Our day started at 5:30am when we got picked up and driven to the airport for our flight to Hilo. After a short plane ride over the other islands we arrived at 8:00 am where we meet Our Korean tour guide named YB. I asked what the YB stood for and we learned that it was short for Young Bok.
He also gave us a quick introduction the the town we were visiting. He told us that Hilo is located on the windward side of Hawai'i and gets over 200 inches of rain a year. It is the 3rd wettest city in the US.
After a 20 minute ride we stopped at Banyans Restaurant and Bar for malasadas and to pick up a few snacks and gear at Uncle Billy's general store. We were back on the road at 8:55 heading for our first stop of the tour.
Our first stop was the Black Sand beaches of Richardson State Park. Here we learned that the sand is volcanic basalt mixed with white coral and green peridot. While here we ventured out on the volcanic rocks and made our way over a shallow section of water to reach the outer bluffs where we discovered a green sea turtle enjoying the protection of a tidal pool. We took several pictures and I was thrilled to have my water proof camera to capture this creature in his natural environment.
After seeing the turtle and feeling the black sand between our toes we moved on to the Japanese gardens. We learned that this tribute to the Hawaiian people from their last queen is the second largest Japanese garden outside of Japan. Just off the shore from the gardens is Coconut island which during war was considered a safe haven for warriors. If they made it to the island then they were given a reprieve from battle and likely death.
After getting back on the bus we moved on to the third stop of the day to witness the power of water at Rainbow Falls. The falls are 80ft tall and part of the Wailuku River system. Dan and I after taking pictures from the lookout ventured up the path and then off the path finding our way to the top of the falls. Here we could feel the power of the water as it roared past us and over the edge.
It was a spectacular sight to see the water fall from above. We ventured back to the bus and returned to Banyons Restaurant and Bar for a lunch buffet of fish, BBQ chicken, and beef stew. Dessert was pineapple and mango. It was a satisfying meal and I could have definitely used a nap afterwards.
Our next spot was the Volcano's National Park and we arrive after a 45 minute / 29 mile ride. We climbed to an altitude of 4080 ft. Here we learned that Hawai'i experiences 11 of the 13 possible the 13 climate zones.
We also learned at the visitor's center that there are 5 mountains/volcano's on the big island. Youngest to oldest. Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Mauna Koa, and Waimea. After that introduction we walked along the Sulphur Banks Trail where we enjoyed the aromatic smells and views of the sulphur fields. At the end of the Sulphur Banks Trail we found ourselves at the rim of the Kilauea caldera. After some pictures we moved on to the steam vent near the parking lot where we all got a steam facial.
Next we drove along the road until we reached Kilauea Iki which erupted in 1959. Here we saw people hiking on the surface of the caldera and were told that the ground is still warm to the touch.
A short walk from the edge of KilaueaIki was the Thurston lava tube. It was named after the guy who found it. He got the privilege of having it named after him because there was no indication that anyone had ever been there before him. It was an interesting walk through the tunnel and we took a few pictures as hard as it was given the lighting.
Next we visited a series of other smaller craters before heading to the lava fields. We learned that sharp jagged lava is called ah ha. The smoother is called pahoehoe. The newest lava and land is from the 1974 lava flow which is still flowing today. It was during this lava flow that the road got covered. We took pictures on what was left of the road as we meandered down the new road. As we got close to the shoreline we stopped once more to see the arches created by the ocean and lava meeting. What we didn't realize at the time was that while we admired another arch we were actually standing on another.
After enjoying the lava fields we headed back to the summit for dinner at the military camp. The food was standard military fare and satisfied even the hungriest members of our tour. Before leaving to head back to the airport we took one last trip to see the caldera glow at night. It was impressive to see the red glow we couldn't see during the day coming from the center of the caldera.
After a 45 minute ride back to Hilo Airport for the last flight of the day we relaxed to the sounds of Hawaiian music. At 8:00 we re boarded our Go Airlines for our return flight to Oahu and were back on O'ahu by 9:30. It was a long day but by far the most exciting.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Hawaii - Day 4 (Free Day)
Dan and I started our day enjoying breakfast on Waikiki beach before wandering to the other side of the beach to see the 'Art on the Zoo Fence'. At first I thought the artist who I was most eager to see was not going to show. I suggested we hang around for a bit while they all finish unpacking in hopes he might. To my luck the artist who I had specifically wanted to get a piece from arrived.
After a quick conversation with him and his wife while admiring all his amazing work I settled one of a boogie boarder riding a wave. His art work is all acrylic on canvas. The piece was unsigned but he gladly offered to sign it and had his paint brush out and on the canvas. After takings a few pictures with the artist and chatting about our experience thus far on the island we said our good byes and ventured back down the main drag too our hotel. We did a little more shopping along the way and picked up a few gifts for those at home.
When we got back to the hotel we rounded Chris up and I suggested we go down to Cheeseburger in paradise for lunch. Along the way we bumped into my friend Cody. After a quick hello we finally made our way to the restaurant. After a decent burger we headed back to the hotel making a few stops along the way for more gifts to bring home before retiring to enjoy our afternoon in the pool.
We decided since the pool was jammed with people and not a single lounge chair was free that we finally take a dip in the ocean off Waikiki Beach. It was refreshing and it was a blast working our way out to the sandbar where the waves were breaking and the surfer's were catching the waves. Dan and I spent a fair amount of time enjoying the experience before deciding to head back in.
It was too early to go to dinner so we decided to take a walk and venture the other direction to Fort DeRussy. Dan and I watched the sun set as we strolled along. The water. We were both getting hungry and went back to the hotel where we ordered a tomato basil pizza from Ingredients and then enjoyed our dinner on our balcony overlooking Waikiki beach.
With a early morning scheduled for the next day we all called it a night and went to be early.
After a quick conversation with him and his wife while admiring all his amazing work I settled one of a boogie boarder riding a wave. His art work is all acrylic on canvas. The piece was unsigned but he gladly offered to sign it and had his paint brush out and on the canvas. After takings a few pictures with the artist and chatting about our experience thus far on the island we said our good byes and ventured back down the main drag too our hotel. We did a little more shopping along the way and picked up a few gifts for those at home.
When we got back to the hotel we rounded Chris up and I suggested we go down to Cheeseburger in paradise for lunch. Along the way we bumped into my friend Cody. After a quick hello we finally made our way to the restaurant. After a decent burger we headed back to the hotel making a few stops along the way for more gifts to bring home before retiring to enjoy our afternoon in the pool.
We decided since the pool was jammed with people and not a single lounge chair was free that we finally take a dip in the ocean off Waikiki Beach. It was refreshing and it was a blast working our way out to the sandbar where the waves were breaking and the surfer's were catching the waves. Dan and I spent a fair amount of time enjoying the experience before deciding to head back in.
It was too early to go to dinner so we decided to take a walk and venture the other direction to Fort DeRussy. Dan and I watched the sun set as we strolled along. The water. We were both getting hungry and went back to the hotel where we ordered a tomato basil pizza from Ingredients and then enjoyed our dinner on our balcony overlooking Waikiki beach.
With a early morning scheduled for the next day we all called it a night and went to be early.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Hawaii - Day 3 (Circle Island Tour)
After a busy travel day and day 1 on the water today's tour was picked to give us a baseline to know the island. It took us around the island to the most culturally and geographically significant areas. Our first stop was Waimea Valley. Waimea Valley is a culturally rich 'wahi pana' (storied place). The 1,800 acre valley historically was home to many priests but was given to the Kahuna Nai and got the title valley of the priests. One of the most beautiful physical landmarks of the valley is Waimea Falls (1) a 45 foot high fall where the adventurous can swim in the 30 foot deep pool. We didn't know until we got there that we could swim at the falls and as such weren't dressed to go for a swim but we did take our shoes off and enjoy the refreshing cool waters.
Our next stop was Sunset Point Beach known for its spectacular sunsets. It is also home to the Bonzai Pipeline (2) and some of the most internationally renown surfing competitions such as the Triple Crown of Surfing. It wasn't big surf time on the island so the waves while still impressive were small compared to what they experience later in the season.
Having not yet had breakfast our tour guide Josh suggested a stop at the local farm stand (3) known for its banana lumpia. It's got its origins from the Philippines where they take a banana dusted with brown sugar wrap it in a spring roll wrapper and fried it. To say it was delicious is an understatement and for $1 each I spoiled myself and had 2.
Next we stopped at La'ie Point (4). While it is part of the North Shore of Oahu its views from the State Wayside give amazing views of the Windward Coast of Oahu.
After traveling along the coast for roughly 45 minutes we ended up at Kualoa Ranch where many movies like Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Lost and Pearl Harbor were filmed. Here we picked up our lunch and ventured a little farther down Kamehameah Highway to the Milo'I Fish pond which is also part of Kualoa Ranch. There we toke a quick boat ride across its barracuda infested waters to the Secret Island (5) where we enjoyed our Chicken Caesar salads.
Next our tour took us to the Valley of the Temples - Byodo-In (6). This little known secret is located in the Valley of Temples cemetery. This Buddhist temple is held together with interlocking plates and uses no nails in its construction. It's surrounded by a large Koi pond and the main room of the temple there is a large Buddha. To enter you must remove your shoes and it smelled of strong incense.
Nu'uanu Pali (7) is a lookout above the tunnels where visitors are treated to a panoramic view of the Oʻahu's windward side with sweeping views of Kāneʻohe, Kāneʻohe Bay, and Kailua. It is also well known for strong trade winds that blow through the pass, forming a sort of natural wind tunnel. It is also the location of the Battle of Nu'Uanu where in 1795 Kamehameha I forced 400 of Kalanikūpule's soldiers off the edge of the cliff to their deaths 1,000 feet below.
After the windy Nu'Uanu Pali look out we ventured back down to the coast stopping at Waimanalo Bay Beach (8) which is the longest stretch of sandy shoreline on O'ahu.
Halona Blowhole (9) while a beautiful site is also a hidden danger. On windy days when the tide is high waves roll on to shore where the rock formation shoots a geyser of sea spray high into the hair. Below the Halona Blowhole is one of the most dangerous ocean currents in the world know as the Molokai Express.
After watching the power of the ocean shooting in the air we moved on to the tranquil waters of Hanauma Bay (10) is known as one of the best places to snorkel. It's shallow waters are a protected area. It was formed when a caldera blew out its side and water from the Pacific Ocean rushed in.
Diamond Head (11) is a volcanic cone that hasn't been active in 150,000 years and is a prominent symbol of the Hawaiian Islands because of its close proximity and stunning views from Waikiki. We stopped here only briefly for a view of the the neighborhoods below.
Our next stop was Sunset Point Beach known for its spectacular sunsets. It is also home to the Bonzai Pipeline (2) and some of the most internationally renown surfing competitions such as the Triple Crown of Surfing. It wasn't big surf time on the island so the waves while still impressive were small compared to what they experience later in the season.
Having not yet had breakfast our tour guide Josh suggested a stop at the local farm stand (3) known for its banana lumpia. It's got its origins from the Philippines where they take a banana dusted with brown sugar wrap it in a spring roll wrapper and fried it. To say it was delicious is an understatement and for $1 each I spoiled myself and had 2.
Next we stopped at La'ie Point (4). While it is part of the North Shore of Oahu its views from the State Wayside give amazing views of the Windward Coast of Oahu.
After traveling along the coast for roughly 45 minutes we ended up at Kualoa Ranch where many movies like Jurassic Park, Godzilla, Lost and Pearl Harbor were filmed. Here we picked up our lunch and ventured a little farther down Kamehameah Highway to the Milo'I Fish pond which is also part of Kualoa Ranch. There we toke a quick boat ride across its barracuda infested waters to the Secret Island (5) where we enjoyed our Chicken Caesar salads.
Next our tour took us to the Valley of the Temples - Byodo-In (6). This little known secret is located in the Valley of Temples cemetery. This Buddhist temple is held together with interlocking plates and uses no nails in its construction. It's surrounded by a large Koi pond and the main room of the temple there is a large Buddha. To enter you must remove your shoes and it smelled of strong incense.
Nu'uanu Pali (7) is a lookout above the tunnels where visitors are treated to a panoramic view of the Oʻahu's windward side with sweeping views of Kāneʻohe, Kāneʻohe Bay, and Kailua. It is also well known for strong trade winds that blow through the pass, forming a sort of natural wind tunnel. It is also the location of the Battle of Nu'Uanu where in 1795 Kamehameha I forced 400 of Kalanikūpule's soldiers off the edge of the cliff to their deaths 1,000 feet below.
After the windy Nu'Uanu Pali look out we ventured back down to the coast stopping at Waimanalo Bay Beach (8) which is the longest stretch of sandy shoreline on O'ahu.
Halona Blowhole (9) while a beautiful site is also a hidden danger. On windy days when the tide is high waves roll on to shore where the rock formation shoots a geyser of sea spray high into the hair. Below the Halona Blowhole is one of the most dangerous ocean currents in the world know as the Molokai Express.
After watching the power of the ocean shooting in the air we moved on to the tranquil waters of Hanauma Bay (10) is known as one of the best places to snorkel. It's shallow waters are a protected area. It was formed when a caldera blew out its side and water from the Pacific Ocean rushed in.
Diamond Head (11) is a volcanic cone that hasn't been active in 150,000 years and is a prominent symbol of the Hawaiian Islands because of its close proximity and stunning views from Waikiki. We stopped here only briefly for a view of the the neighborhoods below.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Hawaii - Day 2 (Sail & Snorkel)
Even though we had a scheduled 5:30 wake up call we all found ourselves wide awake set 4am. After a quick leftover pizza breakfast we all got ourselves showered and dressed for our morning Sail and Snorkle.
At 6:00 we headed down to Don Ho lane to meet our driver to Ko'Olina. After our pickup we had a few more guests to round up before making the 30 minute ride to the leeward side of the island.
When we arrived at Ko'Olina (M) we headed towards their 43 acre marina where we would find our boat ready and waiting. After a quick check in we purchased a few last minute supplies (namely towels which we forgot) and had a quick snack we boarded the 53-foot Holole'a kai catamaran. It's name means "to sail freely and with adventure on the ocean"
Before heading out into the Pacific we meet our crew. Todd would be our captain, Daniel his first mate, and Asia would be our photographer for the day. Once underway we traveled by sail 5.22 miles up the coast zig zagging a little bit before stopping at our first snorkel spot.
Not expecting any additional costs other then drinks we each only brought $40 bucks with us. I wish I had brought more, since I would learn that we could have scuba dived to the bottom for an extra $69.
When we got to the first snorkle spot (1) they handed out all the snorkel gear which included masks, snorkel, flippers, and a life jacket. After a quick explanation of what we would see we were off the boat swimming in the warm pacific waters watching the fish and two green sea turtles enjoying a symbiotic relationship. The fish clean the turtle shells for them by eating all the algae they collected. We spent roughly a hour here and were amazed by the shear volume of fish we encountered.
Chris had stayed on board and met a pair of travelers. Wanda and Chuck Heath who were a delightful pair from Arizona who travel here often and shared some insight with us.
Next we traveled half a mile farther up the coast to our next dive spot (2) where we hunted for an elusive shark that called that reef home. Sadly we didn't get a good glimpse of him but we saw hundreds more fish and some of the coolest coral reefs around. We also got to hold a large piece of sea cucumber which first Mate Daniel joked was a piece of whale poop. Asia the photographer joined us this time in the water and captured some amazing pictures of us. Again, I wish I had brought more money with me since she would later offer the hi-res pictures to us for $60 bucks.
After another hour in the water we all got back on board for a nice early lunch of pulled pork, grilled chicken, and all the fixings made by the crew. Lunch hit the spot and we chatted some more with Chuck and Wanda. They suggested we check out a few good restaurant spots one being Jimmy Buffets for the Nachos.
After a quick cleanup by the crew we motored back to the marina at about 11:30. While sailing back the water was really choppy and we struck up our conversation with Chuck and Wanda again. I offered to e-mail some of the great shots I got of her feeding the fish and she kindly offered to send us all the pictures Asia took since she had bought the CD.
Our ride back to the hotel was fast and after a quick shower we ventured down onto the main drag to do some shopping and try out those Nachos. I picked up a nice pair of sea turtle sterling silver earrings for my mother and a jade fishing hook necklace for myself, and Chris bought a few keychains for his roommates.
Our nachos and drinks at Jimmy Buffets was a disappointment but satisfied our hunger. Still not yet adjusted to the time we went back to our room and were all out cold by 9pm.
At 6:00 we headed down to Don Ho lane to meet our driver to Ko'Olina. After our pickup we had a few more guests to round up before making the 30 minute ride to the leeward side of the island.
When we arrived at Ko'Olina (M) we headed towards their 43 acre marina where we would find our boat ready and waiting. After a quick check in we purchased a few last minute supplies (namely towels which we forgot) and had a quick snack we boarded the 53-foot Holole'a kai catamaran. It's name means "to sail freely and with adventure on the ocean"
Before heading out into the Pacific we meet our crew. Todd would be our captain, Daniel his first mate, and Asia would be our photographer for the day. Once underway we traveled by sail 5.22 miles up the coast zig zagging a little bit before stopping at our first snorkel spot.
 |
| Map on Google Maps |
When we got to the first snorkle spot (1) they handed out all the snorkel gear which included masks, snorkel, flippers, and a life jacket. After a quick explanation of what we would see we were off the boat swimming in the warm pacific waters watching the fish and two green sea turtles enjoying a symbiotic relationship. The fish clean the turtle shells for them by eating all the algae they collected. We spent roughly a hour here and were amazed by the shear volume of fish we encountered.
Chris had stayed on board and met a pair of travelers. Wanda and Chuck Heath who were a delightful pair from Arizona who travel here often and shared some insight with us.
Next we traveled half a mile farther up the coast to our next dive spot (2) where we hunted for an elusive shark that called that reef home. Sadly we didn't get a good glimpse of him but we saw hundreds more fish and some of the coolest coral reefs around. We also got to hold a large piece of sea cucumber which first Mate Daniel joked was a piece of whale poop. Asia the photographer joined us this time in the water and captured some amazing pictures of us. Again, I wish I had brought more money with me since she would later offer the hi-res pictures to us for $60 bucks.
After another hour in the water we all got back on board for a nice early lunch of pulled pork, grilled chicken, and all the fixings made by the crew. Lunch hit the spot and we chatted some more with Chuck and Wanda. They suggested we check out a few good restaurant spots one being Jimmy Buffets for the Nachos.
After a quick cleanup by the crew we motored back to the marina at about 11:30. While sailing back the water was really choppy and we struck up our conversation with Chuck and Wanda again. I offered to e-mail some of the great shots I got of her feeding the fish and she kindly offered to send us all the pictures Asia took since she had bought the CD.
Our ride back to the hotel was fast and after a quick shower we ventured down onto the main drag to do some shopping and try out those Nachos. I picked up a nice pair of sea turtle sterling silver earrings for my mother and a jade fishing hook necklace for myself, and Chris bought a few keychains for his roommates.
Our nachos and drinks at Jimmy Buffets was a disappointment but satisfied our hunger. Still not yet adjusted to the time we went back to our room and were all out cold by 9pm.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Hawaii - Day 1 (Arrival)
It was an early morning and we were all dragging at 3:00am EST when our alarms went off simultaneously. After a quick breakfast snack we and our luggage were packed neatly in the car and we were speeding down 91 to Bradley International Airport.
Having already checked in the day before we passed through security quickly and relaxed as we waited to board. Right on time they began the boarding process. If was a full flight and we settled into our seats. Before we knew it our journey began and we were in the air on our way to Atlanta.
The flight was typical and after a few hours the pilot told us to prepare for landing. With only a few hours until the long voyage to Honolulu began we grabbed a quick breakfast in the airport McD's. While I did my best to book our seats near each other Chris ultimately got shifted around and separated from the group.
This was one long flight and after spending 9 hours and 47 minutes flying across the country and over the Pacific Ocean finally I caught a glimpse of an island. It wasn't Oahu. Instead it was Moloka'i. It was long after when we saw our first glimpse of Oahu and I realized we were flying right over Hamamuma Bay and then right over Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. I captured some great pictures from the air.
Our landing was picture perfect and it took less time then expected to debarking then plane. The airport was dated and showing its age but it's small size made finding our way pretty simple. Not that we were here it was time to get to the hotel. We didn't prebook any transportation but found speedishuttle in baggage claim who we scheduled our transportation to and from the airport.
We spent all of about 10 minutes in the shuttle while we waited for a few more guests to load up their luggage. As we drove away from the airport our first impression of Honolulu was a densely populated urban environment with lots of traffic and graffiti. I admit I knew this was the case after talking to a few people I know who have been or lived here.
As we passed over the canal from Honolulu to Waikiki it was a dramatic change to a more upscale environment. As we drove down the main road of Kalakaua Ave which was wall to wall fancy stores. Finally we arrived at our hotel the Sheraton Waikiki. The hotel is huge and the lobby was a very active area.
When we checked in the concierge gave us a complimentary upgrade from our partial ocean view to a full ocean view suite. We hopped on one of the 10 elevators and zoomed to the 11th floor. When we finally located our room I couldn't have been more happy with the view. Our room looked out over Waikiki Beach and the Royal Hawaiian.
Starved from our 14 hours of travel time we changed quickly into shorts and made our way back to the lobby. As we walked back towards the restaurants we caught a glimpse of a lady on stage teaching a large group of women's to dance a traditional Polynesian dance.
Since we were all tired we noticed an Italian restaurant Il Lupino Trattoria and Wine Bar and decided to give it a try after reviewing the menu. We all ordered the same thing a prosciutto and arugula pizza with garlic infused oil and a fresh rum mai tai. The pizza was delicious and the mai tai was extremely strong.
After dinner Dan and I took our first swim in the hotel infinity pool. The warm salt water pool was both refreshing and relaxing after a long day of traveling. We watched the sun set while the surfers and the sunset cruise catamaran's return to shore.
We returned to the room, scheduled our wake up call for tomorrow and called it a night since we were all exhausted.
Having already checked in the day before we passed through security quickly and relaxed as we waited to board. Right on time they began the boarding process. If was a full flight and we settled into our seats. Before we knew it our journey began and we were in the air on our way to Atlanta.
The flight was typical and after a few hours the pilot told us to prepare for landing. With only a few hours until the long voyage to Honolulu began we grabbed a quick breakfast in the airport McD's. While I did my best to book our seats near each other Chris ultimately got shifted around and separated from the group.
This was one long flight and after spending 9 hours and 47 minutes flying across the country and over the Pacific Ocean finally I caught a glimpse of an island. It wasn't Oahu. Instead it was Moloka'i. It was long after when we saw our first glimpse of Oahu and I realized we were flying right over Hamamuma Bay and then right over Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach. I captured some great pictures from the air.
Our landing was picture perfect and it took less time then expected to debarking then plane. The airport was dated and showing its age but it's small size made finding our way pretty simple. Not that we were here it was time to get to the hotel. We didn't prebook any transportation but found speedishuttle in baggage claim who we scheduled our transportation to and from the airport.
We spent all of about 10 minutes in the shuttle while we waited for a few more guests to load up their luggage. As we drove away from the airport our first impression of Honolulu was a densely populated urban environment with lots of traffic and graffiti. I admit I knew this was the case after talking to a few people I know who have been or lived here.
As we passed over the canal from Honolulu to Waikiki it was a dramatic change to a more upscale environment. As we drove down the main road of Kalakaua Ave which was wall to wall fancy stores. Finally we arrived at our hotel the Sheraton Waikiki. The hotel is huge and the lobby was a very active area.
When we checked in the concierge gave us a complimentary upgrade from our partial ocean view to a full ocean view suite. We hopped on one of the 10 elevators and zoomed to the 11th floor. When we finally located our room I couldn't have been more happy with the view. Our room looked out over Waikiki Beach and the Royal Hawaiian.
Starved from our 14 hours of travel time we changed quickly into shorts and made our way back to the lobby. As we walked back towards the restaurants we caught a glimpse of a lady on stage teaching a large group of women's to dance a traditional Polynesian dance.
Since we were all tired we noticed an Italian restaurant Il Lupino Trattoria and Wine Bar and decided to give it a try after reviewing the menu. We all ordered the same thing a prosciutto and arugula pizza with garlic infused oil and a fresh rum mai tai. The pizza was delicious and the mai tai was extremely strong.
After dinner Dan and I took our first swim in the hotel infinity pool. The warm salt water pool was both refreshing and relaxing after a long day of traveling. We watched the sun set while the surfers and the sunset cruise catamaran's return to shore.
We returned to the room, scheduled our wake up call for tomorrow and called it a night since we were all exhausted.
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