers.

Jason's love was mountain climbing, and his days in the next months were spent hiking the mountain, trying to find every possible route for every level of hiking and mountain climbing. On December 13, 1984, Jason and some of his close friend built the Fresca National Park Vistor Center, where campers and climbers alike could come check in, and get all the information they needed to enjoy a trip to the mountain. The first few months were slow, as it was deep in the winter season. However, as spring came in March and April, the number of guests to the park skyrocketed.

Slowly more facilites were built to sustain the influx of tourists, and the Fresca Village was born. Jason was doing near daily tours up parts of the mountain. One blow was Jason declining an offer from a company to buy out the mountain, as it would have resulted in trams and lifts on the mountain, defeating the purpose of the park.

By late August, the number of permanent residents had increase far past the tourist "Village" could handle. Jason was forced to give a housing company a contract, and small cabins were built up, the start of a neighborhood. This continued into September and October, and in late November of 1985, the number of residents officially declared the area a town. It was a near unanimous desicion to elect Jason as the Mayorial representative of the town, which adopted the name of the mountain. November 13, 1985 was the official birth of the city of Mt. Fresca.

The city quickly grew, as more and more people discovered the lushness of living the small town mountain life. In no time, the town became an ideal location in the state of Pheonoia, surpassing even Aspen, Colorado, as the winter hotspot of the United States. Then, in the 1993, the uprising of the Regime of Non-American Islanders occured, and the emergency election of 1994 occured, seperating Mt. Fresca from the United States. Mayor Fresciopa, who was a proud American, renounced the action of Sheppard, but did nothing more. The city declared itself neutral from the struggle between the RNAI and the Patriots, and beefed up its police force to counter any hostilites in the city. For now, the city seemed to return to its peaceful nature, now a growing city with a busting downtown. Unforutnatly, in 1995, the original Village was burned to the ground in a wildfire started by an arson. The culprit was discovered to be an RNAI party member, and in retaliation to this attack on their history, Mt. Fresca joined the other mayors to a secrect council in the city of Paradise Valley.

With this declaration of their intentions, Jason returned to his beloved city, and went on one final hike. It was this hike that the mountain was sabotaged, and an avalanche threatened to take his life. He miraclously survived, but the damage was done. Exposed int he snow for hours, he developed peumonia to go with his broken limbs, and a combination of the two, plus internal bleeding, caused him to die in late 1995. In memory, a statue was erected in 1997 in the now Historic district, in the central plaza of city hall. The statue portrayed himself looking up at the mountain, as if always looking out for climbers.

By 1998, the city had grown to three times it's side, and the central downtown district formed more downt he mountain, with the rest of the modern governmental center, however the Historic district remained the way it was, unchanged and still functional, and City Hall remained where it was, and remained the City Hall of Mt. Fresca. By June 1998, a bowl shaped valley a little ways up the mountain became a large campsite, and was named the Fresciopa Memorial Park. It offer a road access for the beginner, or the people who wished to just camp, and a hiking trail at the main road with a challenging trail to the campsite.

The new millenium brought about changes in population, as more and more intolerance started to affect the town. Supporters for the new government decided against leaving the homes they built, and instead demanded City Hall give in to their leader and declare the city seperate from the rebellion. The new Mayor, Joseph Cross, outright refused, stating that the founder was always a Patriot, and that he would not let the town go against that belief. Needless to say, this angered the RNAI, and civil disobedience plagued the town, until finally Mayor Cross said any RNAI can either get out, or shut up. The following day, the Statue of the founder was destroyed, and an all out war ensued, competely seperate from the ongoing struggle going on between the territory of Pheonoia and the RNAI controlled Pacific Island.

Fearing for the life of the Mayor, and to take advantage of the meeting called by the new Mayor of Paradise Valley, Mayor Cross left Mt. Fresca, and arrived in Paradise Valley just as the northern roads out of the city were blocked off. Mt. Fresca was on its own for now, lead by the town council, and under the authority of the Mt. Fresca Sheriff's department.

Cross was intrumental in the writing of thier declaration of independance, and to the appeal to the SCJU General Assembly for assistance. However, he was a Mayor without a city. As the SCJU pressed forward in late 2007, Mayor Cross's thoughts turned to the mountains in the north, where he had lost all communication with Mt. Fresca. He lead the SARF coalition up the mountains to save the city, but when he got there, Mt. Fresca had changed.

The RNAI never made it up the mountain. The city had fortified itself with the natural resources of the mountain, aided, surprisingly, but the RNAI supporters, as it had become clear to them that the RNAI meant total annihlation of the South, and that they would not believe any "supporter" to present themseleves. The entire South has been declared enemies of the state. As for Mt. Fresca, it was a valient stand, and the farthest an RNAI soldier got was just past the city limit. The city was spared from invasion, and from aerial attacks, as the geographical make-up of the mountains interfered with a sneak attack, and the SARF prevented jets from flying into Pheonoia airspace.

Today Mt. Fresca is the base city of Northern Phoenoia, and the main financial center for the nation, after Silver City and Paradise Valley, while the northern border cities are rebuilt. Mt Fresca stands a defiant symbol of the north, a quite tourist town, and the Winter Resort Capital of the Pacific.

[SIMplMn9]

Welcome to the City of Mt. Fresca, Pheonoia

Part 2.1: Historic "Old Town Mt. Fresca"

Far from the hustle of the rebuild process, and north of Paradise Valley, Phoenoia, lies one of the best known cities of Pheonoia.  This city, of course, is Mt. Fresca.



Nestled in the shadow of Mt. Fresca, shown above, the city is the highest city in Paradise Valley.  Which is fitting considering that Fresca Peak is the highest point in Phoenoia, as well as the rest of Pacific Island. 



Fresca Peak is also nearly the highest point in North America, only beaten out by Mt. McKinley by a mere 500 feet.  Currently Mt. Fresca (the city) is experiencing some pretty good snowfall, and temperatures range from 13-56 degrees Farenheit  (-10.6 - 13.3 degrees Centigrade). 



Today we are going to the most sacred part of Mt. Fresca.  To a district of the city named "Old Town" Mt. Fresca, a snapshot of time (on the outside) where tourists can come and visit the beginings of the town.  This first shot is of Town Square and City Hall are located.  The center of the park was where the statue of the founder, Jason Fresciopa, had stood, before being blown by a homemade explosive from an RNAI-supporting Mt. Fresca Resident.  Plans are already underway to construct another statue of the founder, to fill the hole in the middle of an otherwise beautiful historic park.  It should also be noted the uniquness of City Hall.  While normal looking, City Hall is still what it says, the City Hall of Mt. Fresca.  Even with the city's expansion and the movement of most government offices downtown, City Hall passed a law that City Hall may never move from its location, or to another building.  Another point that makes this a historic setting.  The current mayor, Joseph Cross, is rather proud of his city, and is not a mayor to stay cooped up inside.  You can see him outside, usually at Town Square.



Surrounding Town Quare, and growing outwards is the Commerce Center.  Begining from just the area around the Square, the Commerce center was the cause of such growth, as it just continued growing out, adding more residence and starting a trend.  One notable feature (that many find ugly) is the foundation built under many of these stores, lifted the land level enough to build on.  However, a city law for the "Old Town" allows for restoration only, however the building themselves may not be rebuilt for a more appealing look.  Its just eyecandy that residents have learned to ignore, and tourists have learned to respect.



Of course, the reason for the start of the city is the residents here.  Starting from a single dirt road, the Old Town boasts street with the classic mountain cabins.  The oldes cabins are the larger ones, home to the richer residents.  These cabins are still used as a residential building, as noted by the smoke coming from them.  Again, no other buildings or construction work may be used, however, many of the residents here bought the houses long since vacated by the original owners.



Lining the original residentials is Service Road, first built as the access route to the city power plant and water pump.  It also became the prime road for residents, and therefore the main services were built.  The first medical clinic, Hillside Medical, is closest to where the powerplant is.  Next to that is the first school, Mt. Fresca Education Center, which still holds students of all grades, despite its small size.  Next to that is the first Fresca County Sheriff's Department, though the county headquarters moved Downtown.  Lastly is Station 1 of the Mt. Fresca Fire Department, the first response station to the mountain of the old district, as wildfires are prone in the summer.



Down Service Road more, past the power plant, is Fresca Academy of Young Scholars, a privately funded institution of gifted learning.  It can take about 200 students, and is hailed as one of the best learning institutions in Pheonoia.  Next to that is the old Mayor's Manor, now a museum in honor of Jason Fresciopa, as this was his home, built for him by the residents of Mt. Fresca at the time.  Some say that the ghost of Jason still wanders the manor, sometimes standing on the balcony overlooking the mountain, as that was his favorite spot.



One of the most honored features of historic Mt. Fresca is the Mountainside Campgroup, a place designed by him, created him, and finished in hornor of him.  Service Road turns here continuing towards City Hall, and the Service Road trailhead is actually a back entrance, for the experience campers and mountainmen to enjoy a challenging route, which actually takes them for a bit deep into the mountain, to come out to the campsites.  The Boy Scouts of Pheonoia, or BSP, always take their troops up here.  Below is a mosaic of the main campsite area.



It is only during the winter months that the trails here are seen so easily, normally the trees cover up the campsites, making them perfect locations, as the camp areas are cleared.



The biggest of these camps in the campground is a parade field style camp area known as the Fresca Camps.  Here is for the large groups, or for group camping.  You can cearly see in detail the bathrooms and shower areas



Besides the camp grounds, the mountain area here is also home to Fresca Game, a hunting lodge and club that has highly regulating hunting seasons for recreation.  However, hunters are required to turn in a whole body, and leave nothing out there.  Also is the Ranger outpot for the camground, and to watch the hunters, as well as the Jackson Hot Spring, another plus to camping.



Here is the head of the Campground area, with the Ranger station to check in, as well as roadside equipment, and recreation, for those just visiting, but not camping.  This place is where it all began, the place where Fresciopa built his first lodge, and his friends helped build the village.  It was a shame that the village had burned beyond repair in a wildfire suring the summer of 2002.  Still, there are pictures posted showing what it used to look like:





Lastly for today, is the Slopes of Time ski resort, holding the honor of the first ski resort of Mt. Fresca, and one of the busiest of a skiground of this size.  Boasting a large parking lot at the bottom, the ski resort can take up to a hundred to 200 skiers at a time, though it never gets that busy.  On average, a typical day sees close to 1500 skiers and snowboarders goes down the historic slopes.  And don't let the image fool you, there is a state of the art skilift in place:



Ok, well, maybe not that state of the art, but it is a fully functional lift system, and to date, there has only been five lift closers on any of the runs.  Lastly, on the three main runs, Stoic, Foolhardly, and Goldeneye, it has a lighted slope to allow for night runs, as well as a side aid for casual relaxing.



Well, I hope you enjoyed our first day here in Mt. Fresca, Phoenoia.  Feel free to stay here and enjoy the slopes.  You can stay at the Mountain View Ski Resort Hotel for the night.  Have fun!

[Emperor Stormont]

That looks fantastic Kevin, love the snow mod, the whole town looks stunning, fabulous work.

[bigberta]

Very well done 

[Strechnitz]

wow! that resort is very well done indeed.

I love the bats you use. and the snow makes me want to go on a skiing holiday myself

Strechnitz.

[bat]

Wonderful work on that city! And great pictures with snow!

[suplado!]

cool work...really like the snow terrain!!

[Xiziz]

Nice work here! Snow looks great, and tis nice to see you using more coustom content

[SIMplMn9]

Sorry it took so long.. work and final, ahhhhh!!



Emperor Stormont - Glad you like the snow.. took me forever to get it right... still not perfect, but it will do.

bigberta - Thank you, enjoy the next update!

Strechnitz - Well, you better book now.. these slopes are always sold out...

bat - Nothing says Christmas in the mountains like snow...

suplado! - It's actually not snow ont he terrain.. its just lots placed there with snow..

Xiziz - I'm glad you are liking the Custom... I working on it...

canuck3360 - Sorry for not responding, I hope Pheonoia is doing well.

sebes - Ah! Forgot about you too!  Well, Welcome to the Grand Republic of Pheonoia.  Good to see you here.





Update 2.2:

The Rest of Old Town Mt. Fresca


Well, its late December, and you know what that means, its Christmas in Mt. Fresca.  While Downtown still has the hustle and bustle, I think we should at least stay in Old Town.  Besides, Old Town is the only place where its the Christmas Holiday, not the Holiday Season.  This tradition goes back to the first people, who really went all out on Christmas.  The town at that time was completely Christian and Catholic (Fresciopa was Roman Catholic), and from there, it just stuck.  Even the minor Jewish population had taken part int he Christmas celebration, to the point that anyone with a problem just didn't live there.

Today, for the most part, the city is very neutral to the holiday season, but Old Town still keeps its tradition.  In order to live there, you have to agree for a full holiday display, and be a member of the community.  So, lets see some key areas for Holiday enjoyment.



Here is the first modern schools in the city, Newhall Elementary and Middle School, and to the left it, Fresca County High School.  Why would I dare show schools?  Well, every year Old Town has the Historic Mt. Fresca Christmas Parade, which starts on Farralone Rd, and drives right up to City Hall for an end of parade festival.  In fact, you are just in time, take a look:



Ok, I know, that banner clearly was fixed, but c'mon, the school used to be called Sheppard County... why keep the name of the dictator?  Anyways, FCHS is rather happy, probably because they won the first National Marching Band Competition, just bearly beating out Paradise Valley High School with their "Tribute to John Williams" set.  Very superb.  First act was Harry Potter, followed by Star Wars, and ending with Indiana Jones. 



Look, its the Make a Wish children on Engine 15 of the Mt. Fresca Fire Department.  Make a Wish this year raised 154 million Pheonoian Dollars for displaced children of Pheonoia.



Awww, aren't they cute?  Its the Little Strings, a non-profit group that meets at the Elementary school, and teaches young kids the wonders of musicianship.

Ok, that was fun, now, lets see the rest of the Old Town....



Of course, the biggest part of the Christmas season is shopping, and here is the biggest in the area, the Fresca Peak Mall.  Built in 1998, the mall boasts over 300 stores, and 7 big department stores, as well as the theater.  The mall is like its own city, complete with food areas, seating, and all sorts of needed things.



Along Farralone Road (remember that place?) is Santa Claus Lane, a street that holds Santa's a Village, a holiday center holding everything one needs (if they choose not to brave the mall).  It has rides, a petting zoo, food area, and of course, shops.  All in all, a nice place to be, and it in its 4th year running, having started in 2003.  People can also walk the northern trails and see "Santa's Rest Stop", a place that looks like a Reindeer landing pad.  There, the kids are greeted by Santa himself, and given gifts.  They can even see one of his reindeer.

Still, many believe that this is a real landing pad for Santa, during his stops in Mt. Fresca.  There was even one photo taken....

Also, south of the villiage, you can see part of the Fresca Speedy Rail system, or FSR.  This is a monorail-like system contructed in 2005, to give quick travel to all tourists coming into the vacation spot.  However, the FSR has grown since, and is not a public transportation system.  This is the Old Town Stop, with the line going to the Fresca Slopes, and the line coming from The Peak.



Last on this stop, is the last area contructed before the city ordinance that made this Old Town a historical site.  This is the Twin Peak neighborhood, with more suburban housing and a modern feel.  With the Twin Peak Road right in the middle, the neighborhood is almost symmetrical.  A prime location, the housing in this area is in the millions, even the smaller housing.

For all your transportation fans, at the bottom of the Old Town (picture is taken facing the South), you can see Highway 105, one of the major roadways in Pheonoia.  This highway goes straight through the northern cities, bending south to wrap around Mt. Fresca.  This route is a necessary route fro all current Union forces guarding Pheonoia from the RNAI.

It's not much, I know, but I did my best with what I had.  I promise things will be better again after the new year.  Besides, the next update will be....

Downtown Mt. Fresca

Stay tuned!

[Yoman]

I'm really liking the lodges here in  Mt. Fresca, looks like a great winter town taht is sure to have fun celebrating christmas.

For old town American style you might want to check out some of the Simgoober w2ws and Spa's stuff that should be on LEX, and instead of using that mall you may want to check out this one, highly recommended, great lot.

[Strechnitz]

Rebuilding a country after war is an exhausting feat. Why not come to Stropon and have a ball mr President?
I do apologise for the misspelling on the invitation. instead of "your majesty" it should have read "my lord President"

Strech.