Cruisers' Net | Cruisers Helping Cruisers

Jun 18, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Flashing Red Marker #36 on the AICW/Waccamaw River REPLACED
Click Chartlet Above to Open Chart View Page Centered on AICW/Waccamaw River Marker #36
We have just heard some GOOD news from Captain Dan Virga, onboard his vessel at SALT SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Bucksport Marina, Flashing marker #36, whose destruction caused us to issue an urgent SSECN Alert on 6/5/13, HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED by the USCG.
Hooray, all is back to normal on the AICW’s run through beautiful Waccamaw River!
We have cancelled the SSECN Navigation Alert for these waters!
Mr. Young,
Just wanted to post an update regarding the missing marker in Bucksport SC. Marker No. 36 . The Coast Guard has replaced the temporary marker with a permanent marker now.
Sincerely,
Capt. Dan Virga
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To Marker #36 On the AICW/Waccamaw River
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Jun 17, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Introducing Our NEW Statute Mile/Lat-Lon Chart View Search Widget
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net is very proud to announce a really neat and very useful, new feature, which will make it easier than ever to access our interactive “Chart View” pages at just the location you need. Now, by using our new “Statute Mile/Lat-Lon Chart View Search Widget” all you need do is choose a Southeastern USA Waterway, enter a Statute Mile, press one button, and, “presto-chango” an interactive Chart View page will open centered on the specified location. What could be better!
Here’s how it works. Locate the red, vertically stacked menus on the upper, right sidebar of any (except Chart View) SSECN page. Pick the coastline of your choice. For example purposes, let’s choose “Eastern Florida.” Click “Eastern Florida” and a drop down menu will appear. In this drop down list you will see a new menu item entitled, “Stat. Mile/Lat-Lon Chart View Search” indicated by the red, right pointing arrow, in the graphic to the right.
Now, click on “Stat. Mile/Lat-Lon Chart View Search” and a dialog box will appear like the one pictured below:
First, select your Southeastern USA Waterway of interest from the drop down list in the “Select Waterway” field. For this example, let’s select “Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.” Now, notice that UNDER the “Statute Mile” field, the dialog box/widget provides the minimum and maximum Statute Mile values for the particular Waterway you have selected. In the case of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, it runs from Statute Mile 0 (near Norfolk, VA) to Statute Mile 1095 (in Miami, Florida).
Now, let’s say that you wanted to look at the AICW near Statute Mile 878, which happens to be hard by the community of Titusville, Florida. Enter “878” (without the quote marks) in the “Statute Mile” field. Now, click the TOPMOST “View ChartView At This Location” button.
The first thing the widget will do is round off your requested “Statute Mile” to the nearest five mile position. That’s because NOAA charts display Waterway statute mile markers in five mile increments. In the example we are following here, “Statute Mile 878” will be rounded to “Statute Mile 880.” If you had requested “Statute Mile 876” your request would be rounded to “Statute Mile 875.”
Of course, all this “rounding” takes place invisibly, and in the blink of an eye. What you will see, continuing with our example, is a Chart View page that will open to the position of Statute Mile 880. Pretty neat, huh!
Now, please remember, these Chart View pages are NOT STATIC. You can place your pointer anywhere on any Chart View page, hold down the left mouse button, and drag/pan the chart as far to the east, west, north or south as you desire. You can drag all the way north to Maine or south to Key West, Florida.
Another thing you can do is activate the incredibly helpful Chart View ARGUS layer by simply clicking the “Argus(MLLW)” check box, above and to the left of the chart image, as pointed out by the red arrow in the graphic to the right.
Once the ARGUS layer is activated, you can peruse all the voluminous water depth data gathered by the ARGUS project. Talk about an on-the-water ADVANTAGE!!!!
And, of course, all our clickable Marina, Anchorage, Bridge, Info, Navigation Alert and AICW Problem Stretch icons will also be fully visible and functional on the Chart View pages you open using our new locator widget!
Finally, you will notice the bottom section of the dialog box which opens when you invoke our new “Statute Mile/Lat-Lon Chart View Search Widget,” entitled “Search by Latitude/Longitude.” The idea behind this function is to allow you to specify a Latitude and Longitude position, and a Chart View page will open centered on this specified position.
For information on how to use our new “Statute Mile/Lat-Lon Chart View Search Widget” to open a Chart View page, centered on a specified Lat/Lon postion, please visit:
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Please give it a try, and let us know what you think! Send all comments to CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com!
Good luck and good cruising to all!
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Bunch
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Jun 15, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Mile Marker 0 Marine Supply, Portsmouth, VA
Mile Marker 0 Marine Supply, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, moved the beginning of this year. PLEASE drop by and visit these fine people in their new location. And, PLEASE, SUPPORT THEM, as we always ask, whenever possible, that you support all our SSECN sponsors!
We cannot say enough good things about Bob McBride and the excellent customer service he provides to boaters’¦those in transient, and those about to be transients! If he doesn’t have what you need, he will find it for you, and will bring it to you!
Mike
Click Here To View An Earlier Posting on Mile Marker O’s Recent Relocation
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Jun 13, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Blimp Factory on Pasquotank River (near Statute Mile 59)
Below is a posting copied from the AGLCA forum about one of the really striking sights to be seen from the AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Alternate Route’s passage down the Pasquotank River, south of Elizabeth City, NC.
Southeast of marker #5, you will catch sight of a huge rooftop sitting back from the shore; its location is noted on chart 12206. This immense structure was built during World War II for the manufacture of dirigibles. In times past, cruisers could actually catch sight of two mammoth buildings at this location. The larger of the two’”one of the biggest wooden structures in the world’”burned in spectacular fashion during 1995; at that time, it still served as a blimp factory, while the smaller of the two structures was leased to a furniture company. Now, the blimp plant has been moved to the surviving building, and dirigibles are once again being constructed in Elizabeth City. If you’re lucky, you may spot one of the mammoth balloons being tested as you pass.
Below, we hear from a former employee of the Blimp factory, in a reply to a question which originally appeared on the AGLCA forum.
It is 1 of 8 blimp hangars still remaining in the US. I worked in the hangar in the early 70’s where we built wood kitchen caninets.
Westinghouse owned that hangar and a huge, all wood hangar that housed TCOM who built blimps for overseas telecommunications. The wood hangar burned to the ground in 1995.
John & Cyndi Esch
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Blimp Factory on Pasquotank River
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Jun 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Good Words for Sunrise Bistro on Johns Island, Charleston, SC
Sunrise Bistro will require automobile transportation to get to, but it definitely sounds worth asking a favor of a friend or the cost of a taxi. The City Marina courtesy van does not go out to Johns Island.
Please note that Charleston City Marina is a VALUED SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising News:
Claiborne,
As we continue our voyage north we had the occasion this weekend to dock at the City Marina in Charleston. As a frequent visitor to Charleston and its fine eating establishments, we are always eager to uncover another favorite.
Our escorts for this foray were Ed and Cindy Kridler of Charleston. Ed is a great guy and the District Commander of District 26 of the United States Power Squadrons.
Our destination was the Sunrise Bistro at 1797 Main Road on Johns Island. The building is not much to look at but just wait until you go inside.
You are warmly greeted by Brittany or the co-owner Jessica Welenteichick (the spelling is correct).
Sunrise Bistro is normally open for breakfast and lunch but on Friday and Saturday they are open for dinner also.
We started with hushpuppies wrapped in bacon. Holy Moly Claiborne, Hursey’s and the Mayflower restaurants would really be jealous of these gems which are served with Cajun honey butter. You just can’t stop eating them.
For my entrÃ©e I chose one of the few remaining braised pork shanks with mashed potatoes, asparagus and Newcastle sauce. Quite simply Claiborne it was one of the finest meals I’ve had in and around Charleston.
Other selections prepared by Chef Brian Appelt include Chef’s Home-Style Meatloaf with scalloped potatoes and asparagus in a carmelized onion demi glaze.
Bistro Short Ribs over grits and wild mushroom demi glaze was a great hit with another of our party.
Other offerings include Shrimp and Pepper-Jack Grits, Honey Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Pan-Seared Grouper (in garlic olive oil), Candied Rosemary Salmon and Creole Pan-Seared Pork Chop.
The rest of the menu may be found at www.sunrise-bistro.com. Claiborne, this one is really special.
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Charleston City Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of
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Jun 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Another Update – 4-Foot Shoaling Reported (6/1/13) at AICW/Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff Problem Stretch, Statute Mile 515
Earlier reports have indicated depths of 5.8 feet at dead low in this perennial “AICW Problem Stretch” north of Beaufort, SC. Captains Cordello, Horowitz and Raynor all confirm our recommendation to take this passage at mid to high tide.
June 1, 2013
Ditto to the above comments. Arrived at Asheepoo Coosaw Cutoff at dead low tide on June 1, 2013, and plowed into mud with a depth under 4′. Waited for 2 hours and got through with 6′. Wish I’d have looked at the alternate route down the Coosaw River and up the Asheepoo to Fenwick Island. It adds 4 miles but would have been a lot faster and less nerve-wracking.
Bill Raynor
April 20, 2013
We just came thru Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff on 4/20/2013 and the reported shoaling has gotten worse. We consistently saw 4.5 feet at MLW and one 3.9 foot at MLW. There appears to be an easy by pass by going down the Coosaw River toward St Helena Sound and up the Ashepoo Rv. We have not tried this route but will on the trip south next fall.
John Holmes
Oct 12 we also transit the Ashepoo/Coosaw Cut on a falling tide, just 2.5 feet above mlw, what we saw was exactly what was reported between markers 184 and 185 there would have been only 4.5 feet of water, strongly suggest going at mid to high tide.
Doug Cordello
Southbound, 3 November 2012. Exited the Ashepoo Coosaw Cutoff (`185’³) at 1735. Low tide at 1818, +1.27′. Saw depths as low as 6 1/2′, so when you do the math there is not a lot of water at MLLW +0.0. At 1600 +2.8′, 1700 +1.8′, 1800 +1.2′, so check the daily tables and plan your passage accordingly.
Mike Horowitz
ALTAIR
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For Ashepoo/Coosaw Cutoff
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jun 8, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Report from AICW Problem Stretch North of Ben Sawyer Bridge to Isle of Palms Bridge, Statute Mile 460

Statute Mile 460 - Click for Chartview
The AICW is shoaling badly along its southern and southeastern flank between the Ben Sawyer and Isle of Palms Bridges. MLW depths of as little as 2 feet have been noted by an official November, 2012 US Army Corps of Engineers survey.
I came through this stretch at exactly low tide on June 2, 2013. I stayed to the preferred north side, but bumped bottom and plowed mud almost continuously from G119 to just before Isle of Palms bridge. I draw 5.5′ and made it, but don’t recommend it.
Bill Raynor
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s “AICW Problem Stretches” Listing For North of Ben Sawyer
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To This AICW Problem Stretch
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Jun 7, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
Rialto Harbor Marina Closed, Okeechobee Waterway, Near Statute Mile 120
A phone call to Rialto Harbor confirms that the owner has retired and this unique marina (see link below) is out of business. The spokesperson was unaware of any plans to re-open in the future.
This is indeed sad news for the cruising community. In my 30+ years of personally visiting marinas all over the Southeaster, I can say without any fear of inaccuracy that Rialto Harbor was one of the most enjoyable and unique marina facilities from Southern Virginia to New Orleans. Tucked in an almost secret-like stream off the Okeechobee Waterway, and set in a lush botanical setting, Rialto Harbor was much akin to a little piece of undiscovered paradise. Everyone who had the good fortune to visit here in the past, will deeply miss Rialto Harbor.
Cruising News:
It with much sadness that I report Rialto Marina on the Caloosahatchee has closed. We passed through east bound on the way to the Bahamas in late March and Bus was in business and full up. When we returned in late May, there was a banner across the sign at the oxbow entrance saying Marina Closed. This was always a favorite stop with great hospitality and beautiful grounds. Hopefully it will re-open in the future.
Bert Jones

http://www.rialtoharbor.com/
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Jun 6, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Detailed Report on Little River Inlet, South Carolina Navigation (near Statute Mile 342)
Well, what better information can one get on an inlet other than an account from a professional captain who pilots a large, deep draft ship through the seaward passage in question on an almost daily basis. Hats off to Captain Henry Young for obtaining this report, and passing it along to the cruising community.
Little River Inlet lies south and east of the Waterway, right at the North Carolina – South Carolina state line, and just a stone’s throw north of the marinas at Little River, SC. The “Big M” gambling ship is stationed at a dock just south of AICW/Little River Inlet intersection. We have seen it dockside during many of our passages through northeastern South Carolina waters.
Cruising News:
Transiting my Offshore 40 with 6′ draft N and requested local knowledge on Little River Inlet and received this detailed response from the Captain of the “Big M”
Henry Young
Sir:
The M/V Big M Casino has a draft of 8′-0’. At a low tide of -.9, which is the rarest of low tides, we have been close to the bottom in a couple of places but have not hit. At middle to high tide just stay in the channel.
At low tide, The worst spot is near green #19 near Tilghman Point. There is no good route through there. The channel is wide but the shoaling goes all of the way across. At low tide you still have 8-9′ though.
The next bad spot is on the approach from Tilghman Point to the Calabash Crossroads. Stay slightly to the green side middle.
As you approach the jetty, outbound, don’t go too near green #5. Give it a little extra room and head straight to #4 in the jetty fairway. Outbound, there is some shoaling to your right. Outbound exiting the jetties stay to the right and head to about 150yds to the right of the sea buoy. Do not go to the left. You are good to go anywhere from there.
Hope this helps.
Captain William (Bill) Jacobson, Master
M/V Big M Casino
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Intersection of the AICW and Little River Inlet
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Jun 3, 2013by: Larry Dorminy No Comments
URGENT: Support Vessel Needed for a Worthy Cause, SC/NC State Line to VA
The initial support vessel planned for this event has withdrawn due to mechanical problems. Please help Kacie find another!!
This sounds like a wonderful adventure. Contact Kacie Wallace at the email below to determine what requirements are needed to be a support vessel.
Cruising News:
On June 8, World Oceans Day, YOLO Board team rider Kacie Wallace and friend Kimberly Sutton will begin paddling up the North Carolina coast, from the South Carolina state line to Virginia. The two are making the trip to raise awareness of plastics pollution in the ocean. And they’re looking for a support boat to accompany them. kacie.wallace@gmail.com, or visit http://www.supthemag.com/features/industry-news/yolo-board-team-rider-to-paddle-300-miles-for-plastic-pollution-awareness/
You may also reference this website: http://paddleforthenccoastline.weebly.com
HB Koerner
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May 31, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Columbia Marina – Under New Ownership and Completely Rebuilt – On the Beautiful Scuppernong River at Columbia, NC
Red Square Marks Position of Columbia Marina
Long before the Columbia, NC City Docks were constructed, there was a private marina on the Scuppernong River, just downstream of the City Hall, known as Columbia Marina. This facility was, for many years, owned by a local attorney, but was then allowed to languish for quite some time before being purchased in February of 2012 by Captain Tom Clancy (no, not the “Tom Clancy” of “The Hunt for Red October” fame – we asked).
Since that time, as you will read below, this facility has gone through a MAJOR renovation. And while there is currently only one transient wet slip available, Columbia Marina is now a GREAT spot to keep your vessel on a long term basis.
Besides the new docks and dock house services (see below), all of downtown Columbia, featuring several restaurants, a visitor’s center, and a hardware store, is within easy walking distance. In short, what more could you ask of a small town marina facility.
And, lest we forget, Columbia Marina is our newest SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
So, whether you are just visiting Columbia and the Scuppernong River, or looking for long term dockage, please give Columbia Marina your most serious consideration. Tell Captain Clancy we sent you!
Columbia Marina
In February 2012 Tom Clancy purchased the Columbia Marina in Columbia, North Carolina. During the following year, the marina went through extensive renovations. The dock house was rebuilt with a new bathroom and shower, featuring an antique claw foot bathtub. The dock house also boasts a laundry and kitchen facility with microwave oven, coffee maker and refrigerator for boaters to use. In addition to the dock house there is a gazebo with a gas grill for boaters to use as well. All the bulkheads and slips were rebuilt with new water and electrical service. There are ten boat slips with 30 amp service and 1 transient slip with 50 amp service. The Columbia Marina is located in quaint downtown Columbia on the water front within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants in town. For more information please contact Tom Clancy 919-495-1028.
Columbia Marina

Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Columbia Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Columbia Marina
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May 30, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
New City Docks (Plymouth Landing Marina) and Services for Visiting Cruisers at Plymouth, NC, on the Roanoke River, off Western Albemarle Sound
The narrow (compared to other Albemarle Sound rivers) but deep Roanoke River, is the southwesternmost of the nine rivers which feed into Albemarle Sound. In years past, cruising upstream to the community of Plymouth, NC, was frustrating for those looking to find wet slip dockage. There were some wet slips along the city waterfront, but they were forgettable, to say the least. ALL THAT HAS NOW CHANGED IN A BIG WAY FOR THE BETTER!
In late May, 2013, we received the brief report from Captain Jean Thomason below, informing one and all that Plymouth had invested in new docks for visiting cruisers, which were now open, and ready to accept visitors. We requested more information from the cruising community, and this appeal resulted in the second note below authored by Captains Danny and Jan.
Well, clearly there were/are BIG changes afoot in this small community, particularly in regards to their welcoming attitude towards, and services for, visiting cruisers. So, we got on the telephone and had an extensive conversation with Mike Wright, Plymouth’s General Services Director.
The result of all this up close and personal research is very happy news indeed. The town of Plymouth now boasts all-new, fixed, concrete decked wet slips, featuring fresh water and 30-50 amp power hookups, in a facility known as Plymouth Landing Marina. Some slips have 30 amp service and others feature 50 amp hookups. The wet slips designed for larger craft have depths of 12 to 14 feet, while some of the smaller berths have 4.5 to 6 feet of waters. And, we were able to confirm the report from Danny and Jan, that visiting cruisers can enjoy ten day’s free dockage at these fresh city piers, including power and water connections.
The dockage basin lies under the watchful eye of a reproduction of the Roanoke River screw-pile lighthouse. The eye catching feature adds considerably to the visual appeal of this city facility.
Shoreside, mariners will discover climate controlled showers, and a laundromat. Waste pump-out service is available for a very reasonable $5,00. There are two restaurants within walking distance, one of which is open for breakfast. There are also several museums in downtown Plymouth which are well worth your attention.
It’s a hefty 1+ mile walk to Highway 64, where you will find a supermarket and chain drugstore. Those cruising with bicycles will find this an easy trip.
CLEARLY, with all these new facilities, cruisers now have a new, prime destination just off Albemarle Sound. Please help spread the word about Plymouth’s new welcome and new services for visting cruisers.
New Plymouth, NC City Docks and Reproduction Roanoke River Lighthouse
Because our marina (Cypress Cove, formerly IYC) is at Columbia, we often cruise west on Albemarle Sound. Plymouth on the Roanoke River has just opened new town docks. We hear they are nice and free. Plymouth has shops, a museum (with replica of the Abemarle, a Confederate ironclad) and a lighthouse in the historic part of town along the waterfront.
Jean Thomason
I would like to tell everyone about the new town docks in Plymouth NC. Very nice slips (10 slips ) with power and water at no charge. They have very nice rest rooms and showers with a washer and dryer. There is also a pump out with just a 5.00 charge.
We stayed there in April and was very pleased. Oyster Bar short walk away was great. Breakfast at Stella’s down the street was very good. There was also three Museums in easy walking distance.
The east end where the larger slips are the water 12 to 14 feet and the west end on the T we marked 4.5 feet. These slips are not where the old slips are. These are at the west end of town in front of the Light House. Very nice.
Danny and Jan on the Mosey
Plymouth is a great town to visit for it’s Civil War history and all the good things mentioned here. My great grandfather served with the Union army and became a prisoner of war when the town was retaken.
However, there is a charted fixed bridge of 50′ vertical clearance between the town and Albemarle Sound that will keep most sailboats from visiting. We have anchored just before the bridge and used our dinghy. I think we were lucky to not hit a snag with the anchor since the Roanoke River is dense with cypress on both sides.
Harry Burns
S/V Two for the Roads
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For the Plymouth City Docks
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Plymouth City Docks
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May 30, 2013by: Claiborne Young No Comments
Fernandina Harbor Marina and Fernandina Beach Dining (Statute Mile 831)
We share Cap’n H’s enthusiasm for downtown Fernandina Beach, Florida. The dining and shopping possibilities are many and deliciously varied. Have not yet given Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro a try, but will have to correct that oversight SOON!
Guys,
We just finished our two day layover at Fernandina Beach before continuing north.
Everyone here is so friendly both around the harbor marina and the town.
Most notable was a simply superior dinner to anything I have experienced in many years. Joe’s 2nd Street Bistro should be on every boaters must do list here. Only two blocks off the harbor marina, the staff, service and food outshine anything in recent memory.
We tried the gumbo and the loaded potato soup for appetizers which were perfect with the fresh homemade bread and olive oil and cracked pepper.
The 14 oz blackened rib-eye was beyond description in its perfection and flavor. The potatoes were superb as was the vegetable medley. The vegetables were cooked to the perfect degree of doneness, not mushy and yet not hard.
If you never stop anywhere else, make it here!.
Cap’n H
We agree. Due to this posting we have been to joes bistro twice and are going there again today. The food is great, the decor is very nice, above what you would expect. The lunch menu runs until three pm and is a great value. And the food is really good.
Dave Bell
We’ve been there [Joe’s Bistro] twice and love it!
Bill
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Fernandina Harbor Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Fernandina Harbor Marina
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