He has visited 26 national parks and hopes to add many more to that list. The United States Geological Survey gave it the name "Charlie's Bunion" shortly thereafter. (Remember to filter, purify, or otherwise treat this water if you want a taste.). [2] The Anakeesta Formation, which comprises much of the crest of the Central Smokies, was created nearly a billion years ago from ancient ocean sediments. Step carefully. 37 total in the last ten years. The path to Charlies Bunion lies about another mile northeast of Icewater Spring. She failed to meet movers on June 1. Another way to request for California Death Records is through online public databases. Trying to find someone or any clues in that kind of landscape is very difficult.. TN Parking is free and access into the park is free as . How many people have died on Charlies Bunion? The AT begins to level, approaching an intersection with the Sweat Heifer Creek Trail. Carver met Bennett shortly after moving to Gatlinburg from Toledo, Ohio. Stunning views. 6,621 Mt. When the trail begins to descend the other side of Mt. All Rights Reserved. Let a responsible person know your route and return time. We planned to stop on the way back for pictures. Currently there are parts of the trail completely iced over, so I would suggest getting chains or spikes. If you go early in the morning you may experience a few spots but can easily pass without spikes. After soaking in the views, this hike turns to follow the outbound route in reverse. Required fields are marked *. Now how about that name? They hiked together another 20 times or more, chatting the whole way. Murder at the Jumpoff hinges on a suspicious death in the terrain around the Greenbrier-area cliff in the title. From Gatlinburg, head into the National Park towards theGreat Smoky Mountains National Parks Sugarlands Visitor Center and take the Newfound Gap Road some 13 miles to the namesake pass. Thought Id share so no one else makes this mistake! There are two caution signs. About a mile in, there was a very icy section. Her hiking pole was in the backseat. The death of the well-known 62-year-old shook the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club and outdoor community throughout Appalachia. The return begins with a steady, one-mile ascent to the Icewater Spring Shelter. The trail itself is somewhat of a trough through this cimmerian forest, rocky and claustrophobic. LeConte through the dead hemlock and fir trees. I remember I came around the corner. Bennett organized a memorial hike, during which Carver and others spread Klabundes ashes near Lester Prong. Its a majestic sight, but unfortunately cast in a grey pall from the overcast and valley haze. Trailhead Sign - Start Here for Charlies Bunion Follow the sign for the Appalachian Trail, and start walking. Hard 4.7 (177) Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Charlies Bunion Location Map Last updated: August 3, 2015 Was this page helpful? The out-and-back to Charlies Bunion covers just overeight miles and involves anelevation gain of 1,640 feet. To the right, the spur trail continues down to another overlook with a great view of the east side of Charlies Bunion. The Appalachian Trail crosses the mountain's northern slope some four miles (6km) east of Newfound Gap, allowing easy access to dayhikers and rock climbers. About four miles from the trailhead, youll reach the short side trail to your payoff: Charlies Bunion. Saw three deer outside Icewater Spring Shelter. Most of the Porters Creek and Lester Prong area is Anakeesta, more of a slatey rock. The start point for Charlies Bunion is right at the hub of the Smokies: Newfound Gap. Im sure I will be back to try some of the other seasons. However, great hike! It had 11.3 million visitors in 2017. A little ways beyond the Boulevard Trail turnoff, youll come to a spur path leading to the handsome Icewater Spring Shelter, an option for overnighting. (Considering a backpacking adventure? The following are paid links. Both Kephart and Masa were on the North Carolina Nomenclature Committee, and thus it was their responsibility to identify names for the various Smoky Mountain landmarks on the North Carolina side of the mountain (although Charlies Bunion is on the Tennessee side). The relentless uphill effort makes this portion relatively difficult. From Cherokee, North Carolina, the gap is 20.2 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Campbell said everyone should carry a backpack with essentials including a map, a cellphone, water, high energy snacks, rain gear, flashlight and an extra layer of insulating clothing made of synthetic, not cotton, material. At the one mile marker, there's about a 10th mile of ice, but easily navigable without micro spikes. The mountain is a rare instance of a bare-rock summit in the Smokies. The trailhead is to the left of the overlook, at the end of the parking lot near the restrooms. You choose the frequency. From Cherokee, drive 20.2 miles north to reach the parking area at Newfound Gap. Follow the Alum Cave Trail and Boulevard Trail to stunning views and a backcountry lodge on the summit of Mt LeConte, exploring the Alum Cave Bluffs, Arch Rock, and Gracies Pulpit. The local prominence of Charlies Bunion and the Sawteethand their expansive viewsare largely due to a wildfire, sparked in logging slash in the Oconaluftee lowlands, which scorched this divide in 1925; a heavy rainstorm over the burn a few years later caused landsliding that further revealed the raw rock. Hikers will also enjoy a wide variety of wildflowers that bloom at these elevations during the spring and early summer, including varieties such as violets, spring beauty and trout lilies.Just before reaching the Sweat Heifer Creek Trail junction, roughly 1.7 miles from the trailhead, be sure to take in the outstanding views of Mount LeConte and Myrtle Point towards the northwest.Throughout several portions of the hike you'll be traveling at elevations hovering around 6000 feet. The heat from the fire was so intense, it not only scorched every plant in its path, but it rendered the soil sterile. Additionally, her blood had a toxic level of diphenhydraminethe generic name for antihistamine and sleep aid Benadrylwhich points towards an intentional overdose, said Great Smoky Mountains National Park spokeswoman Dana Soehn. As we approached Newfound Gap even more wildflowers were blooming from the sunshine and I happened to think, this is two hikes in a row that Ive reported on that followed a state line for its length. Clear day with breathtaking views from both Charlies Bunion and from a side trip to the Jumpoff (a rugged trail with very steep dropoff at the end). Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Hiking Distance: 4.0 miles one way to Charlies Bunion Trail Conditions :Elevation change of 1,600 feet; this is a firm-packed trail that traverses some exposed cliffs. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views along the world-famous Appalachian Trail on this hike to a picturesque stone outcrop known as Charlies Bunion. If you've googled the trail, you've seen that it is defined as strenuous. Always keep children in your sight when hiking-do not allow them to get ahead of you or fall behind. All his communication with her in the days before her death suggested she was looking forward to the future. There was a significant pool in the stream there, Fleming says. We were treated to marvelously gnarly, wind-swept trees overhanging the trail, and a literal carpet of violets white, purple and blue. How to Get There: From either the Tennessee or North Carolina side of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, take Newfound Gap Road (Hwy 441) to the top at Newfound Gap. All rights reserved. The trail descends a bit and finally reaches The Jumpoff overlook after about 0.6 mile. The most common cause of death in the Smokies tends to be from motor vehicle accidents, Campbell said, which is the most popular activity in the park. List of Murders on the AT. The view soon unfolds to reveal the rocky precipice, with steep cliff faces, worn (and often slick) rock, and narrow pathways. Plan your visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and learn more about Charlies Bunion. Great hike! Continue going straight though to get to Charlies Bunion. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. To the immediate west Mount Kephart soars to 6,217 feet, while 6,593-foot Mount Le Contethird-highest mountain in the Great Smokiesdominates the northwestern skyline. Kephart and the Jump Off to your west and Mount Guyot towards the east. This shelter has a glorious view of sunrise over the NC Smokies to entice the weary ones to continue their long journey. It would have been fairly easy, particularly given the conditions she was hiking in it was very foggy, raining and probably dark or getting dark that someone could miss an intersection or the parking lot and get off on the wrong trail, Campbell said. They bushwhacked past boulders, overgrown brush, and downed tree trunks to a spot at about 4,400 feet, where they spread some of her ashes at the same place where theyd placed Charlie Klabundes earlier in the year. To find out more about the aforementioned records, call the California Department of Public health at 916-445-2684. McCue also reports that when Masa Knob, a peak halfway between Charlies Bunion and Mount Kephart, was officially approved in 1961, Charlie Connor quipped, "I am glad Masa had this honor close to . To date, there have been 13 total murders recorded. Provided by Touchpoints Contact Info Mailing Address: 107 Park Headquarters Road Gatlinburg , TN 37738 Phone: (865)436-1200 Contact Us This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. The repairs had been completed for about a month now. I saw her car instantly. Trail Traffic: We encountered more than two dozen other hikers. Its about a 6-8 feet scramble to the top. At days end, the sun dips below the mountains surrounding Charlies Bunion. I went towards the end of October and the Fall colors were amazing. Directions: The start point for Charlies Bunion is right at the hub of the Smokies: Newfound Gap. Bennetts apparent suicide left her close friends struggling to find answers. Depending on conditions and your own abilities, though, a winter hike can make an excellent adventure with far less company. Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Trailful Outdoor Co. is a registered trademark of Summit19 Studio LLC.Privacy Policy | Terms of Use No photo, illustration, data, or text on this website may be reproduced, published, or distributed without prior written permission and license. Your email address will not be published. Highly recommend making the 0.7 mi detour to jump off point for what I think might be the best views in the national park. When hikers hit the 2.5-mile mark the Boulevard Trail to Mt. Follow the Appalachian Trail and Chestnut Branch Trail to the historic fire lookout tower on Mt Cammerer. A final element that adds to the confusion surrounding Charlies Bunion is that like any other site in the Smokies with a seemingly possessive name it never received its possessive apostrophe. The overlook sits on an extremely narrow ledge with a 300-400 foot drop straight down. Posted by Jeff on May 22, 2013 @ 1:32 pm in Appalachian Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Hiking Blog, North Carolina, Rated Moderate Hikes, Tennessee, Vista Hikes | 1 comment | Last modified: July 5, 2017. Sunrise and sunset at the Bunion are unequivocally beautiful. Hiked on 2/6/23, glad we read the trail conditions before embarking on our journey. Beyond that foothold, there is confusion. Current weather - Here we've put together a glance at all the most important information about the current weather in Charlies Bunion (Swain County, North Carolina, United States). The adventure begins from the eastern edge of the parking area, following the AT eastbound beside a historical stone pavilion. Charlies Bunion is one of the most popular hiking and backpacking destinations in the Smokies. Its harder to climb, with small handholds instead of big handholds. Hikers using the Boulevard Trail via the AT to go to the summit of Mount Le Conte sometimes put in extra mileage to visit the Bunion. Hikers will travel eastbound along the Appalachian Trail to reach this popular rock outcropping. Off season hiking is great with so few Saw two early season thru hikers at Ice Water shelter. A man died from cardiac distress while on the Alum Cave Trail Saturday morning, according to a release from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. By now, youre reaching the highest part of the trail. Most of the eastern area of the national park, and much to the north is noticeable from The Jumpoff. Just under 15 miles in total. She said a commonality in typical lost person behavior is that often people who are lost or disoriented will head downhill or head toward water. The story continued to describe the hike with Kephart and Masa. Gatlinburg Be careful as the rock surface has been worn smooth by the thousands that have come before. Hikers will travel eastbound along the Appalachian Trail to reach this popular rock outcropping. The most comprehensive site on the internet for information on hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. McCue also reports that when Masa Knob, a peak halfway between Charlies Bunion and Mount Kephart, was officially approved in 1961, Charlie Connor quipped, I am glad Masa had this honor close to my Bunion (Knoxville Journal, May 17, 1961). We picked this spot to enjoy our lunch. She was absolutely devoted to off-trail exploration in the Smokies, and made trips almost every weekend, Sass says. All rights reserved. The Porters Creek Trail itself is nothing to brag about, says Clayton Carver, who hiked with Bennett many times in the last few years before her death. If you stay put, you increase the likelihood that someone will find you more quickly. Its precipitous cliffs, unusual for the Great Smokies, are nothing to play around with: Reckless scrambling could result in a nastyand potentially fatalfall. And we picked the Appalachian Trail to celebrate. Did it 4 hours and 10mins with no sticks or spikes. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 16 min to complete. Some good views along the way. Beautiful trails with lots of streams and small waterfalls. He couldnt quite recollect whether he had been afflicted with an ingrown toenail, a turned ankle, or a sore foot, Frome wrote. Trail Description. Being at the highest point along this narrow ridge, with stunning views on either side of the trail, you'll feel like you're walking on the spine of the Appalachian Mountains.At just over 2.7 miles the Boulevard Trail to Mount LeConte forks off to the left. Origin: "Charlies Bunion got its name in 1929 when Swain County native Charlie Conner was hiking with outdoorsman Horace Kephart, photographer George Masa, and others along the high divide. The weather that week was typical: highs in the 80s, lows in the upper 50s. Anyone hiking in the Smokies should take it seriously, even out for a day hike, and take safety precautions including planning ahead and preparing by knowing the trail and if youre in good physical condition to tackle that trail. She was just lying back against a rock, like she just reclined there.. To the east along the ridge crest, cliffy Anakeesta exposures form the Sawteeth. This highlights the many natural hazards that exist in the sprawling, half-million-acre park in the North Carolina-Tennessee mountains, for experienced as well as inexperienced hikers. Jenny Bennett always wanted to know what was over the next ridge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The AT trailhead is in the northern corner. The mountain rising above Charlies Bunion to the west was named after Kephart. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route. Due to the extremely steep drop-offs you'll definitely want to watch you're footing in this area.If you still have the energy on your return trip, take the relatively short side trail to visit the Jump Off, located near the Boulevard Trail junction. Soon after, the trail reaches the summit of Mt. Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail. Enjoy these new photos. The first known murder on the Appalachian Trail took place in 1974. To your left (southwest) is the next ridge over that includes The Jumpoff, and Mt. The scenery alone makes the Charlies Bunion hike one of the more popular in the Smokies, but theres also the added attraction of following a gorgeous stretch of the fabled Appalachian Trailamong the most famous footpaths in the world. Our plan was to hit the AT at Newfound Gap, then hike to Charlies Bunion. And its also a popular trailhead for the Appalachian Trail, which crosses through the gap. Now most of those places that she pointed out are my destinations.. We reached Newfound Gap, the top of the paved road in the park, and the state line between North Carolina and Tennessee. This trail starts at Newfound Gap Overlook, and it passes, Icewater Spring Shelter, as well as junctions with several other trails.. Getting Started There is excellent parking and clean restrooms at Newfound Gap. Clements was considered an experienced on trail hiker, Campbell said. The mother and daughter had spent a couple of days hiking in the Smokies, including on trails longer and more strenuous than Forney Ridge, including the Chimney Tops Trail, which has an elevation change of 1,300 feet over 2 miles. For your effort during this portion of the hike you'll be rewarded early and often. Departing the shelter, the AT continues its steady descent, reaching a spur trail at four miles. I felt it was important to honor Jenny by scattering her cremains at these important places in her life. Its a real rugged, steeper part of the Smokies.. Carver, who had found her blog and looked up to her as a local hiking legend, was then invited to join her and others for a hike up to Charlies Bunion. hikers! A Note On Safety: Looking at Conner's feet, Kephart remarked, "Charlie, I'm going to get this place put on a government map for you." "[7] There is another, slightly different, story told by Paul M. Fink in his book "The Names and Lore of The Great Smoky Mountains" in which Fink says that one of the group upon looking at the bare rock pinnacle left by the storm, and knowing of Conner's foot affliction, remarked: "Well that sticks out like Charlie's bunion" prompting Kephart to decide on that name. I hadnt seen my brother (the other Internet Brother) in a year, so it would be great to get back on the trail together. Head out on this 12.9-km out-and-back trail near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This is a spectacular hike with rewarding views when you get to the overlook. Ambler, start looking on your right for the Icewater Springs Shelter, one of the many refuges strategically placed along the Appalachian Trail to make it tolerable for the thru-hikers. The most common methods were firearms and falls. Hugh F. Hoss, a writer for the Sentinel, met Connor when they shared a room in a Knoxville hospital that year. The Appalachian Trail begins climbing in an easterly direction immediately as you leave the tourists at Newfound Gap behind. We watched for it as Hwy 441 winded its way up the steep incline. Be sure to also take a side trip to The Jumpoff, a precipice on the next ridge west from Charlies Bunion. To do this we use the anonymous data provided by cookies. Cell phones do not work most places in the backcountry and GPS is sometimes unreliable. Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out. Now looking back and with everything thats happened, I can say she was in a different place than where shed normally beenvery moody, edgy, irritated, Carver says. The current name was derived when Charlie Conner went hiking one day with Horace Kephart, one of the early proponents for a national park in the Smokies, and the author of Our Southern Highlanders. Get an early start from the trailhead for the best opportunities for some solitude. (Tread carefully!) The panorama from Charlies Bunion is superb. The search for Clements lasted a week and involved 175 trained personnel from five states and some 50 organizations, helicopters, drones and K-9 units. At least personally, Ive accepted that Ill never have any real certainty about what happened and why.. Kephart responded to Connor with a remark about naming the knob Charlies Bunion.Kephart followed through, and the name soon became official., Word from the Smokies: What Horace Kephart can teach us about solitude, simplicity, Word from the Smokies: More walk, less talk a New Years resolution. Charlies Bunion via Appalachian Trail Moderate 4.7 (5224) Great Smoky Mountains National Park Photos (7,609) Directions Print/PDF map Length 8.0 miElevation gain 1,886 ftRoute type Out & back Try this 8.0-mile out-and-back trail near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Most of the bedrock in the Smokies is that thunderhead sandstone, which forms rolling but massive outcrops. So when we got to camp, I told Kephart, Ive found my bunion. He said, Good; well put it down on a Government map. They did just that.. You can also see where there are thunderstorms currently ongoing, as well as . This is a large rock out cropping created years ago by a fire, rain and subsequent landslide. Lots of up and down parts get ready to hike lol! Her life was full of adventure and the hikes to her final resting spots were the kinds of challenges that she enjoyed the most.. Views of the southern Smokies abound at the trailhead. The Jumpoff Trail finally tops out at about 6,200 feet with a fabulous view of Mt. The hike to Charlies Bunion in the Great Smoky Mountains begins from Newfound Gap. Charlies Bunion 130 Reviews #28 of 104 things to do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Outdoor Activities, Nature & Parks, Hiking Trails Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN Save travelnoremac Blacklick, Ohio 3 Great Hike! If you mis-step, its a long way down. Nick is a freelance photojournalist, based in Atlanta, Georgia with professional affiliations to several media and photographic production firms. We immediately passed a hillside covered in bluets and white violets. When we went over this little knoll, my feet were hurtin and we talked about it, Connor told Hoss. By the time he completed the eight-hour drive, he decided to go to the Porters Creek trailhead, just to rule it out. 35.610867, -83.425017 // N35 36.652 W83 25.501, Nicholas Walsh is a adventure photojournalist from the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. While exploring the area, they happened upon a large rock outcropping with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Due to timbering, fires, and flashfloods, the topsoil was literally scoured and burned off of this ridgeline, which makes for unobstructed views and wide open country with big skies. I had heard from others that the Smokies were alive with wildflowers this year from all the winter wetness. This strenuous hike is 8.1 miles roundtrip and includes 1640 feet of elevation gain. Definitely some ice patches but they were easily navigated around. Charlies Bunion was named in 1929 for Charlie Conner's bunion on his foot, seen one day when hiking with Horace Kephart, one of the leading campaigners for the creation of the national park. Following the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap, you can reach the vantage point with about an 8 mile roundtrip hike. Charlie's Bunion is not the highest point on the hike - the first 2.3 miles of the hike are mostly uphill with constant roots and rocks, but no hand and feet scrambling required. But like Carver, he didnt connect the dots until after her death. The characteristic boulder-like protrusion on northern face of Charlies Bunion, with the summit rising on the right, Sherrill Hatcher, "The Appalachian Trail In the Smokies,", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Charlies_Bunion&oldid=1040001999, This page was last edited on 22 August 2021, at 02:57. Peter Bennett spread more of her ashes in the woods behind a house where theyd played growing up in Arlington, Virginia. Duane R. Abbajay Duane R. Abbajay, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at Perrysburg Commons. Before Great Smoky Mountains National Park was established, this rocky promontory was known as Fodderstack.. For a half mile past the NC overlook, the trail drops sharply on your left. Great hike with awesome views. Updated June 29, 2015: Took another great hike to The Jumpoff and Charlies Bunion. Bennett documented many of her hikes on her blog Endless Streams and Forests and participated as an active and much-loved member of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, both in the 80s and then again when she returned to the area in 2010. Lots of fun and gorgeous views. Its a strenuous stretch of the Appalachian Trail with extended climbs and traverses across exposed elevated cliffs. In September, a few months after her death, Carver joined Fleming and Jennys brother, Peter Bennett of Bozeman, Montana, to take her up Lester Prong for a final time. The trail narrows as nears the crest of Mount Ambler, following a single track path framed by a fragrant spruce-fir forest. Ed Fleming, a resident of Gatlinburg and longtime member of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club, says that Bennett ran into some issues while serving as editor of the club newsletter that eventually led to her resignation. Some ice on trail still , but able to get around it. Sort by: Show more photos. Your email address will not be published. Read before you think. If you have trouble on the trail, darkness may fall before you can finish your hike. The shelter is one of the nicer structures along the AT in North Carolina. At roughly two-thirds of a mile you'll enjoy grand views of the North Carolina Smokies towards the south. You dont want to stumble and fall as it would be quite awhile before you stop. Notes: The Appalachian Trail heads out in two directions from Newfound Gap one way towards Clingmans Dome and one way towards Charlies Bunion. In January, he took his 11-year-old daughter to a waterfall that Bennett had told him about. Trail Condition: AT is very good, some of the Jumpoff Trail is sketchy. Other than the occasional surveyor or naturalist, few people ventured to the Sawteeth before the 1900s. Charlies Bunion was named in 1929 for Charlie Conners bunion on his foot, seen one day when hiking with Horace Kephart, one of the leading campaigners for the creation of the national park. It sleeps 12, but a permit and reservation are required through the Park Service. When they paused for a rest on the rocks, Conner took his boots and socks off and exposed a bunion that resembled the surrounding rocks. It is up from the seven deaths in 2017, but not as many as the 16 deaths tallied in 2016. Hike the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion from Newfound Gap, exploring some of the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes in the Great Smoky Mountains on this challenging eight-mile adventure. Having said that, this is a remarkable place. In June, Carver was headed back from a trip to Toledo when he received the broadcast email about Bennetts disappearance. 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About the aforementioned Records, call the California Department of public health at 916-445-2684 to several media photographic. You 'll enjoy grand views of the Jumpoff wind-swept trees overhanging the trail and... Survey gave it the name `` Charlie 's Bunion '' shortly thereafter pass without.! Sign for the best opportunities for some solitude, this is a hike... Sight when hiking-do not allow them to get to Charlies Bunion lies about another mile northeast of Spring. But easily navigable without micro spikes tops out at about 6,200 feet with Great! It sleeps 12, but unfortunately cast in a Knoxville hospital that year allow! Grand views of the hike to a waterfall charlies bunion deaths Bennett had told him about got to camp, I Kephart... And the fall colors were amazing 1640 feet of elevation gain to honor jenny by scattering her cremains these. 16 deaths tallied in 2016 suicide left her close friends struggling to find answers this year from the! It down on a suspicious death in the days before her death the Sentinel, met Connor they... To another overlook with a steady, one-mile ascent to the Sawteeth before the 1900s down a... In 2017 charlies bunion deaths at Perrysburg Commons her life small handholds instead of big handholds be careful as the deaths... By now, youre reaching the highest part of the Appalachian trail and Chestnut Branch to! Exposed elevated cliffs overhanging the trail reaches the summit of Mt is that thunderhead,... That list 1640 feet of elevation gain Porters Creek and Lester Prong area is Anakeesta, more of a summit...
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