Adventure Hike Travel

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Adventure Hike Travel is dedicated to helping you get outside into the great outdoors. Our goal is to connect you to the natural world, equip you for adventure, and inspire you to start your own journey.

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Hi, I'm Samantha Panzera. I love taking off on adventures, traveling, and spending lots of time in the mountains. I especially love hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, and rock climbing. I started Adventure Hike Travel to help others get outside into our beautiful world. I aim to inspire, empower, and equip others to start going on their own adventures.

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Top 15 Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers of 2018

By Samantha Panzera | February 18, 2018

Top 15 Backpacking Water Filters and Purifiers of 2018 At some point, when backpacking, you will need to replenish your water supply. When that time to fill up comes, filtering and purifying your water to avoid getting sick is extremely important. No matter how crystal clear and beautiful the water from that mountain river or lake may look, there is always the chance that there could be a dead animal rotting upstream. There could always be a virus, bacteria or parasite lurking in the water that can cause you to get sick.  Filtering water really takes hardly any time at all. Better to be safe than sorry. So today’s tip of the day is to filter your water. Below we have gathered up a list of 15 great water filters and purifiers to check out. I really love using the LifeStraw Go 2 Water Bottle. I bring it on all my backpacking and day hiking adventures. On backpacking trips I always have a second water filter on hand too, but I really enjoy being able to quickly have fresh water at each river I pass along the trail or when eating lunch at a beautiful alpine lake. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw for Hiking, Backpacking, and Travel, Blue LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw for Hiking Weight: 7.8 oz (221 g) Filtering 1,000 liters (264 gallons) to 0.2 microns, the award-winning LifeStraw water filter removes 99.9999 percent of bacteria and 99.99 percent of protozoa, including giardia, cryptosporidium and e-coli. Fill from a stream or pond. Simply scoop water from the closest stream, pond or puddle and drink. No need to pump or wait for chemicals to react. The fastest, easiest way to filter water. Ideal for hiking and camping. With a lightweight, leak-proof design and high flow rate, the LifeStraw Go is perfect for outdoor adventures that require a reliable water filter. Shop Now SteriPEN ULT-MP-EF SterPen Ultra UV Water Purifier SteriPen Ultra UV Water Purifier Weight: 4.8 oz. The Steripen Ultra UV Water Purifier uses an Ultraviolet (UV-C) light to destroy germs’ ability to reproduce and make you sick; The SteriPEN destroys over 99.99% of protozoa (including Giardia and Cryptosporidia), bacteria, and even viruses. This cool water purifier can purify up to 32 oz of water in less than 90 seconds. SteriPEN Ultra can be recharged with a USB cord so it can be charged up on a hike off a external battery charger or solar panel! Don’t use with cloudy murky water the UV ray’s do not work as good make sure you have a second filtration system on hand works best with clear water.  Shop Now Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System Weight: 2 oz. The Sawyer Mini removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, like salmonella, cholera and E.coli, as well as, 99.9999% of all protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium. Ideal for outdoor recreation, hiking, camping, scouting, domestic and international travel and emergency preparedness. The Mini easily attaches to included…

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25 Hiking Quotes To Inspire Your Next Daring Adventure. Right here we have collected 25 hiking quotes to inspire you to pack your bag and take a hike. Sometimes life gets in the way and we need a reminder that you always feel better after breathing the fresh air and getting away from civilization for a little while. Grab some friends and hit the trail! 

25 Hiking Quotes To Inspire Your Next Daring Adventure

By Samantha Panzera | February 7, 2018

Right here we have collected 25 hiking quotes to inspire you to pack your bag and take a hike. Sometimes life gets in the way and we need a reminder that you always feel better after breathing the fresh air and getting away from civilization for a little while. Grab some friends and hit the trail!  “Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking; You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits.” ― Cindy Ross “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills “There is a pleasure in the pathless woods… I love not Man the less, but Nature more…” – Lord Byron Climb Mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world. “Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life” ― Michael Palin  “Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb.” – Greg Child “The mountains are calling and I must go.” ― John Muir “I’m a person of the mountains and the open paddocks and the big empty sky, that’s me, and I knew if I spent too long away from all that I’d die; I don’t know what of, I just knew I’d die.” -John Marsden “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir “Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness & growth occurs while you are climbing it.” – Andy Rooney “Each fresh peak ascended teaches something.” – Sir Martin Convay “Mountain hikes instilled in me a life-long urge to get to the top of any inviting summit or peak.” – Paul D. Boyer “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir “Wherever we go in the mountains, we find more than we seek.” ― John Muir “I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in.” ― John Muir “Doubly happy, however, is the man to whom lofty mountain tops are within reach.” – John Muir “Going to the mountains is going home.” – John Muir Back to Blog Related Post 15 Adventure Quotes To Inspire You To Get Out There 25 JOHN MUIR QUOTES TO INSPIRE WANDERLUST Want To Fill Your Life With Adventure? Join our newsletter for an adrenaline-fueled journey! Receive exclusive updates on travel tips, gear reviews, epic hikes, captivating stories, and inspiration to turn your dreams into reality. Don’t just dream it, live it! Get Out There!

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Top 30 Best Women's Hiking Boots In 2018

Top 30 Best Women’s Hiking Boots In 2018

By Samantha Panzera | February 3, 2018

Top 30 Best Women’s Hiking Boots In 2018 Hiking boots are the most important part of your hiking gear. Happy feet equals a happy life on the trail. Getting blisters, or the skin rubbed off your ankles is no fun at all. If there was one item I could recommend you spend your money on to get the best quality it would be your hiking boots. To help all you hikers find the right gear to hit the trail we have collected together our top 30 favorite hiking boot and shoe pic’s for women in 2018. The boots I am currently using on all my hiking adventures are a GorTex Meindl. The style of these boots have changed slightly in the 10 years since I purchased my boots. The updated version is the GORE-TEX Meindl Vakuum Lady Ultra Shoes. I love being able to walk through puddles and not have to stress about my feet getting wet. I love the ankle support my boots provide. 10 years of hiking regularly on weekends and now starting to do some 35 mile 3 day backpacking trips, and these Meindl Hiking Boots are holding up fabulously. I paid around $260. for my boots and despite it being a large chunk of money at the time, I think it is one of the best decisions I have made. My first hiking boots were just a cheap pair that basically fell apart after one season. They were not waterproof and would often cause blisters. I’ve never had this problem with my Meindl Hiking Boots.  When selecting a pair of hiking boots you always want to check out the quality of the materials used to construct the boot. Ask – are they waterproof? What Style? I always prefer high cut boots. With low cut hiking shoes, I just roll my ankles and have a higher chance of injuring myself.  High-cut: My favorite style of hiking boot is High-Cut boots. I love being able to jump from rock to rock and not have to stress about rolling my ankle. High-Cut hiking boots are just awesome for all those adventurous hikers who want to take on more rugged terrain. Meindl Womens D.Trekking Beige Vakuum Lady Ultra Size 4.5 EU Meindl Vakuum Lady Ultra Shoes Upper Nubuck leather. Lining GORE-TEX. Performance Comfort Footwear. Footbed b-dynamic Vakuum Sole Meindl Multigrip rubber tread sole with PU wedge. Weight approx. 620 g nubuk leather/ GORE-TEX® Meindl Highest quality Shoes / Boots Outdoor Shoes / Boots for actives on the mountain, in the desert, nordic walking or for outdoors; the very best footwear alpinists, hiking, climing, walking, adventurers Shop Now Salomon Women’s Quest 4D 2 GTX W Backpacking Boot, Deep Stone Blue/Light Onix, 5.5 M US Salomon Women’s Quest 4d 2 GTX W Backpacking Boot The quest 4D 2 gtx® for women makes backpacking just a little easier. This lightweight but supportive boot borrows from running shoe technology to provide stability and comfort, while keeping the weight down. AND a high-top cuff and…

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15 Adventure Quotes To Inspire You To Get Out There. Adventure Quotes, Hiking Quotes, Travel Quotes, Wanderlust Quotes,

15 Adventure Quotes To Inspire You To Get Out There

By Samantha Panzera | January 25, 2018

There is so much to see and do even in our own hometowns. Every day can be an adventure. Even if it is just lying outside on the lawn at night to watch the stars, or taking a moment to watch the sunrise or sunset. Going somewhere new for the first time can be exciting, whether it be a park right around the corner or taking off into the wilderness on a hiking, backpacking journey, or booking a plane ticket to go and see the world. Right here we have collected 15 adventure and travel quotes to inspire you to get out there and go on an adventure.  “Don’t die without embracing the daring adventure your life was meant to be.” – Steve Pavlina

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Franklin Falls winter hike

Franklin Falls Easy Beautiful Winter Hike Near Seattle

By Samantha Panzera | January 20, 2018

Franklin Falls – Easy, Beautiful Winter Hike Near Seattle Franklin Falls in the winter is absolutely stunning! If you live in Western Washington, this easy winter hike is definitely one to add onto your bucket list. This winter wonderland is truly incredible. I have been hearing about this hike for years but did not get a chance to go do it until about a week ago. REGION: Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA   Franklin Falls (#1036) / Denny Creek (#1014) CROWDING: Moderate     PETS ALLOWED:  Yes     ELEVATION GAIN: 400 ft     Difficulty: Easy PARKING PASS: Northwest Forest Pass or America The Beautiful Interagency pass Seasons: Year-round Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter TOTAL DISTANCE: Summer: 2.00 miles, Winter with Road Closure 7 miles TRAIL TYPE:  There-and-back      TRAILHEAD ELEVATION:  2,200.00 ft LOCATION: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Snoqualmie Ranger District (425) 888-1421 Weather: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.4131269146&lon=-121.442680121#.Wl6WaainGUk When driving to get to the falls make sure you take Exit 47 off I-90. The Google directions want to take you to a closed road (NF-58) by the Alpental Ski Resort off of Exit 52 by West Summit which has massive snow walls and could turn a 2 to 3 hour hike into a 5 to 6 hour hike on an unmarked path going over 4+ feet of snow. The trail from Exit 47 is a much easier way of getting to the falls in the winter. Denny Creek is only an hour outside of Seattle making this easy winter day hike a great choice for many local Seattle families. Also note that either A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Annual Pass is required to park on the road off exit 47 near the trailhead. Make sure you arrive either early morning or late evening if you want to have the falls to yourself. We started the hike right around 8 am on a Monday and arrived back at the car around 11 am. Made good time even with stopping to eat lunch and to take lots of pictures. There were only 2 other people at the falls when we arrived, but as we were leaving we passed many groups of people and saw at least 25 cars parked along the side of the road.  Beware of the gigantic potholes! They come up suddenly and could cause some serious damage to a small car! The pothole on the right hand side of the picture below, was much deeper than it appears to be in the image. The correct starting point for this hike in the winter is just off Exit 47 despite Denny Creek Road being closed during the winter by the Northwest Forest Service. People park at the road closure and hike along this access road to the Denny Creek Campground where the Franklin Falls Trailhead is located, turning this normal 2 mile hike into a 7 mile round trip averaging about 2 to 3 hours of hiking time. Despite the hike in the winter being close to 7 miles round trip, this is a very easy hike…

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25 JOHN MUIR QUOTES TO INSPIRE WANDERLUST

25 JOHN MUIR QUOTES TO INSPIRE WANDERLUST

By Samantha Panzera | January 13, 2018

25 JOHN MUIR QUOTES TO INSPIRE WANDERLUST  John Muir, also known as “John of the Mountains” and “Father of our National Parks,” devoted his life to the preservation of our forests, mountains, rivers and streams. We have John Muir to thank for many of the beautiful National Parks we have today. He helped influence Theodore Roosevelt and members of Congress to protect the land by creating National Parks and Monuments. Sequoia National Park, Yosemite, and many others are all protected due to his conservation efforts. Right here we have put together several of our favorite John Muir quotes to inspire your wanderlust to get outside and explore the great outdoors. “Going to the mountains is going home.” – John Muir “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir “Wherever we go in the mountains, we find more than we seek.” ― John Muir “The mountains are calling and I must go.” ― John Muir “As long as I live, I’ll hear waterfalls and birds and winds sing. I’ll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. I’ll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can”.” ― John Muir “Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer. Camp out among the grasses and gentians of glacial meadows, in craggy garden nooks full of nature’s darlings.” ― John Muir

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65 Fantastic Gift Ideas for Hikers

By Samantha Panzera | December 22, 2017

Any hikers you need to find Christmas gifts for this year? A lot of hiking gear is pretty expensive but right here I have rounded up a list of 65 ideas that are completely affordable and the hiker in your life would absolutely love.  Honest Portable Camping cookware Mess kit Folding Cookset for Hiking Backpacking 10 Piece Lightweight Durable Pot Pan Bowls Spork with Nylon Bag Outdoor Cook Equipment. Portable camping cookware mess kit. This 10 piece Lightweight outdoor cooking set would make an excellent gift for any hiker looking into getting into backpacking. Could even be used to cook a breakfast right at the trailhead.     Shop Now This Comfy lightweight (17 oz) Newdora Camping Hammock is easy to carry on those hiking and backpacking adventures. There is also a cool pouch that can be used to hold your phone, sunglasses, keys, etc. This portable hammock is also extreamly durable and able to hold up to 600 (lbs) Shop Now Rite In The Rain Weatherproof Side-Spiral Notebook, 4 5/8″ x 7″, Yellow Cover, Journal Pattern (No. 393)  Rite in the Rain All-Weather Side-Spiral Notebook. This weatherproof spiral notepad can survive the rain and mud making it possible to record your favorite hiking memories in the moment without fear of it getting ruined from the elements.  Shop Now Rite in the Rain All-Weather Mechanical Pencil. Any pen or pencil will work with the Rite in the Rain Journal but this pencil is specially made where it can record your adventures in the rain while normal pens and pencils you can only record when the pages are dry. The Patented tip will not break, wobble, twist, or fall out when taking notes in the outdoors. Shop Now Rite in the Rain All-Weather Mechanical Pencil, Yellow Barrel, 1.1mm Black Lead (No. YE99) World’s Toughest Ultralight Survival Tent • 2 Person Mylar Emergency Shelter Tube Tent + Paracord • Year-Round All Weather Protection for Hiking, First Aid Kits, & Outdoor Survival Gear  Most people that get lost in the wilderness were only planning on a day trip and are ill equiped to survive with this lightweight Emergency Thermal Tent your chances of survival would significantly go up. It is made of durable  Mylar Tent holds in 90% of your body heat not to mention it is wind-resistant and watertight.  Shop Now  Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag Thermal Bivy – This emergency sleeping bag is a great piece of survival gear that would make a fantastic gift for anyone that frequents the great outdoors. The Livee Bivy Emergency Sleeping bag also includes a nylon stuff sack and a survival whistle attached to the paracord String Shop Now Go Time Gear Life Emergency Bivy Sack – Thermal Survival Tent and Sleeping Bag Bivvy for Blanket, Shelter & Camping Use – Pack of 1 with Whistle – Orange  Gloves are a must when hiking in cold weather but it is always a pain taking them off to take a picture of those gorgeous mountain views with your phone. With…

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15 Stocking Stuffers for Hikers Any hikers you need to find Christmas gifts for this year? A lot of hiking gear is pretty expensive but right here I have rounded up a list of 15 stocking stuffer ideas that are completely affordable and the hiker in your life would absolutely love.

15 Stocking Stuffers for Hikers

By Samantha Panzera | December 8, 2017

Any hikers you need to find Christmas gifts for this year? A lot of hiking gear is pretty expensive but right here I have rounded up a list of 15 stocking stuffer ideas that are completely affordable and the hiker in your life would absolutely love.  1. Any hiker or backpacker would love getting a Life Straw for Christmas. This is a cheap stocking stuffer that could save their life on the trail by filtering out parasites and 99.9999% of bacteria out of the water.  LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness, 1 Pack, Blue LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness Award-winning LifeStraw water filter is a must-carry tool for hiking, camping, travel, and emergencies; no disaster kit is complete without it Filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water without iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals; does not require batteries and has no moving parts Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria, 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites, and filters to 0.2 microns; surpasses EPA filter standards An alternative to iodine tablets and bulky purifiers, it weighs 2oz for ultralight portability, and has a high flow rate for drinking from the source Comes in a sealed bag, perfect for storing in a bugout bag or other prepper gear supply kit; measures 9 x 1 x 1 inches Shop Now 2. Another great Christmas stocking stuffer for hikers is this Stormproof Match Kit with a waterproof case.  UCO Stormproof Match Kit with Waterproof Case, 25 Stormproof Matches and 3 Strikers – Orange UCO Stormproof Match Kit with Waterproof Case, 25 Stormproof Matches and 3 Strikers Includes 25 windproof and waterproof matches, 3 strikers and match case that can hold up to 40 matches Matches are easy to light, will burn up to 15 seconds each and will relight after being submerged in water Waterproof, durable ABS plastic case floats and keeps contents dry and protected; external, integrated, and replaceable striker for easy lighting Extended length of match allows for added safety to keep from burning fingertips Length of matches: 2.75 inches (7 cm); Kit weight: 1.7 oz. (48 g) Shop Now 3. All hikers and backpackers know you can never have enough rope. Rope can be incredibly useful in survival situations or just making repairs to gear, tying up your food in a tree to keep the bears away from your camp, and much more. This is a fun fashionable way they can bring along more rope on their hiking adventures.  A2S Protection Paracord Bracelet K2-Peak – Survival Bracelets with Embedded Compass Whistle EDC Hiking Gear- Camping Gear Survival Gear Emergency Kit Black/Red 8.5″ A2S Paracord Bracelet K2-Peak – Survival Gear Kit with Embedded Compass, Fire Starter, Emergency Knife & Whistle – Pack of 2 – Slim Buckle Design 5-IN-1 SURVIVAL TOOL: High-Quality Compass. Flint Fire Starter. Fire Scrapper, use it also as Emergency Knife. Emergency Whistle creates noise levels of up to 100db. Comes with a useful leaflet with instructions, survival tips & ideas. SIZES THAT…

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Narada Falls (Paradise / Mt. Rainier Hikes) Narada Falls should be a priority stop on your way to see Mount Rainier. This stunning horsetail waterfall is only a 0.1 mile walk downhill to the viewpoint and 0.2 mile total round trip. Just an easy 5-10 minute trek for one incredible view.

Narada Falls (Paradise Mt. Rainier Hikes)

By Samantha Panzera | November 29, 2017

Narada Falls
(Paradise / Mt. Rainier Hikes) Narada Falls should be a priority stop on your way to see Mount Rainier. This stunning horsetail waterfall is only a 0.1 mile walk downhill to the viewpoint and 0.2 mile total round trip. Just an easy 5-10 minute trek for one incredible view.

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Myrtle Falls & Edith Creek Mount Rainier National Park

Myrtle Falls & Edith Creek – Paradise Mt. Rainier

By Samantha Panzera | November 10, 2017

If this is your first time visiting Paradise at Mount Rainier, make sure you don’t miss Myrtle Falls and Edith Creek. This stunning waterfall and mountain creek is just an easy 0.4 mile paved trail from the Paradise Inn parking lot. Even if you have been to Mount Rainier dozens of times, this is a sight you can see over and over again yet still be awed and amazed each and every time.

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Hiking in Washington State: Blanca Lake

Best Hikes in Washington State: Blanca Lake

By Samantha Panzera | November 9, 2017

Best Hikes in Washington State: Blanca Lake   Blanca Lake is one of those pinch me I must be dreaming this is too beautiful to be real lakes. Seeing that otherworldly teal lake when you crest the summit makes every step and switchback of that tough 3300 feet of elevation gain 100% worth it. With its minty green surreal color Blanca Lake is one of the most stunning lakes in the Henry M. Jackson wilderness or possibly even the whole Cascades. The Beginning half of the trail is very tough being almost all switchbacks and gaining almost 3,000 feet in less than 3 miles. The beginning is a beautiful forest with many large trees and lots of wildlife. Once you finally get to the top crest of the trail the hike becomes considerably easier. Instead of pain in each step you get to stroll along a beautiful alpine ridge with a gorgeous view of Glacier Peak on a clear sunny day. The two times that I have done this hike you could only partially see Glacier Peak through the clouds. But still very impressive. Depending on the time of year you can take a well-deserved break and munch on some wild huckleberries. There are tons growing up there along the way.   The peaks surrounding Blanca Lake are Monte Cristo, Columbia, and Keyes. The runoff from the Columbia Glacier feeds into Blanca Lake through a waterfall that can be seen in the picture above. It’s the unsorted clay and rock sediment called glacial till that gives Blanca its unique ethereal minty hue. After the ridge you will begin a downward decent past Virgin Lake. When you first reach this stagnant bog of a lake do not despair, as my friend and I did the first time we went on this hike, thinking that perhaps the pictures on the internet of Blanca were just overly photoshopped beyond recognition. This swampy lake is Not Blanca. Blanca Lake lies beyond Virgin Lake as a kind couple thankfully pointed out to us. Virgin lake is made up entirely from rainfall and melting snow with no river flowing in or out. We heard several frogs croaking as we went by.   You continue past Virgin Lake down about 700 feet for .5 mile over some rough terrain that you have to be extra cautious about tripping over. Then soon enough you will see Blanca Lake in her full teal glory. Victory! You made it! You can take some epic pictures at the viewpoint before continuing down to the shore of the lake. Usually other hikers are also snapping pictures away in this spot and it is easy to ask them to take a pic of you and your group of friends and vice versa. Down at the base of the lake you can just sit in awe of the stunning landscape, eat your lunch, kick back and relax. There is a good sized rock to the right of the lake that is perfect for jumping…

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Easy Backpacking Breakfast Ideas: Trail Pancakes Camping Pancakes Backpacking food

Easy Backpacking Breakfast ideas: Trail Pancakes

By Samantha Panzera | August 21, 2017

Looking for an easy yet delicious breakfast idea for your next upcoming backpacking trip into the great outdoors? Try Trail Pancakes!

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