Vacations to Go



 Home

Twilight-2010

 Weddings and Oceans-2010

 Banff Weekend-2010

 Christmas in Disney World-2010

 Future Trips:

 Yellowstone-Teton Adventure-2011

Ireland with a Spot of U.K-2012


 Optional Trips:
 Long Trips-

Cruisin' with Mickey-2011

Ireland

Maui and Kauai

 Oregon
Coast-a-Thon

 Oregon Coast Websites for Vacation Rentals

 Waterton-Glacier National Park

Yellowstone National Park-Long Trip

 

Short Trips:

 Glacier in a Weekend

 Yellowstone National
Park-
Short Trip

 Puget Sound Adventure

 

 Spectacular Yellowstone/Teton

 

 

Day 1

Saturday

    
7:00 a.m. Depart: Spokane  
    (Go east on I-90)  
9:00 a.m. Arrive: Montana Border 100
  Do: Rest Stop  
9:15 a.m. Depart: Montana Border  
12:15 p.m.MT Arrive: Missoula, MT 100
  Do: Lunch and Gas  
1:00 p.m. Depart: Missoula  
3:20 p.m. Arrive: Butte, MT 119
5:00 p.m. Arrive: Bozeman, MT 82
  Do: Dinner  
6:00 p.m. Depart: Bozeman  
    (Continue on I-90.  Take exit 333 in Livingston onto Hwy 89 going south.)  
7:30 p.m. Arrive: Gardiner 83
7:40 p.m. Arrive: Mammoth Hot Springs 3
  Do: Yellowstone National Park $25-car  
  Lodge: 
Budget Cabin $$101/4 People
2 Double Beds, Simple motel-style units without private bathroom. These units have two double beds and a sink with hot and cold running water. Communal bathrooms with private showers are located nearby. No telephone. Pets allowed. No cooking. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking. Towels and linens are included in all cabin units. 		(487) 
   
Hotel Room $112/4 People
2 Double Beds, Simple hotel rooms without private bathroom. These historic rooms have two double beds, telephone, and a sink with hot and cold running water. Communal bathrooms with private showers are available down the hall. No pets or cooking allowed. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking.		  
   
Frontier Cabin $135/4 People
2 Double Beds, Simple motel-style units with private bathroom equipped with shower, toilet and sink. Two double beds. No telephone. Pets allowed. No cooking. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking. Towels and linens are included in all cabin units.		  






 

Day 2 Sunday    

7:00 a.m.

Do:

 Breakfast-Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel Dining Room  

8:00 a.m.

See:

 Albright Visitor Center  (8-7)  

9:00 a.m.

Do:

Hot Springs Discovery—Explore Yellowstone’s powerful geologic past and present while meandering around the Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces. Learn how these dynamic travertine formations are unique among the park’s thermal features. Route climbs stairs; may be strenuous for some. Meet at the Liberty Cap rock formation, at the base of the hot springs. 1½ hours

  

11:00 a.m.

   Upper Terrace Loop Drive
  

12:00 p.m.

Do:

 Lunch- Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Grill  

1:00 p.m.

Depart:

 Mammoth Hot Springs  
    (From the hotel take the Grand Loop Rd. towards Tower Jct.)  
 

See:
Petrified Tree		  

1:45 p.m.

Arrive:

 Tower

21
   
Tower Falls 132 Ft. (Hike l/2 mile downhill)

 
    Roosevelt Lodge Gift Shop  

4:30 p.m.

Do:

 Dinner- (or see below)
Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room (4:30-9) OR		  
    Old West Dinner Cookout (optional)
The dinner cookouts take place in Pleasant Valley, a large meadow about three miles from Roosevelt Lodge. Guests are transported to the cookout from Roosevelt Corral via covered wagons or horses, all of which arrive at the cookout site about 6:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.
All guests are seated together at open-air picnic tables and dinner is served buffet-style under a protective canvas roof. There is entertainment at the cookout; usually a cowboy singer. All cookout guests return to the Roosevelt area between 8:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
 
  • Steak (12 oz. serving for adults, 6 oz. for children) 
  • All-you-can-eat coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, chuck wagon corn, corn muffins, watermelon, fruit crisp, and assorted beverages.
    One-Hour Ride-The one-hour ride goes through sagebrush flats (following the trail used for the regular one-hour horse ride) to the cookout site. The return ride is direct and takes about 30 minutes. 4:30 p.m.  $66
    Two-Hour Ride-The 2-hour rides goes through woods, sagebrush flats, and meadows (following the trail used for the regular 2 hour horse ride) to the cookout site. The return ride is direct and takes about 30 minutes. Total time on the horse is about 2 hours.  Each departure time will accommodate 20 people.  3:45 p.m.  $80
    Wagon Ride to Cookout-Ride takes 30 - 45 minutes and goes through sagebrush flats (following the same road used for the stagecoach rides) to the cookout site. The wagons are canvas-covered with padded bench seats; each wagon is drawn by two horses. There are six wagons total, each holding up to 30 people.  4:45 p.m.  $55
    		•   
     

    Lodge:
    Roosevelt Lodge Roughrider Cabins- $68/4 People
    Rustic cabin units with sparse furnishings, a wood burning stove and a small table and chair. Two double beds. Communal bathrooms with private showers are located nearby. Two "Presto" logs are provided per night free of charge. No telephone. Pets allowed. No cooking. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking. Towels and linens are included in all cabin units.

    (21)

     













    Day 3 Monday    

    7:00 a.m.

    Do:

    		 Breakfast-Roosevelt Lodge Dining Room ($5.75-$8.25)  

    8:00 a.m.

    Depart:

    		 Tower-Roosevelt Area  

    8:30 a.m.

    Arrive:

    		 Canyon Village

    19
     

    See:

    		 Canyon Visitor Center (8-7)  
       
    Inspiration Point- is a natural observation point. It is at a location where the canyon wall juts far out into the canyon allowing spectacular views both upstream and down.    		  
        Grand View  
       
    Lookout Point-This was a popular lookout for many early visitors to the park. Noticing that it got regular visitation, in 1880 Superintendent P.W. Norris built a railing here and the location has been called Lookout Point ever since.    		  
     

    Do:

    		 Lunch- Picnic Area before Upper Falls or Canyon Village-Canyon Lodge Cafeteria or Dining Room, Outdoor Store fast food, General Store Restaurant  
       
    Lower Falls Viewpoint-The Lower Falls is the tallest waterfall in the park at 308 feet. The arrow at the top of the photo points at a group of visitors on the platform at the Brink of the Lower Falls.    		  
       
    Upper Falls View-Of the two famous Yellowstone River waterfalls this one stands at a higher elevation, but it is considerably shorter in height than its downstream neighbor, the Lower Falls.  The height of the Upper Falls is 109 feet.    		  
       
    Uncle Tom's Trail-The trail drops 500 feet (150 m) in a series of more than 300 stairs and paved inclines.    		  

    3:00 p.m.

     

    		  

    Walking the Edge- Enjoy learning about the ecology, geology, and history of the canyon while walking along the South Rim Trail with a ranger. Gain stunning views of the Yellowstone River, the Upper and Lower Falls, and the gorgeous colors of the canyon walls. Meet a park ranger at Uncle Tom’s Parking Lot on the South Rim Drive (road to Artist Point) for this easy walk of approximately 1 mile. 1½ hours

    		  
       
    Artist Point    		  

    10:00 a.m. 10:40 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:20 p.m. 4:40 p.m.

     

    		  

    Yellowstone Canyon Talk- From a classic viewpoint, enjoy the Lower Falls, Yellowstone River, and the spectacular colors of the canyon while learning about the area’s geology and history. Discover why artists and photographers have been drawn to this special place. Join a park ranger on the lower platform at Artist Point on the South Rim Drive for this short talk. X 10–15 minutes *10 am talk geared for families with children of Junior Ranger age (5–12). X 20–30 minutes

    		  
     

    Do:

    		 Hamilton Store, Nature Shop, Canyon Gift Shop  
        Dinner- Canyon Lodge Cafeteria or Dining Room, Outdoor Store fast food, General Store Restaurant  

    6:00 p.m.
    Sun, Tues, Thurs.

    		  

    Call of the Wild-Both before and since Yellowstone was established as a national park in 1872, people have been drawn to and inspired by this area. The human history of Yellowstone is filled with many fascinating and interesting stories. Join a ranger for an engaging talk about the people of Wonderland. Meet in front of the Canyon Visitor Education Center. X 45 minutes

    		  
     

    Lodge:
    Canyon Frontier Cabin $123/4- 2 Doubles, motel-style units built in the 1950's and arranged in modules of 4 or 8 units. These units have a private bathroom equipped with shower, toilet and sink. Two double beds. They have received basic renovations in recent years. No telephone. No views of canyon. Pets allowed. No cooking. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking. Towels and linens are included in all cabin units.

    (19)









     


     






     



     







     

     

     




     



     


     

    Day 4 Tuesday    

    8:00 a.m.

    Do:

    		 Breakfast- Canyon Lodge Cafeteria or Dining Room  

    9:00 a.m.

    Depart:

    		 Canyon Village  
        (Continue south.)  

    9:30 a.m.

    Arrive:

    		 Lake Village/Fishing Bridge

    16
     

    See:

    		 Visitor Center-(8-7) Exhibits on the park’s birds, other wildlife, and lake geology. Information & YA store.  
        Hamilton Store, Nature Shop, Canyon Gift Shop  
        Mud Volcano (short loop)            

    10:00 a.m.

    		  

    Storm Point Saunter- Wander along the ever-changing lakeshore and through a diversity of landscapes including a lush meadow dotted with wildflowers and an ancient forest of spruce, pine, and fir. Experience Yellowstone in its true splendor. Meet at Indian Pond and the Storm Point trailhead, 3 miles east of Fishing Bridge. Easy. 2 hours

    		  

    9:15 a.m.
    10:45 a.m.

    Optional:

    		 Lake Scenic Cruise- Join a park ranger on a narrated tour on the ethereal water of Yellowstone Lake, with views of the wondrous Absaroka Mountains, historic Lake Hotel & Village, surrounding lodgepole pine forest, and other spectacular sights.  Reservations required in advance through Xanterra Park and Resorts.  Call (307) 344-7311 or stop by the Bridge Bay Marina ($14.25 plus tax) 1 hour  

    11:00 a.m.

    		  

    Beach and River Stroll -“No other lake in North America of equal area lies so high as the Yellowstone, or gives birth to so noble a river,” declared John Muir. Take a close and compelling look at both lake and river, and explore park history.  Meet at the Fishing Bridge Amphitheater. Easy. 1½ hours

    		  

    12:00 p.m.

    Do:

    		 Lunch-Lake Yellowstone Hotel Dining Room or Hotel Deli  

    1:00 p.m.

    Depart:

    		 Lake Village/Fishing Bridge  

    1:30 p.m.

    Arrive:

    		 West Thumb/ Grant Village

    21
        Geyser Basin  
     

    See:
    Grant Visitor Center (8-7)    		  

    10:30 am
    4:00  pm

    		  

    Hot Water Wilderness -Come to the West Thumb Geyser Basin and explore the origins of glittering geysers, belching mudpots, and emerald hot springs. Stroll along the shores of Yellowstone Lake to uncover West Thumb’s explosive past and dynamic future. Meet at the West Thumb Visitor Information Center. Roundtrip distance is ¾ mile. Easy. X with assistance 1¼ hours

    		 

    3:00 p.m.

    Depart:

    		 Grant Village  
        (Go south on Hwy 89/191/287.   

    4:00 p.m.

    Arrive:

    		 Grand Teton National Park (Use Yellowstone Pass)

    20
     

    Do:

    		 Museum Grand Tour-Tour a spectacular collection of American Indian art and artifacts while learning about the native people who make them.  45 minute-ranger led  
        Colter Bay Visitor Center (8-7) A large bookstore, information desk, auditorium, telephones, restrooms  

    5:15 p.m.

    Depart:

    		 Colter Bay  
        (Continue south.  Get park map.)  

    5:30 p.m.

    Arrive:

    		 Jackson Lake Lodge

    4
     

    Do:

    		 Dinner-Jackson Lake Lodge Restaurant  

    8:30 p.m.

    		   Join the ranger for an illustrated talk.  45 minutes  

    9:30 p.m.

    Depart:

    		 Jackson Lake Lodge  
        (Go back north.)  

    9:45 p.m.

    Arrive:

    		 Colter Bay

    4
     

    Lodge:

    		 Colter Bay Log Cabins $155- 2 Doubles and 1 Twin Bed OR $119- 1 Double and 1 Twin
    Colter Bay Tent Cabin $55 – 4 Bunk Beds
    Call (800) 628-9988

    (65)


     

    Day 5 Wednesday    
     

    Do:

    		 Breakfast
    Bring sack lunch    		  

    8:00 a.m.

    Optional:

    		 Lakeshore Stroll-Enjoy panoramic views of the Teton Range on a leisurely stroll and learn about the creation of the landscape.  Meet at Colter Bay Visitor Center Flagpole.  Ranger led (Easy, 1 mile, 1 hour)  
        Inspiration Point Hike- Learn about the creation of the magnificent landscape on a hike to Hidden Falls and a viewpoint above Jenny Lake.  We will take a shuttle boat across Jenny Lake.  This activity is first-come, first served and is limited to 25.  Please obtain a token for each member of your group at the Jenny Lake Visitor Center prior to meeting the ranger.  Boat Fare (RT) Adults $10 2 miles RT, Moderately difficulty  

    9:00 a.m.

    Optional:

    		 Tipi Demo-Join a ranger to learn about the structure that plains Indians called home.  Meet at Colter Bay Visitor Center Back Deck. (45 minutes)  

    9:00-10:30 a.m.

    Optional:

    		 Morning on the Back Deck-Look for wildlife in a wetlands community.  A ranger is on hand with a spotting scope for your viewing pleasure and to answer questions. 9-10:30 anytime (Jackson Lake Lodge Back Deck)  
        (Continue south on Hwy 191/287.  It will go east to Moran Entrance Station.)  
        (Then continue south on Hwy 26/89/191.)  
     

    Arrive:
    Cunningham Cabin-1800’s cabin (Easy 1 hour, ¾ mile walk)

    15
     

    See:

    		 Snake River Overlook-with views of the river and the Teton Mountain Range.  
        Teton Point Turnout  
        Glacier View Turnout-Turnout offers spectacular views of the Teton Mountain Range.  Grand Teton, at 13,770 feet, is the highest peak in the middle, flanked by Mt. Owen on the right and Middle Teton on the left.  
        Blacktail Ponds Overlook-Half-mile north of Moose on Highway 26/89/191. Old beaver ponds have filled in and now support grassy meadows where elk graze during the cooler parts of the day. Several kinds of ducks feed in the side channels of the Snake River. Moose browse on willows growing along the river.  
     

    Arrive:

    		 Moose Junction

    12
        (Turn right on Teton Park Rd.)  
     

    Do:

    		 Craig Thomas Discovery Center (8-7) The Discovery Center features natural history exhibits, a relief map of the park, and an introductory video.  
       
    Menors Ferry Historic Area     -Begins at the Chapel of Transfiguration Parking Lot in Moose and passes Bill Menors cabin and ferry, and an exhibit of photographs at the Maud Noble cabin.  (Easy, l/2 mile loop, l/2 hour)    		  

    3:00 p.m.

    		   A Walk in the Past-Discover the story of Menor's Ferry Historic District and find out how early settlers crossed the Snake River on a cable ferry.  Less than a mile, easy, 45 min.  (Menor's Ferry General Store Porch)  
     

    See:

    		 Windy Point Turnout-has a sign explaining the names of the mountain peaks. You can pull over and take in the scenery, or look for wildlife with a pair of binoculars.  
        Teton Glacier Turnout-lose-in view of the three Tetons  
       
    Jenny Lake Visitor Center (8-7)

    8
        Cascade Canyon Turnout-West of Jenny Lake. Look for, but do not feed, golden-mantled ground squirrels at Inspiration Point. Pikas and yellow-bellied marmots live in scattered boulder fields. Mule deer and moose occasionally browse on shrubs growing at the mouth of the canyon. Listen for the numerous songbirds that nest in the canyon.  
        Mountain View Turnout-features an area where you can pull over, and a sign explaining the names of the mountains included in the scenery.  
       
    Mount Moran Turnout    		  
        Potholes Turnout

    8
     

    Do:

    		 Dinner-Jackson Lake Lodge Restaurant

    2

    7:30 p.m.

    		   Jenny Lake Twilight Walk-Gather for a traditional ranger talk.  Topics will be posted at the VC, amphitheater and campground.  45 minutes (Jenny Lake Camp Circle)  
     

    Arrive:

    		 Colter Bay

    4
     

    Lodge:

    		 Same as Day 4

    (50)
        Fire & Ice Cruise- The Teton landscape is every changing, glaciers recede and forests change.  Embark on a ranger-led boat cruise to learn more about the effects of geology and fire ecology.  Advance ticket purchase Adults $24 required to assure seating, call Colter Bay Marina at 543-2811.  1.5 hours, 1:30 p.m. (Colter Bay Marina)  



    Day 6 Thursday    
     

    Do:

    		 Breakfast-
    Sack Lunch    		  

    9:00 a.m.

    Depart:

    		 Grand Teton National Park  

    9:40 a.m.

    Arrive:

    		 Grant Village  

    10:20 a.m.

    Arrive:

    		 Old Faithful

    20
     
    Do:

    Black Sand and Biscuit Basin Trails-Easily accessed by boardwalks less than a mile in length, Emerald Pool, Sunset Lake, Jewel Geyser, and Sapphire Pool are among the features found in these less visited basins. Both areas are included in the Old Faithful area trail guide.  Trailhead: 0.5 and 2 miles north of Old Faithful area, respectively.  Distance: Less than 0.5 (0.5 km) miles each.  Level of Difficulty: Easy

    1:00 p.m.

    		  

    Black Sand Walk -Discover a lesser-known gem! As you stroll through one of Yellowstone’s most striking hydrothermal areas, you’ll learn about volcanic geology and the unique history of Black Sand Basin. Easy half-mile walk. Meet at Black Sand Basin parking lot, one mile north of Old Faithful. X with assistance 1 hour

    		  
        Midway Geyser Basin Trail-The boardwalk leads visitors by impressive features including Excelsior Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring.  Trailhead: Parking area 6 miles north of Old Faithful.  Distance: 0.5 mile (0.5 km) loop. Level of Difficulty: Easy   
        Firehole Lake Drive- (3 Miles) Great Fountain Geyser  
        Fountain Paint Pot Trail-Yellowstone's four types of thermal features can be seen in one short walk along this loop trail: geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and fumaroles. A trail guide is available for this area, which also includes the Firehole Lake Drive area.  Trailhead: Parking area 8 miles north of Old Faithful.  Distance: 0.5 mile (0.5 km) loop.  Level of Difficulty: Easy

    8
     

    Arrive:

    		 Old Faithful

    8
     

    Do:

    		 Old Faithful Visitor Center (8-7) Award-winning film about hydrothermal features. Geyser eruption predictions. Information & YA book store.  

    5:30 p.m.

    Do:

    Geyser Discovery Stroll -Learn about one of the rarest geological features on Earth—geysers!  Accompany a ranger through the Upper Geyser Basin exploring the world of geysers. Meet at Castle Geyser, ½ mile west of Old Faithful (15-minute walk from the Visitor Center). 1½ hours

    		  
     

    Do:

    		 Dinner- Old Faithful Inn Dining Room, Old Faithful Snow Lodge Restaurant, Old Faithful Lodge Cafeteria, Snack Shop, Lodge Snack Shop  
        Old Faithful Lodge Budget Cabin- $69 1 Double, 1 Twin, No bath, Rustic motel-style units without private bathroom, built in the 1920’s. These units have one double and one single bed and a sink with hot and cold running water. Communal bathrooms with private showers are located nearby. No telephone. Pets allowed. No cooking. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking. Towels and linens are included in all cabin units.  
        Old Faithful Lodge Frontier Cabin- $113 1 Double, Simple motel-style units built in the 1920’s. These units have a private bathroom equipped with shower, toilet and sink. One double bed. No telephone. Pets allowed. No cooking. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking. Towels and linens are included in all cabin units.  
     

    Lodge:
    Old Faithful Inn Old House Room- $120 No Bath 2 Queen Bds Located in the original section of the Inn, built in 1904, these historic rooms have two queen beds, a sink with hot and cold water and historic furnishings. Communal bathrooms with private showers are located down the hall. No telephone. No pets or cooking allowed. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking.    		  
       
    Old Faithful Snow Lodge Western Cabin $169- 2 Queens, Spacious motel-style units built in 1989 and arranged in modules of four units. Each is modernly furnished with two double beds and full bath. No telephone. Geyser basin views are not available. Pets allowed. No cooking. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking. Towels and linens are included in all cabin units.    		  
       
    Old Faithful Snow Lodge & Cabins Room- $201 2 Double, Attractively furnished hotel rooms with modern western-themed lodge furniture, two double beds, full bath and telephone. Rooms are located in Yellowstone’s newest facility, Old Faithful Snow Lodge, completed in 1999. Geyser basin views are not available. No pets or cooking allowed. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking.    		  
       
    Old Faithful Inn Premium Backside East Wing- $213- 2 Double Beds Well-appointed premium rooms with comfortable furnishings, two double beds, telephone, and private bathroom equipped with tub/shower or shower, toilet and sink. These rooms are located on the backside of the East Wing, facing the parking lot. No geyser basin views available. Accessible by elevator. No pets or cooking allowed. All accommodations in Yellowstone are non-smoking.

    (36)


    Day 7 Friday    
     

    Do:

    		 Breakfast
    Sack Lunch    		  

    8:30 a.m.

    		  

    Geyser Hill Walk -Geyser Hill is at the heart of the world’s greatest concentration of geysers.  Experience this special corner of the park and learn about the relationship between Yellowstone’s volcanic history and hydrothermal features on this1¼ mile walk. Meet at the temporary Old Faithful Visitor Center. 1½ hours

    		  

    10:15 a.m.

    Depart:

    		 Old Faithful  

    11:00 a.m.

    		 Arrive: Norris Geyser Basin

    30
      Do: Norris Geyser Basin Museum (9-5) Exhibits on the hydrothermal features of Yellowstone. Information & YA store.  
        Norris Geyser Basin  
    10:00 a.m.
    3:30 p.m.    		  

    World’s Tallest—Talk -Discover how geysers work at the world’s tallest active geyser! Meet at Steamboat Geyser, about a 15-minute walk from the Norris Geyser Basin parking lot. In poor weather, the talk will be held at the Norris Geyser Basin Museum. Check with a ranger at the information desk. 20 minutes

    		 

    1:00 p.m.

    		 Depart: Norris Geyser Basin  
        (Back south on the road.  Exit out Madison to West Yellowstone.)  

    1:45 p.m.

    		 Arrive: West Yellowstone

    32
      See: Shops  
    3:30 p.m. Depart: West Yellowstone  
        (North on Hwy 287.)  
    4:00 p.m. Arrive: 1959 Earthquake Area

    20
      See:
    Earthquake Damage    		  
        (Watch for the junction west to Virginia City still on Hwy 287.)  
    5:00 p.m. Arrive: Virginia City, MT

    47
      See:
    Ghost Town    		  
      Do: Dinner  
    6:30 p.m. Depart: Virginia City  
        (Continue on Hwy 287.  It will enter Hwy 41/287.  Go right/north.  It will become Hwy 55.  Enter I-90.  Go west.)  
    8:00 p.m. Arrive: Butte, MT

    75
      Lodge:  

    (204)


    Day 8 Saturday    

    9:00 a.m.

    Depart:

    		 Butte  
        (Continue west on I-90)  

    11:30 p.m.

    Arrive:

    		 Missoula, MT

    119
     

    Do:

    		 Lunch  

    12:30 p.m.

    Depart:

    		 Missoula  
        (Continue west on I-90.)  

    2:30 p.m.

    Arrive:

    		 Montana Border Rest Stop

    100
     

    Do:

    		 Rest Stop  

    2:45 p.m.

    Depart:

    		 Montana Border  

    4:00 p.m. PT

    Arrive:

    		 Spokane

    100
         

    (319)

     

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