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June 23 wildlifeIt is quite beautiful here on Vancouver Island in the rain forest.Yesterday we walked the dogs in a park and we checked out all the big slugs,I mean big.. and in the rain we saw 2 tiny salamanders on the path and as always deer.great beauty and fresh air,we met someone who has 350 acres near here and she has bears on her land,we don't need those here,the dogs wouldn't know what to do.Another great day today.a little rain but so slight it didn't even get us wet.. June 14 Just a short updatejust a little update,i am going to upload 2 groups of photos.The first group is related to our cross Canada trip,not all areas are covered but a few highlights,then a few photos of our house and property in B.C.
June 12 ONE DAY AT A TIMEWe are still unpacking,seems endless.
Brady made it home looking like an Angel with a halo,or else like a lamp with a lampshade over his head.when we picked him up at the vets i decided to pick him up myself to pt him in the truck,big mistake,but I did it to keep him from ripping his stiches.After getting home he was running around and playing like nothing had happened to him.i guess people should heal that quickly.He was fighting and tugging with Sam the same day,tough dog.
We didn't take him for long walks for the first few days but I'm sure it didn't matter,he was up for anything.
We still haven't had a lot of rain but people tell me it will come.
i walked around the property and tryed to find the lot markers,thats hard enough on a normal property since the small iron posts aren't sticking out of the ground much but worse when property on a hill covered with trees and debris.But I managed to find one side of the lot so i will work on finding the other side soon
We still se deer all the time,very nice.
Shopped for a car for Kate as she sold her other one in Newfoundland just before we left.We met a really nice young salesman and decided to get a 2007 wave,not new ,about a year old with only 15000 kms.We drove it home today,nice silver small car,we should save a little on gas since we have had to take the big "rig" whenever we go anyplace,nice to travel and to haul the dogs but too big for day to day driving.
We picked up a cabinet to put our towels and bedding in,16 pages of assembly instructions,500 screws and 28 wood panels as well as other small parts too numerous to mention,should keep me busy til winter.(or spring)
Living on a moutain is great except the other evening I decided to take a walk,it was good for the 2 kilometers downhill but the return uphill was a killer.I think the road goes up about 300 meters in the 2 kilometers so it is a mighty big hill.
Maybe we will get a chance to take the dogs to the beach swimming sometime soon,I know they would like that.
At least now we have most of our pots and pans unpacked so we have some meals at home(not that we need much food)I heard today on the radio that Victoria is # 1 in the world for men living long,something to do with nice weather and lots of exercise,I wonder if I am included without the exercise... June 03 Still unpackingWe have been at our home for about 17 days and it seems the pile of boxes is getting a little smaller..??
We found our bed and matress around the 5th day but at least we had an air matress to sleep on(as long as we kept the dogs with their claws off we were ok).
About the 8th day we found the coffee maker then a couple of days later,the toaster,so now mornings are getting better.
After a week also,we invited a few people over for a barbeque,mistake or not at least we were motivated to put a few things away and get a couple rooms to look presentable.The barbeque went ok,nothing fancy but everyone said they enjoyed it.
Another thing,we live in the rainforest but in all the time we have been here we have had about 20 minutes of gentle rain,(I know i will likely regret that statement at some point).
One room used to be a young boys room,bright green walls with black doors,we decided to make it our dining room,so after a few coats of paint,new curtains,new lights,we were in business.
One day we thought there was a bird trying to get in but after a while we determined we had a bird trying to get out,I retrived the small bird before our 2 retrievers did, and released him out to the wilds.I,m sure he was thankful I got there first.
Kate said a bird in the house is bad luck,well she was right,the next 2 days our dog Brady was looking poorly and had a few accidents at night,he brought up about 3 good sized rocks,then one morning I saw blood on the floor and he didn't eat his breakfast,anybody who knows Brady knows that he always eat anything he sees;we called a vet right away and they said to bring him down,since it was a Friday i thought we better get him in since by Monday I thought it would be too late the way he looked.So in we went and they checked him,he had lost 13 pounds,(we are thinking of taking up eating rocks)then they said he better stay for x rays and blood tests.By the time we arrived home they called to say he had a rock in his small intestine and they should operate.We gave the go ahead and by 1:30 in the afternoon he was on the table.They called to update that they took out a large rock and that they thought the intestine,though damaged would likely heal.The vet calls every morning with an update and says he will likely come home tomorrow,monday.In the meantime our other dog Sam has been really happy having us to himself and the house to himself too when we are gone but I'm sure he misses Brady,he's like a kid that likes it when his sister goes away but also is happy when they come back.
We have a couple of deer that we see most evenings and that is nice.Also we have learned that slugs in B.C. are different to what we had in Ontario,the ones here are about 3 inches around and 5 inches long.Big and ugly but good for the soil i understand.
Thats all the news I can think of right now.It has been very hot here but some of that is because our bodies are still on Newfoundland weather. May 19 Day #25 Across CanadaAfter our breakfast at ihop,we drove to the Richmond mall so Kate could shop.Then we were ready to check out the ferry schedule and upon arriving we purchased a ticket and went into line and within 30 minutes we boarded and were off.It was such a beautiful day and the ferry crossed between 2 islands and it must slow down to do that,just a great voyage,an hour and half and then we drove to Victoria,picked up our key and headed to our house.
After a 45 minute drive we arrived and were quite worn out.Since all of our furniture is still not unpacked we set up our air matress and went to bed.About 4 in the morning we were cold and I found a sleeping bag to cover with.The dogs wouldn't leave our side,worried we were taking off again.
Finally got some sleep but dogs got up early and wanted to get in the SUV to go again.
We now have lots of unpacking and setting up to do so we may be a few days getting this going again.
Hopefully we can go back over our recordings we made as we travelled and add more things we forgot to write when first doing this blog. May 16 Talking about Day # 23 Across Canda
Quote Day # 23 Across Canda Day # 24 Across CanadaI hate to repeat my introduction all the time but we awoke to another great sunny warm day.
We had a great breakfast in Hope,BC then we were off towards Vancouver.It is a short day today..
We drive through more gorgeous scenery,more vineyards,farmlands,just great again...
The mountains are all around us now..
Finally we arrive at our motel in Richmond(just outside Vancouver),I check and find we are on the 3rd floor which is no good with 2 dogs,so I check with another and find I can have driveup so off we go to check it out.It is good so we carry in a little luggage and then head off to see Stanlet Park.I must admit that after all the way across Canada with little problems we (me) get lost about 3-4 times,my gps has trouble keeping up with my before or after turns.Finally we arrive at Stanley Park(this is the same Stanley who donated a cup to all Canadian hockey teams except Toronto ha ha)We put the leashes on the dogs or visaversa and proceed to walk around.Such devestation from last winters winds.Trees that have stood for hundreds of years are now down flat,some still standing are 150-200 feet tall so it is unreal to see.On some trees the roots appear too be only 10 feet deep which likely is the cause of some of the toppling.Still it is beautiful to see natures forces in destruction..
After a walk around with the dogs we go back to a relaxing dinner.Tomorrow is hopefully the last leg of this journey.. May 14 day # 22 Across CanadaAfter a short day Sunday we get up and turn on the heat.A little cool in the morning ,we kick Sam out of bed and then we feed them and go to get a coffee.It is another beautiful sunny day.We are planning on a good days drive to Kamloops but you know,,,things change.....
The mountains are just beautiful with their snowcapped tops.Snow on the tops and along the way the ground is snowcovered and we see a frozen lake..We stop for breakfast at Lake Louise,nice restaurant,mountain view.Then off we go and guess what,mud slide at Rogers Pass,past Golden and road is closed..We ask the girl directing traffic and she says the last she heard is that they are considering pulling out the workers because of danger..We ask what to do..She says she thinks nothing will be open till morning and suggests going all the way south and around.Past banff but on the other side of the mountains.Ok we decide,why not..Gods Plan for us..
off we go and much more driving today than planned..Around Windemere we see many more Hoodoos,more than yesterday,we also see mountain goats and deer.
The mountains are still snowcapped and just beautiful as they surround us here.
We are soon very close to the USA,and we are entering Kootnee pass,it is awesome,it goes up and up and up until everything is snowcovered but THEN we go down down down,the smell of burning brakes and the signs for truck runoffs really dig into our souls..Finally we reach the bottom(or so we thought)We are planning on spending the night in Castegar,we did not realize that to get there we had to go up another 2500 feet-but then--down another 3500 feet in about 2 miles,breathtaking doesn't descibe it...
Finally we arrive at the hotel..Good night.
Sam and Brady are going to have to tell their version when we are done this Day # 21 Across CanadaAs usual we awake to a beautiful sunny day.Today being Mothers day we decide to make it a short day.Just to Banff.the drive out of Calagry is beautiful,the road is very high and the city is low down,around the Bow River.Just beautiful to see.We follow the road and it turns west towards Banff.We follow it and it is just more beautiful,we stop along the way at a roadway and the dogs have fun running around.
he mountains in the view are still snowcovered and magnificent.We arrive at Banff and our cabin is now ready yet.(hard to find a pet friendly place in Banff)We decide to drive to tunnel mountain in the park.On the way we saw a herd of elk ,we took the dogs and walked to the top of the hill and the hoodoos are magnificent,they look like ancient Gods standing there but actually they are part of the mountain that has not been washed away as the limestone has been.There are many signs of wildlife(and the dogs check them all).It starts to sprinkle so we decide to go to our cabin.the town is having construction done in the downtown area and with the rain,Kate decides shopping is the best thing to do.Our cabin is small and the bathroom is even smaller but hard to find places that accept dogs.we can tell that many other dogs have been here(and so can Sam and Brady) but we deodorize and its ok.After dinner at a nice Irish Pub we retire for the evening.i guess Sam feels lonely as he decides to join us in bed.Small bed without him...Oh well..We are all having fun... May 13 Dat # 20 Across CanadaUp to another beautiful day.But that would change.
We checked booklets to see what to do and decided to just take the dogs to a park for a walk but first we would stop to say hi to Jamana as Kate didn't come last night when I went to see her and Sami.Their home is about 5 minutes away so off we started,partway the airconditioning fan quit,Great i said,then the windows wouldn't work,then the lights quit.Soon we arrived at the alley behing their home and just behing their house the suv quit running.Kate took nthe dogs to their yard as it was getting about 22 degrees and with windows closed the dogs were hot.I tried to start the car but the battery was dead.I decided to walk to the Ford dealer by our hotel.A long hot walk in more ways than one.They were too busy and couldn't look at it until monday.Back I started to Sami's,i called him and he stated he would leave work early and bring a jumperbattery.
He arrived and started the car before i got back but as soon as he disconnected the battery it quit.Finally I arrived and we decided it was the alternator.
He hooked the battery up and we closed the hood and off we went,me following him to Canadian Tire.Traffic was busy and it was about 8 kms away.I missed a light that he made it through so there I was wondering where he was.The fan stopped again so I knew the jumper battery was going dead now.I didn't try the windows so it was HOT.
Finally I saw Sami in the left turn lane waving at me,over I moved and followed.We went down a street and turned and traffic was backed up as far as I could see.Lets go I said to myself.Finally after a few minutes we were off.We arrived at Canadian Tire,in I ran,can you replace an alternator for me I asked..NO we are too busy...I asked,do you have one?yes he stated,Good...get it out I am going to park the suv before it quits and we will do it here.Out I ran,parked the car and sami got his tools out and started to work.I ran in and brought the alternator out.i got my tools out and there we were side by side like in Windsor.Lots of comments from shoppers but in about 20 minutes we were done.
But the battery was dead and it wouldn't start.I ran inside again and the counterman said I could use his jumperbattery.We got it running and the cashier said"have a nice day" I said,it's getting better.
Back to Sami's we went and Kate was exhausted from the dogs,they were just wanting to play and check everything out in the yard.Sami and Jamana made a wonderful barbeque for us and they were getting ready to drive to edmonton to visit friends overnight for moms day.
We thanked them for everything and we left.
all the way across canada,in the prarie,in the northern ontario mountains and our car breaks down in the alley behing our friends house.Thanks od for looking after us.
We went out for dinner and treated ourselves to an icecream after the hectic day,(The dogs too)
We still can't believe how fortunate we were.Some people would be upset but we ar thankful for God and friends...
May 12 Day #19 Across CanadaAs usual another wonderful day weatherwise.We left Regina and headed out to Calgary.A great nights sleep and dogs are ready to go.
For miles and miles we could see flat prarie plains as far as you could see.Then we would see another 2-3 mile long train.
There were many more lakes than we thought were here.
Along one stretch we could see a large white mountain in the distance and once we were closer we pulled over to look.It was still a few miles away but it looked about 300 feet high and a mile long and as far as we can figure it is a potash mine.It really shows up in such a flat area.
Later on our drive we arrived at a lake that has huge piles of white material and a large power shovel in the water,we assumed again that this is salt.We will have to do further research but they were both interesting to see.
Further along we could see small ponds in the fields with a white ring around them.
Many herds of cattle but not as crowded as Ontario beef farms,it seems the cattle have a much larger grazing area here.
Finally we were driving through rolling hills where you could almost see where the glaciers had cut paths into the hills as the water run off.
Just before approaching Alberta we were hit with a short 10 minute rain storm,out here you can see it building for miles and we thought maybe we could avoid it but it hit us with a rather strong force and large drops but just for a short time,it actually helped to get some of the bugs off the windshield.
It was now beginning to get warmer by midafternoon,it got up to around 22 but we were in the truck so not a problem.
We arrived at Calgary around 6:00 p.m. and after driving across the plains and being spoiled we were now in rush hour with busy roads.Our gps found the route and we arrived at our hotel,very nice room,econo lodge,after bringing in the luggage we went off to a nice pub down the road and had a great scottish dinner .
After dinner Kate was worn out so while she stayed with the dogs I went and had a good visit with my friend from Windsor,Sami.
We had a really good visit sitting around his campfire in his backyard and his wife and kids all say they love Calgary and woundn't go back to Windsor.People here are more kind and friendly.After our visit Sami drove me back to our hotel as I had walked over to his house,it being only 20 minutes away.
Another great day.Tomorrow we are taking a break and staying an exter day here. May 11 Day # 18 Across CanadaWe left Winnipeg into another sunny day,temps a little cooler,around 11 instead of 29 like yesterday.today we have planned to go to Delaraine a small town about 20 kms from North Dakota.This is the town where Kates dad was born as we have heard that his father was a dentist here and this will also be a good way to get off the trans Canada and see a little remote Manitoba area.The road heads fairly paralell with the trans Canada for a while and its a good road but many more farms and elavators along here.Very lovely.We notice most of the trees are around the houses,to protect from winter winds and cool in the summer.
We stop at a great roadside park and explore the area.They have built bird houses in the marsh,the houses are cylinder in shape about 2 feet long and about 8 inches around and are made of a moss material.We note there are lots of ducks,geese,red wing black birds as well as others.
Then we proceed southward and we actually encounter some large hills which is different than the flat prarie we have been driving through.
We arrive in Delaraine and after a lunch at a small restaurant ,DJ'S.we proceed to the library and chat with a couple of people there and check books and old newspaper reels but unable to find much.We do find articles describing dentists coming through town on the train and will be in the second floor of the hotel performing service.Quite interesting.The town has about 200 residents so we are not sure how many back in 1910 but we had fun anyway.
Our gps takes us down a country road to get back to trans Canada,I stop and the dogs run around and then I see dust coming so put them back in and drive away,about a mile away I said"did I put both dogs in?"Kate says"you are losing it aren't you?"I stop and check and they are both there.
Yesterday we saw all kinds of burning fields where they burn off the straw and here today we see more results of blackened fields.
We also see some old style elavators which are quickly disappearing as they are replaced with more efficient new ones.
Then the gps takes us down another gravel road then into what seems like a campground.There is a rather large lake-Oak Lake- so we stop and both dogs have lots of fun chasing sticks we throw into the lake,even Sam appears younger and having lots of fun.
Soon we are on TrandCanada and there seems to be construction forever,it extends right into Saskatchewan.Beautiful here but seems to be less farms along the road.Many farmers planting.
Finally we arrive in Regina and after a delightful dinner at an Italian place next door we get ready for bed.The dogs are already snoring.
May 10 Day 17 Across CanadaJust another beautiful day,temps went up to 29 c. but a/c was working good in the suv.As we left Thunder Bay we approached another wide load as we did yesterday,seems like a lot here likely coming up the lake on freighters,after a short time they stopped so we could pass although they do travel close to the speed limit anyway.
Not as many mountains just smaller hills and lots of lakes everywhere.so still much twisting in the road just not up and down as much.The scenery is not as spectacular as yesterday but still good.Trees and rocks,we passed a granite quarry and the rocks along that section were very nice to look at.
The road here follows beside a train track and at times there were miles of grain cars,then next we would see huge lines of containers then again we would see coal cars,very nice..
Soon we approached a sign stating we were moving into another time zone,still a ways to go in Ontario,this is definitly a large province,not just Toronto as some people think.
But soon we were approaching Manitoba.Almost immediatly the land flattened out .A short while later we passed a sign stating we were halfway geographically across Canada.manitoba seems so flat compared to Ontario.Each province is so unique in its own right. May 09 Day # 16 Across CanadaWe awoke again to a fairly good day,a little overcast early but not raining.As we drove from Sault Ste.Marie it began to get quite foggy in places.We noticed ice and snow on the lake,this we figure was the cause of the fog.
About 20 minutes north we pulled over for the dogs.We drove down towards a harbour and it was actually a beach.The dogs ran and played and Sam went in the water and started dragging out big limbs for Brady to play with.The water was smooth with cross lines that looked just beautiful.By the beach there were 4 loon swimming,not bothered in the least by our presence.One was more white than the others.
As we drove Kate commented on the large moose signs reminding us about moose at night and wondered out loud why are there no bear signs ?
The road today was 700 kms long and not 1 kilometer was either around a corner,up a mountain,down a mountain or all at the same time.
We passed some mines owned by Barrick,Bill williams mine and some more.Very large block like structures.A large pipe went over the highway which I assumed was for water to clean the ore for getting the gold.
About 40 kms from ThunderBay the traffic was stopped and after about a 40 minutes stop we started to move,all day we had noticed police escorts for large units and figured it was just one more but as we moved along we could see there had been a fire and it had jumped the road causing the police to shut down the road for most of the day.I heard if we had been 6 hours earlier they would have turned us around.So thanks that we were later.
Just after that stop the traffic was down to one lane for construction.I decided to pullover to feed the dogs.They jumped out,ate,and immediately jumped back in,I guess they didn't want to be left out there.Another day done.I would definetly recommend travelling west on the shore of lake superior to anyone,the sights are spectacular.. May 08 Day # 15 Across CanadaYes another beautiful sunny day.We left Sudbury and knew we had a short drive just to the Soo today.Great drive and we noticed the pine trees here look like typical Christmas trees type whereas in Newfoundland they have a topknot,we aren't sure why but speculate possibly from the winds.The rocks here look similiar,very large.
We stopped at a diner in Bruce Mines for a delicious lunch.Coffee great and we noticed the french fries to taste real.We think possibly homemade from Russett potatoes.
Then on to the Soo and about 20 kms from town we saw a field with about 100 bison,not sure if they are raised for meat or the reason for such a large herd here.
Off for the rest of the trip and after checking in we took a great walk along the boardwalk along the river edge,very wonderfully done and spectacular view.It was beginning to get a little overcast but just a hint of rain.
On our way we passed the people protesting the circus with signs saying "NO DUMBO"
We stopped later at a restaurant I believe called west 142,we both had delicious steaks.
Back to our room and Brady had my t bone and Sam had a large dentbone we bought and they both enjoyed Kate's bacon from her filet.
Another great day done,tomorrow a long drive to Thunder Bay and the weather report is 26 with a humidex of 31.We shall see. May 07 Day # 14 Across CanadaAnother day of rest.It seems every Sunday works good for us to do as the Bible says to take a day of rest.
We slept in a bit later than usual then after breakfst we went to Science North,what a great site,especially good for children with many hands on places for them to learn.We enjoyed the self guided audio tour.It explained the rock structure and the plates under the earth shifting and the fault line.Also about the meteorite that hit here millions of years ago.Then we watched the IMAX movie about Everest,very interesting and then a 4 d movie about bushplanes that was a ride simulator with moving seats,water spray and a snake like object brushing our legs.Well worth a visit for families.Then we just relaxed and walked the dogs a few times around the park.Then baqck to our room to rest.great day...
May 06 Day # 13 Across Canada --Half way__!!!And yet another beautiful day.We stayed overnight in Brampton and met Steven and Ha (Nephew and his pregnant wife)at Dennys for a nice breakfast and great visit.He is off to Switzerland to visit his dad just recuperating from hear surgery.
After leaving we headed for Hwy 400 and off to Sudbury,great scenery,a little like Newfoundland but green grass and the trees are taller..
We stopped at Parry Sound (Bobby Orr country)We had a nice walk with the dogs by the river then lunch at Don Cherrys and back on the road for another hour.Some construction along the way but traffic light.
We arrived in Sudbury and after checking in we drove to the Science North area and walked the dogs.Of course they both went swimming in the lake,Brady bringing large rocks up off the bottom(I don't know how he holds his head under water for so long)
They had fun..Then we drove towards Big Nickle mine road,large piles of some sort of dirt that is being planted with trees I believe.Then we drove up to the 30 foot high Big Nickle,Quite a beautiful thing to see also,there was a gala there since it was around 7:00 pm,lots of people dressed up in suits and nice dresses.
Back to our room and to bed.. May 05 Day # 12 Across CanadaBlessed with another beautiful sunny warm day.After breakfast and packing up we moved off again.
Stopped in Tilbury to do a little car lisence business then off on our way.
Called my brother but just left a message,as we got closer to London area I called again and agreed to meet at coffee shop in Lambeth.So after a short walk with dogs around service center park,we were off to meet him.
Arrived and had a great visit with him,his friend Julie,her daughter and granddaughter who operate the coffee shop.Talked about his health and his future work plans and then we were off.
Hugs and handshakes and away we go.
Stopped in Kitchener and after finally finding the retirement complex after getting lost,we had a very nice visit with Aunt Bette.She is feeling much better since moving to this place with better care and her legs have improved to the point that she is able to walk outside at times with just a cane.Last year she was unable to even get out of bed.
Off we went and found a Kelseys to have a late supper(8:00 pm)Then after about an hour we arrived at our motel and went very quickly to bed... May 04 Day # 11 Across CanadaAnother beautiful day,sunny skies warm.
Drove to Tilbury after a great breakfast at Golden Griddle.Walked the dogs around the park then drove off to meet Dave to complete our income tax.Had a wonderful visit and talked about our winter in Newfoundland and our travels.Then off to have lunch with Bob and Shirly.
A very nice lunch and a wonderful visit,discussing the whole scope of things,Religion,politics and travel.
The dogs had a great run around Dave's yard then the same at Bob's,around the yard,through the barns,just a great time off the leash.
Then off again,I dropped Kate at Connie's and I went to visit Kim.Kim was gone working on his daughters roof,such a great dad.So his father in law Neil was there mowing the lawn and I had a great visit with him.
Back to the Church yard and the dogs had another great run around.
Then over to pick up Kate at Connie's home.
I watched a little tv while they visited then Howard came home and we had a nice visit with him.
Off to meet Tanya nd the kids and her new beau - Jordan for dinner.
It seems like we have just been eating today.
Ran the dogs at the park in Belle River then off to Kelseys.
A nice dinner and visit but Tori was so wound up she didn't eat and was quite a busy person.
Finally dinner over,said goodbyes to all,gave Dylan a kite and a little money.
Also gave Tanya a card for Mothers day and her birthday in a couple of weeks.
Back to motel and beddy bye. May 03 Day # 10 Across CanadaAnother beautiful sunny day..We awoke and packed and took off from Burlington,the farmers were planting corn along 403,the skies were blue.
The drive was very nice,a short stop in Woodstock for dog stretching then off.We stopped at a park in Tilbury for the dogs and us,lots of water,I guess major rains lately,fun walk.
Off to visit Janna and her new baby,we surprised her but she didn't seem to mind,showed us over 300 photos of the baby,grandma likes taking photos.Beautiful mural on bedroom wall of lion king by baby's dad,he did an excellent job.
Then off to visit Tanya and Dylan and Tori in Belle River.House looking really good,she has cleaned off deck front and rear and stained a nice color.Tori was off at other friends and Dylan was still at school.
\In a short time I went to pick up Dylan and we went to the park with the dogs.Sam remembered being at this park many times before when we lived here.But it was really soaked with lots of water covering the grounds.They have cut down a few trees and also put in an ashphalt walkway,nice improvements.Then we picked up Tori and went back to Tanya's home.
Off we went for a great dinner at Eastside Marios,nice visit with everyone.
We went to checkin at comfort inn and off I went to wash a few clothes while Kate watched the boys.
A great day in our travels.. |
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