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hi_vis360
November, 2024

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Continuing to partake in "high risk" activities such a skiing, surfing, biking ex. during the pandemic?

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chris.goodhue
Posts: 946 - Karma: 6,209
I've been pondering the question of whether or not it's socially appropriate to partake in inherently "high risk" activities such a backcountry skiing, mountain biking, surfing, skating ex. during this time where we are being told to social distance and self quarantine.

This isn't necessarily an issue of whether or not you're properly social distancing, can you pass people on the trails / skin track and keep a safe distance? Sure.

The argument seems to be about how much risk are you willing to take. For example, you go backcountry skiing up at Tuckerman Ravine like the rest of the New Englanders who are home from work ( I currently live in Boston so it's most relevant) and have a long sliding fall that ultimately requires the use of resources at the hospital during this critical time (If you don't believe it's critical, listen to some podcasts, watch the news, get informed).

So as the rest of the country is making sacrifices to ease the burden on the hospitals, what do you think is appropriate as a member of the outdoor community?

There are pro's still posting shots of bagging big lines in the backcountry, while others are voicing strong opinions such as #staythefuckhome. Moab just announced they are prohibiting non-local visitors during this time and other companies such a SkiTheEast have clearly stated that now is not the time to be skiing.

Will I continue to mountain bike, surf and ski...? Probably, it seems to be pivotal to the mental health and well being of people in our community. I do think now is not the time to ski that crazy line, build that jump or generally "send it". Just my 0.02, but I posed this question on my Instagram story and got some really interesting responses, figured it could be an interesting thread.

Stay Safe, Much Love!
Mar 20 2020 1:52PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 8,686
theabortionatorThe avy anger was high in Tahoe last weekend and everybody and their mom from SF that bought a splitboard was out doing whatever wheverer with 0 fucks given. Luckily nothing crazy happened but stoked that everyone felt the need to drive 4 hours during this shitshow to get a pow shot for the gram.


Yeah, even a closed resort can be dangerous. Saw multiple crowns yesterday indbounds at Crested Butte. A ton of fresh snow on top of a firm base with plenty of avy terrain can make for very sketchy conditions, let alone the rest of the backcountry where the base hasn’t been controlled all year.
Mar 21 2020 7:55PM
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hi_vis360
Posts: 5104 - Karma: 51,801
I think it depends a lot on your area, like if I had gotten hurt where I was skiing today I would've gone to a hospital with 0 corona patients at it. You probably shouldn't risk going skiing at all if there's a super bad outbreak going on though.
Mar 21 2020 7:56PM
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Koshermilk
Posts: 503 - Karma: 1,880
theabortionatorThe avy anger was high in Tahoe last weekend and everybody and their mom from SF that bought a splitboard was out doing whatever wheverer with 0 fucks given. Luckily nothing crazy happened but stoked that everyone felt the need to drive 4 hours during this shitshow to get a pow shot for the gram.


Im from Mass and I just got back from Boulder and breh going outside in town and in the city is way more dangerous than skiing some local resorts and bc.
Mar 21 2020 8:25PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,523
zeke.obliqueIm from Mass and I just got back from Boulder and breh going outside in town and in the city is way more dangerous than skiing some local resorts and bc.


Then don't go out. Stay home breh. It's not just the individual. People are traveling great distances to ski right now. People are also going a little too yolo. A lady was hiking back in the adks where I'm from in NY tried to do an 18 mile hike. Didn't make it back and needed search and rescue to find her and walk her out. Not like there's anything going on right now in the world.

People have also been traveling large distances to ski. In a time where you aren't supposed to be traveling. People aren't taking this seriously at all. If you're staying local and not doing anything stupid, go for a hike, go for a ski. A lot of people aren't doing that though.
Mar 21 2020 8:40PM
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Koshermilk
Posts: 503 - Karma: 1,880
theabortionatorThen don't go out. Stay home breh. It's not just the individual. People are traveling great distances to ski right now. People are also going a little too yolo. A lady was hiking back in the adks where I'm from in NY tried to do an 18 mile hike. Didn't make it back and needed search and rescue to find her and walk her out. Not like there's anything going on right now in the world.

People have also been traveling large distances to ski. In a time where you aren't supposed to be traveling. People aren't taking this seriously at all. If you're staying local and not doing anything stupid, go for a hike, go for a ski. A lot of people aren't doing that though.


What lmao im confused what ur getting at, yea I agree people should not be absolutely sending it but I'm just saying in my scenario I drove 45 min and seshed the park at a closed resort with a bunch of locals and I was chillin heavy.

**This post was edited on Mar 22nd 2020 at 12:55:12am
Mar 21 2020 8:49PM
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Chunderface
Posts: 2523 - Karma: 9,926
Rocky Mountain National Park has actually closed to address this very issue. There's a ton of backcountry skiing there, a lot of it is technical and were hitting the peak touring season. They said fuck it, you're done.
Mar 21 2020 10:47PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9791 - Karma: 72,406
Watching 2012 because Netflix. And they no joke go, "do you really believe people will be so selfish knowing their lives are at stake?"....
Mar 22 2020 12:25AM
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skiguy04
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 1,115
BST_PoliceWatching 2012 because Netflix. And they no joke go, "do you really believe people will be so selfish knowing their lives are at stake?"....


Excellent video in terms of social conditioning during these times
Mar 22 2020 1:13AM
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hi_vis360
Posts: 5104 - Karma: 51,801
pinkcamo1000I think it depends a lot on your area, like if I had gotten hurt where I was skiing today I would've gone to a hospital with 0 corona patients at it. You probably shouldn't risk going skiing at all if there's a super bad outbreak going on though.

why are people downvoting me can someone please explain how what I did was bad
Mar 22 2020 7:27AM
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skierman
Posts: 8371 - Karma: 7,590
pinkcamo1000why are people downvoting me can someone please explain how what I did was bad


Well for one, you're a pussy bitch that cares about "up votes" on your posts.
Mar 22 2020 10:28AM
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TOAST.
Posts: 7511 - Karma: 36,436
People acting like you aren't allowed outdoors at all right now are a little excessive. I went for a bike ride yesterday, opened my garage door pedaled a few miles and came home, didn't touch anything or get near anyone.

I do agree that you should not be doing things in groups or being around random people.
Mar 22 2020 10:45AM
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hi_vis360
Posts: 5104 - Karma: 51,801
skiermanWell for one, you're a pussy bitch that cares about "up votes" on your posts.


lmao dude I just genuinely want to be safe and not spread this virus just trying to stay informed out here. clearly some people disagreed with me I just want to know why
Mar 22 2020 11:01AM
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5675 - Karma: 4,269
chris.goodhueSurfed today in some pretty mellow waves today, didn't feel like I was making an overly risky decision to be out there. 50+ other people seemed to feel the same way haha.


I'm kinda worried it's gonna be corona summer. Beaches will be closed. As usual at this time of year I'm kinda over the 5mm suits, frigid water and air. I just want to sesh some waist-chest high waves in a 3mm on my twin keel. People need to chill the fuck out now to prevent that. Been chilling in my house all weekend. It's totally doable.

The only nice thing is the cold keeps the crowds away.
Mar 22 2020 1:51PM
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skierman
Posts: 8371 - Karma: 7,590
pinkcamo1000lmao dude I just genuinely want to be safe and not spread this virus just trying to stay informed out here. clearly some people disagreed with me I just want to know why


Its because you're a pussy bitch. This isn't complicated.
Mar 22 2020 3:03PM
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mtbakerpow
Posts: 1105 - Karma: 927
Mt Teneriffe
DolanReloadedIs this baker?
Mar 22 2020 3:07PM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 8,686
Today San Juan county (Colorado, where Silverton is) effectively banned backcountry skiing to non-locals. I'm expecting some other counties will probably follow suit.

https://durangoherald.com/articles/319050-san-juan-county-colorado-limits-backcountry-recreation-to-locals


*edit: the ban reportedly only applies to cars not registered in San Juan county, so this appears to specifically be aimed at tourists.

**This post was edited on Mar 22nd 2020 at 6:16:15pm
Mar 22 2020 6:14PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,523
patagonialukeToday San Juan county (Colorado, where Silverton is) effectively banned backcountry skiing to non-locals. I'm expecting some other counties will probably follow suit.

https://durangoherald.com/articles/319050-san-juan-county-colorado-limits-backcountry-recreation-to-locals


*edit: the ban reportedly only applies to cars not registered in San Juan county, so this appears to specifically be aimed at tourists.

**This post was edited on Mar 22nd 2020 at 6:16:15pm


Sucks that it's necessary but it's necessary.

Also as far as thread, casual surfing doesn't seem risky at all. If i lived near the coast id prolly go out.
Mar 22 2020 6:23PM
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SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2781 - Karma: 16,812
theabortionatorSucks that it's necessary but it's necessary.

Also as far as thread, casual surfing doesn't seem risky at all. If i lived near the coast id prolly go out.


Meanwhile the last time I tried to check out Costco they had people lined up literally around the building just to get in. I will have to post a video I took. The place looked like a giant Petri dish so I bounced without going in.
Mar 22 2020 6:34PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,523
SuspiciousFishMeanwhile the last time I tried to check out Costco they had people lined up literally around the building just to get in. I will have to post a video I took. The place looked like a giant Petri dish so I bounced without going in.


Roommate and her bf just went showshoeing up mt rose highway. Told them itd be packed they didn't think so. I guess it was slammed. And doucebags are still driving into town. Roads are busy up here. People aren't taking the "stay the fuck in the bay" seriously.



*edit. I couldn't see wtf im typing. I'm not even drinking

**This post was edited on Mar 22nd 2020 at 8:29:58pm
Mar 22 2020 6:43PM
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SuspiciousFish
Posts: 2781 - Karma: 16,812
theabortionatorRoommate and her bf just went showshoeing up mt rose hoghqay. Told them itd be packed they dodnt think so. I guess it was slammed. And doucebags are still druving into down. Roads are busy up here. People aren't taking the "stay the fuck in the bay" seriously.


This is 100% going to be the great disease of culpability in the US. We are already at over 400 deaths and New York is going to look like The Division in 2 weeks. And yet people still wont wake the fuck up to the reality of the situation and watch Netflix at home for a while. Its not like people are being asked to fight some great war or anything. Just stay the fuck home and we are too self centered to even do that. Worse yet the government is pussyfooting around and implementing half asses measures that are a day late and a dollar short.

The problem of this disease is it basically spreads invisibly for 2 weeks then it takes about another 1-2 weeks for those infected to really fall into a state that requires hospitalization. That means by the time the bodies start to pile up and people take notice we are already fucked beyond all reckoning. By May 1st we are going to really see some shit our generation is not used to seeing. Like death on the scale that have not not seen since WWII.

Hopefully once we get through this our culture might change to where we take things seriously instead of prancing around in our own little hyper reality bubbles and acting like todays date is not part of the same human history as WWI, the Spanish Flu and WWII.
Mar 22 2020 7:36PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,523
SuspiciousFishThis is 100% going to be the great disease of culpability in the US. We are already at over 400 deaths and New York is going to look like The Division in 2 weeks. And yet people still wont wake the fuck up to the reality of the situation and watch Netflix at home for a while. Its not like people are being asked to fight some great war or anything. Just stay the fuck home and we are too self centered to even do that. Worse yet the government is pussyfooting around and implementing half asses measures that are a day late and a dollar short.

The problem of this disease is it basically spreads invisibly for 2 weeks then it takes about another 1-2 weeks for those infected to really fall into a state that requires hospitalization. That means by the time the bodies start to pile up and people take notice we are already fucked beyond all reckoning. By May 1st we are going to really see some shit our generation is not used to seeing. Like death on the scale that have not not seen since WWII.

Hopefully once we get through this our culture might change to where we take things seriously instead of prancing around in our own little hyper reality bubbles and acting like todays date is not part of the same human history as WWI, the Spanish Flu and WWII.


Yeah, I hope it's not that bad but it totally could be. I'm holed up at home with a lil frozen food stash to get me through the next couple of weeks. Haven't left my house for shit other than groceries last weekend and picking up my check at the mtn. Hoping I don't get sick. I wash my hands regularly our house is clean. Unfortunately it only takes a few dbags to help keep this thing moving along.
Mar 22 2020 8:33PM
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PeppermillReno
Posts: 4814 - Karma: -703
I don’t think you belong anywhere you couldn’t walk to. Now if that’s your hood sure drive your gear there but stay the fuck out. Was super packed where I run by the beach other day. So I went in the road and got honked at and shit. Couldn’t even think of rollerblading there.


Whatever I took a ski trip when this was dropping and flew to Seattle if anyone should sit out having any fun it’s me. 10 mile run on Tues and another on Friday and just a couple trips to the store for me.


Was hard to leave MT too and pass up my last 3 days at Bridger but man I’m glad I did and got home when I did this isn’t a time to travel. Alamo was mad chill with not charging for returning the rental in Boston vs Seattle.


Traveling is dangerous those of us who played Oregon Trail in school as kids can probably understand but too many take that for granted. Anything more than a day trip next few months is super irresponsible and dick no matter where you go you won’t be welcome.
Mar 22 2020 9:05PM
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Lonely
Posts: 6768 - Karma: 62,145
DrZoidbergI'm kinda worried it's gonna be corona summer. Beaches will be closed. As usual at this time of year I'm kinda over the 5mm suits, frigid water and air. I just want to sesh some waist-chest high waves in a 3mm on my twin keel. People need to chill the fuck out now to prevent that. Been chilling in my house all weekend. It's totally doable.

The only nice thing is the cold keeps the crowds away.


I feel like surfing should get a pass, at least the less gnarly stuff. Spent a good portion of the day today driving around finding some small 4ft nuggets in the cold. Group of 5 people in an area that the coronavirus has, fortunately, has not made its way to yet. I don't see anything wrong with that. I'm not one of those people that needs to be out doing crazy stuff but being outside is important for both your mental and physical health.

I think things that are above the average risk level should be avoided, but it also shouldn't be a big deal if I want to ride my bike around town or hike. I feel like that's not way riskier than driving my car to the grocery store or gas station.

**This post was edited on Mar 22nd 2020 at 11:51:13pm
Mar 22 2020 11:48PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9791 - Karma: 72,406
I think it's funny everyone is making a concerted effort to go out and do all these things they likely wouldn't have done if their work wasn't shut down. Like it's been a week of recommendations to stay inside and you're freaking out? 90% of America does this when they aren't told to. Crazy how telling someone they can't, makes them want to even more.


Also read today that neonazis are trying to spread this within minority groups like it won't come back to them... So that's cool.
Mar 22 2020 11:54PM
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skiguy04
Posts: 1597 - Karma: 1,115
Anybody on here know anybody personally who contracted the virus??
Mar 23 2020 12:50AM
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SofaKingSick
Posts: 9327 - Karma: 61,270
skiguy04Anybody on here know anybody personally who contracted the virus??


i know 3 or 4 through other people, and 2 were reported to have it at my work
Mar 23 2020 7:45PM
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CLQ
Posts: 2709 - Karma: 11,261
When do we start shaming people?
Mar 24 2020 1:03PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,523
skiguy04Anybody on here know anybody personally who contracted the virus??


Yup. They also aren't testing people unless they're super fucked or dying. I get that but tahoe forest in truckee is literally telling people they probably dont have it because "there is some crud going around".

Multi day fevers, lung/chest issues, etc out of nowhere. Yeah you probably don't have the thing that that's going around the world with those exact same symptoms.

I get keeping people calm but it seems like telling people they don't have it isn't the best thing. People will think"oh I just got something else" and do whatever.

Also the lack of testing, though understandable, skew the fuck out of any future data on this.
Mar 24 2020 2:15PM
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chris.goodhue
Posts: 946 - Karma: 6,209

This came up on my insta feed this morning. Bunch of absolute idiots up at Wachusett in central massachusetts....I'm not shaming anyone for going and hiking rails...but posting a group picture with like 30 people? Are you fucking stupid? Pretty low collective IQ from this bunch
Mar 27 2020 11:47AM
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patagonialuke
Posts: 1627 - Karma: 8,686
chris.goodhue

This came up on my insta feed this morning. Bunch of absolute idiots up at Wachusett in central massachusetts....I'm not shaming anyone for going and hiking rails...but posting a group picture with like 30 people? Are you fucking stupid? Pretty low collective IQ from this bunch


Yeah, I saw this article the other day and I think I'll be following their approach — limit my skiing and basically not do anything but mellow slopes that are not avy terrain, and if I do go skiing, keeping it off social media.
Mar 27 2020 12:08PM
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ReturnToMonkey
Posts: 6416 - Karma: 69,672
theabortionatorYup. They also aren't testing people unless they're super fucked or dying. I get that but tahoe forest in truckee is literally telling people they probably dont have it because "there is some crud going around".

Multi day fevers, lung/chest issues, etc out of nowhere. Yeah you probably don't have the thing that that's going around the world with those exact same symptoms.

I get keeping people calm but it seems like telling people they don't have it isn't the best thing. People will think"oh I just got something else" and do whatever.

Also the lack of testing, though understandable, skew the fuck out of any future data on this.


Decent chance i got it, all the same symptoms and my flu medicine wasn't doing shit. But I couldnt get tested it was mad lame. I just wanna know if i can get a "I Survived Corona 2020" tattoo
Mar 27 2020 12:10PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9791 - Karma: 72,406
chris.goodhue

This came up on my insta feed this morning. Bunch of absolute idiots up at Wachusett in central massachusetts....I'm not shaming anyone for going and hiking rails...but posting a group picture with like 30 people? Are you fucking stupid? Pretty low collective IQ from this bunch


What in the actual fuck. Did anyone comment?
Mar 27 2020 12:39PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51744 - Karma: 163,523
ConesForBreakfastDecent chance i got it, all the same symptoms and my flu medicine wasn't doing shit. But I couldn't get tested it was mad lame. I just wanna know if i can get a "I Survived Corona 2020" tattoo


Yeah, probably was. I guess it's mild for a lot of people. Anything is possible but it seems unlikely that everyone randomly got something different out of the blue right as corona was taking off.

Also to thread, buddy has been in hospital for the week having surgeries after dumping his bike. Not sure what happened. He was in florida and people there drive like ass so wouldn't be surprised if somebody swiped him or pulled out in front of him. But def wouldn't wanna be in a hospital right now.

Be careful peeps.
Mar 27 2020 12:41PM
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chris.goodhue
Posts: 946 - Karma: 6,209
Turd__AuthorityWhat in the actual fuck. Did anyone comment?


I did, but these kids are fucking idiots. It's the classic ignorant punk attitude of like "fuck it"....really got me kinda pissed actually.

Look I'm all for getting outside right now. I went surfing this morning and kept a good distance from people...but how fucking stupid do you have to be to do this?? It's either these kids need the situation explained at a pre school level or it's a general "I don't give a fuck" attitude which just irritates the shit out of me.

/ rant
Mar 27 2020 1:21PM
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willysworld
Posts: 2116 - Karma: 5,485
I had one of the best surfs of the year this morning.. Tropical paradise here and less people in the water.
Mar 29 2020 3:29AM
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schusson
Posts: 442 - Karma: 588
As someone that lives in a small mountain town in New Hampshire(not North Conway) only a 2 hour drive from Massachusetts, and a career fireman only an hour and a half from Mass, it baffles me how many out of state license plates have been in the area and at my home mountain. People 6-7 hours away from their home in an outbreak area. These mountain communities are not a “safe haven” away from NYC and Boston. We have confirmed cases of local people, that reside in our towns, and don’t need an influx of people looking to escape the cities. Our hospitals won’t be able to handle the extra population if the shit hits the fan, look at NYC right now. You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting a hospital there and they’re overrun with patients, COVID or not they still need to be treated.

I’m all for getting out of the house on my days off to keep any sanity that I may have left. If you do choose to recreate, please do so locally and safely, perform a risk analysis frequently. Learn how to tell yourself “no”, it’s one of the hardest things to do but it could save you, maybe not right now but at some point in your life. Nobody ever plans to get injured, and if you do, know that you are likely going to put many other people(like myself) at risk.

Also if you do chose to recreate, keep it off social media. You are influencing others, whether that’s your intention or not. Keep your phone in your pocket and keep that memory for yourself. And for the love of Ullr, don’t go to Tucks.
Mar 29 2020 12:29PM
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WoFIowz
Posts: 9791 - Karma: 72,406
https://www.reddit.com/r/skiing/comments/fr5r9m/avalanches_will_kill_you_faster_than_corona/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
Mar 29 2020 6:09PM
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