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Field Trips

Upcoming events

    • 02/07/2024
    • 12/04/2024
    • 11 sessions
    • Ansel Adams Room
    Register
    Test CFH

    The field trip committee meeting is held monthly on the first Wednesday of the month. It is an opportunity for committee members to discuss upcoming field trips.

    • 03/19/2024
    • 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
    • GVR Photography Club, Santa Rita Springs Social Center
    • 2
    Register

    The Oasis Sanctuary & Forever Home Donkey Rescue  3/19/2024

    Trip Cost $20.00

    This trip combines visits to two unique animal rescue facilities north of Benson, Arizona.

    Established in 1997, The Oasis Sanctuary is a unique avian rescue and life-care facility, dedicated to providing permanent care, shelter and rehabilitation for companion parrots for which other rehoming options do not exist. In particular they are a refuge for exotic birds such as parrots, cockatoos, macaws and other Psittacine birds. Many of the birds in their care have “special needs”, little or no social skills or have suffered physical and/or emotional abuse resulting in undesirable psychological behaviors. The Oasis is often all that stands between life and death for these beautiful, sentient and endangered companion birds.

    Upon arrival, we’ll divide into two groups, with each group given a 3-hour tour by Oasis Sanctuary staff. There are seven enclosures where the birds are not caged, and you’ll have ample time on the tour for some great photo opportunities. There’ll also be time for you to interact with birds that are so inclined. We’ll provide roasted peanuts in the shell for you to give as treats, so you may end up with a new avian best friend.

    Find more information about the Oasis Sanctuary here. https://the-oasis.org/

    We’ll take time out between 12:30 and 1:00 PM for a brown bag lunch at the Oasis (bring your favorite snack and beverage).

    From there, we will make our way to the Forever Home Donkey Rescue. Forever Home has provided a loving home for donkeys since 1998. Many of these intelligent & beautiful animals have health issues because of neglect in their past. Others are in their 20s and 30s, requiring extra care and special feeds to keep them healthy.

    The donkeys are roaming on 10 acres, and you can take pictures to your heart's content. If the donkeys don't want to come see you, you can walk within the Sanctuary to see them. If you have trouble walking, the Sanctuary will take you to them on a four-wheeler bike. Caretakers will be available to answer any questions and tell you the donkeys' stories--if you could understand what the donkeys have to say. The tour will last about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

    Find more information about Forever Home Donkey Rescue Sanctuary here.  https://foreverhomedonkeyrescue.com/

    Be sure to wear comfortable shoes (preferably close-toed), a hat and sunscreen, bring water, and be sure to pack a lunch or snacks.

    For those driving, make sure you have a full tank of gas and good tires before setting out. The freeway exit is approximately 25 miles (40 minutes) from the Oasis Sanctuary, and the road to the Sanctuary turns from paved asphalt to a hard-packed dirt surface that can be a bit rough in stretches. Also, cell phone service can be spotty to nonexistent once you start heading north from Benson.

    Meet at the Photography Club upper parking lot at 7:30 AM for carpooling, departure at 7:45 AM. Please wear your GVR Photography Club or Camera Club badge if you have one. For those carpooling, $5.00 is an appropriate contribution to the driver. 

    Tom Parker will be our trip leader. Contact Tom at 618-304-1456 or tparker324@aol.com with any questions. He will be disseminating more information to registered participants via e-mail as we get closer to the event.

    GVR requires that every person participating in club's field trips must sign a one-time waiver absolving GVR of any liability.  You will be required to sign the waiver at the Photography club before the trip departs. 

    Last date to cancel for a refund is March 12, 2024.

    If you need to cancel please contact the Field Trip Coordinator Lynn Rozema at 719-351-5193 or email lrozema51@gmail.com.  We may have people on the wait list to take your place.  

    NOTICE:

    All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.

    The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations. 

    In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.


    • 03/20/2024
    • 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    • GVR Photography Club, Santa Rita Springs Social Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    White Stallion Ranch 3/20/2024

    Trip Cost: $27        

    Visit one of Arizona’s best dude ranches. Arrive at the White Stallion Ranch about 11:00 am. Meet at the entry patio to the office to learn about the dude ranch and all the photography opportunities. Members may wander around from 11:00am to 12:30pm taking pictures. Horses and stables, the historic ranch house, birding area, western landscape, a petting zoo, and more is available to photograph.

    Lunch will be served from 12:30 -1:30. Lunch includes grilled meat choices and accompanying sides, drink, and desert. We will be eating with other guests at the ranch.

    At 1:30 you can explore the ranch on your own or check with the office for things to do. The gift shop is open until 2:30pm.

    Weather permitting, there will be a rodeo show beginning at 4:00 for the guests of the ranch. It ends about 5:30. You are free to return home if you are not staying for the rodeo show.

    Meet at the Photography Club upper-level parking lot at 9:30am for carpooling, departing no later than 9:45am. Please wear your GVR Photography Club badge and shirt if you have one.

    For more information about the ranch click here.

    Contact the Field Trip Guide Danny Valenzuela at 602-568-5759 or email at dvsundevil@gmail.com with any questions.

    GVR requires that every person participating in club's field trips must sign a one-time waiver absolving GVR of any liability. You will be required to sign the waiver at the Photography club before the trip departs if you have not already done so. 

    Last date to cancel for a refund is March 12, 2024.

    If you need to cancel, please contact the Field Trip Coordinator Lynn Rozema at 719-351-5193 or email lrozema51@gmail.com. We may have people on the wait list to take your place.

    NOTICE:   All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.

    The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations. 

    To participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.



    • 03/21/2024
    • 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    • GVR Photography Club, Santa Rita Springs Social Center
    • 0
    Join waitlist

    Rancho de la Osa (includes lunch) 3/21/2024

    Cost is $15 

    Rancho de las Osa is an historic ranch and sportsman's paradise, situated on 590 acres and surrounded by an additional 120,000 acres of the Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge in Sasabe, AZ, near the MX border. It is really a true and historic place made up of luxurious adobe guest rooms, Mexican antiques and vintage furniture and a perfect location for horseback riding, wildlife photography and more. There is a barn with horses. 

    A long list of historical people have stayed here; John Wayne (guest room 10), Margaret Mitchell (author of Gone With the Wind), Poncho Villa, and several US presidents. The Marshall Plan was drafted at this ranch. On April 3, 1948, President Truman signed the Economic Recovery Act of 1948. It became known as the Marshall Plan, named for Secretary of State George Marshall, who in 1947 proposed that the United States provide economic assistance to restore the economic infrastructure of postwar Europe.  You may fall in love and want to come back to stay or maybe have a reunion at the ranch. 

    It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat if needed and bring a bottle of water.

    Lunch will be a buffet of assorted items. Please inform the the Field Trip Leader if there are dietary restrictions.  A cash bar is available prior to lunch.  It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat if needed and bring a bottle of water.  

    Additional information at ranchodelaosa.com

    Meet at the Photography Club upper-level parking lot at 8:30 AM for carpooling, departure at 8:45. Please wear your GVR Photography Club or Camera Club badge if you have one. For those carpooling, $5.00 is an appropriate contribution to the driver. 

    GVR requires that every person participating in club's field trips sign a one-time waiver absolving GVR of any liability.  You will be required to sign the waiver at the Photography Club before the trip departs if you haven’t signed one earlier in the year.

    Danny Valenzuela will be our trip leader.  Contact Danny at 602-568-5759 or email at dvsundevil@gmail.com if you have any questions.

    If you need to cancel, please contact the Field Trip Facilitator Lynn Rozema at 719-351-5193 or email at lrozema51@gmail.com.  We may have people on the wait list to take your place.  

    No refunds after March 14, 2024.

    Notice:  

    All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.

    The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations. 

    In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.


    • 03/26/2024
    • 7:45 AM - 4:00 PM
    • GVR Photography Club, Santa Rita Springs Social Center
    Register

    Nature/Bird Photography at Patagonia State Park 3/26/2024

    Cost:  $12 (Additional $15 per vehicle entrance fee)

    Birdwatching/photography is excellent almost anywhere within the Park or Natural Area.There will be two options offered on this trip.  You may take the trail around the lake on multi-leveled and sometimes rough paths or there is a short birding trail that terminates at a spot on the southeastern bank of Patagonia Lake. The Park Service has installed multiple bird feeders of various types which attract a wide variety of seed-eating and nectar-feeding birds. There is plenty of room to set up your tripod and even a bench to relax while enjoying the wildlife.  You have your choice depending upon your mobility.

    Bring a lunch  and water and be sure to wear comfortable clothes, hat and shoes. 

    Meet at the upper-level parking lot by the Photography Club at 7:45AM for carpooling, depart at 8:00 AM. If you don't feel comfortable carpooling, you can drive yourself.  There is a $15 entrance fee to the state park per vehicle. This cost is in addition to your trip fee.  You are highly encouraged to carpool and collectively pay for the entrance fee and reimburse driver for gas. 

    Mike McMinn will lead the group, with our birding and nature guide, Sandy McMahan.

    GVR requires that every person participating in Photography Club Field Trips must sign a one-time waiver prior to departure absolving GVR of any liability.  You may sign the waiver the morning of the trip, if you have not already done so.

    NOTICE:  

    All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.

    The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations. 

    In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.


    • 03/27/2024
    • 8:45 AM - 2:00 PM
    • GVR Photography Club, Santa Rita Springs Social Center
    • 6
    Register


    Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operating Museum -- Behind-the-Scenes 3/27/2024


    Trip Cost $15

    The Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operation Museum is a charitable, not-for-profit 501 (C) (3) corporation dedicated to the hobby of model railroading by providing the publiic with an interactive museum of operating to train layouts, displays and exhibits. This 6,000 sq ft museum features completely functional model trains in a variety of scales, from miniature Z-scale all the way up to a ride-on 7 1/2" rail gauge train and full-size caboose. The museum provides a unique look at the past that captures the imagination of every guest.

    We will drive to the museum where we will be provided an overview of the museum and its mission. From there, you are free to check out the various scale-model railroad exhibits -- volunteers will be on-hand to answer your questions. This behind-the-scenes tour will enable participants to use tripods, monopods, and flash equipment that is usually prohibited during normal operating hours. The tour should end around noon. 

    Following the tour, participants are invited to a no-host lunch at Brother John's Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ, 1801 North Stone Avenue, Tucson.  Check out their website here.

    Additional information about the Gadsden-Pacific Division Toy Train Operation Museum is available here.

    The museum offers free parking for its guests. For those carpooling, $5.00 is an appropriate contribution to the driver.

    Meet at the Photography Club upper-level parking lot at 8:45 AM for departure at 9:00 AM. Please wear your GVR Camera Club badge, if you have one. 

    GVR requires that every person participating in Photography Club Field Trips must sign a one-time waiver prior to departure absolving GVR or any liability.  You may sign the waiver at the Photography Club or the morning of the trip, if you have not completed one already.

    Tom Parker will be our trip leader. Contact Tom at 618-304-1456 or tparker324@aol.com with any questions. He will be disseminating more information to registered participants via e-mail as we get closer to the event.

    If you need to canceI, please contact Field Trip Coordinator Lynn Rozema at (719) 351-5193 or Irozema51@gmail.com. On the day of departure call Tom.

    Last refund date is March 20, 2024.

    NOTICE:

    This is a walking tour that lasts about 2 hours. All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.

    The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations. 

    In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.


    • 04/08/2024
    • 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
    • Desert Hills Auditorium
    • 65
    Register

    Annual Photography Club Membership

    Meeting and Social - 4/8/2024

    Cost: $30 per person

    When: 04/8/2024 5:30 PM 
    Where: Desert Hills Auditorium,
     2980 S. Camino Del Sol, Green Valley AZ 85622

    For the first time since the COVID pandemic, we are having an annual social/dinner to be held in conjunction with our annual membership meeting.

    At the Membership Meeting, we will be announcing the 2024 board election results and providing a summary of the club's many accomplishments during the past year. We’ll open the doors at 5:30 pm, and the Membership Meeting will begin promptly at 5:45 pm, so please be on time. The dinner will begin immediately following the Membership Meeting.

    The dinner is being catered by the Santa Cruz Catering Company (Longhorn Steak House).

    The dinner is open to Photography Club members only. You must register and pay in advance by March 31st. 

    No refunds after April 1, 2024!

                                                  Menu

    Starter Salad: 

    Greens, Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, Red Onion, and Croutons with Italian Dressing

    Choice of entrée:

    Beef:  Longhorn Meatloaf with Gravy, mashed potatoes and Green Beans

    Pork:  Honey-Glazed Ham with mashed potatoes and Green Beans

    Fish:  4oz. Salmon with Rice, Green Beans and Corn Kernels

    Vegetarian - Southwest Rice Stuffed Peppers with Green Beans and Corn Kernels

    Dessert:   

    Bundt Carrot Cake


    BYOB if you want something other than water, coffee or tea.

    After dinner, we will be treated to a video by Danny Valenzuela entitled: 

    A Journey Across Northern Spain on the Camino Frances  

    The Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.  The most popular route is the Camino Frances, or the French Way, a route of almost 500 miles from St. Jean-Pied-De-Port in France to Santiago de Compostella in Spain.

    Starting on August 25, 2023, Danny Valenzuela walked the Camino Frances, and completed it on September 25, 2023. In this video, he will take you on the walk with him as he walks every step carrying his backpack.

    Please join us for an evening of good food, good fellowship, and a great video!

    • 04/09/2024
    • 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • GVR Photography Club, Santa Rita Springs Social Center
    • 13
    Register

    Bird/Nature Photography: Arthur Pack Regional Park 4/9/24

    Cost: $12.00

    Authur Pack Regional Park is a large recreation area. The golf course with ponds and an area of Sonoran desertscrub vegetation with Ironwood trees attracting a wide but unpredictable variety of water birds, including the possibility of loons, grebes, herons and diving ducks. The 4.7 miles of gentle hiking trails provide a surprisingly remote feeling for a suburban park. Harris Hawks can be seen in the desertscrub at the south end of the parks.  Other common sightings are the Guilded Flicker, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher and the Curved-billed Thrasher can be seen along the 2-mile trail through desertscrub in the Maeveen Behan Desert Sanctuary.

    The Tucson Audubon Society's Mason Center is adjacent to Arthur Pack Park's southeast corner.  The Mason Center is located on 20 acres of mostly undisturbed saguaro-ironwood habitat and is home to many Sonoran Desert birds and animals.

    We will meet at the Photography Club parking lot at 7:30 for an 7:45 departure.  Mike McMinn will lead the group, with our birding and nature guide, Sandy McMahan.

    GVR requires that every person participating in Photography Club Field Trips must sign a one-time waiver prior to departure absolving GVR of any liability.  You may sign the waiver the morning of the trip, if you have not already done so.

    NOTICE:  

    All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.

    The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations. 

    In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.


    • 04/10/2024
    • 8:15 AM - 1:30 PM
    • GVR Photography Club, Santa Rita Springs Social Center
    • 14
    Register

    Tohono Chul Tour 4/10/2024

    The trip cost is $20.00

    Located off Ina Road near Oracle Road in Tucson, Tohono Chul has been designated one of the World's ten Best Botanical Gardens by Travel and Leisure magazine. Set on 49 acres of lush desert, visitors stroll along winding paths past soaring saguaros and through themed botanical gardens.  Various art and garden exhibits reveal the unique quality of the Sonoran region and many spots provide a quiet retreat sprinkled throughout the lush grounds.  We will be welcomed by docents who will guide and acquaint us with the bistro, gift shops, and exhibit galleries throughout the gardens.    

    Wear closed-toe shoes so you may enjoy the views of the Santa Catalina mountains as you walk comfortably along the trails.  We also suggest wearing sunscreen and a hat and bringing a water bottle.  There are water fountains designed to refill water bottles at several places throughout the garden.

    We are welcome to stay after the tour to visit the gift shop or take more photos (birds, Sonoran Desert ecology, ethnobotany, riparian habitat and Saguaro).

    Lunch is NOT included but is available at the Garden’s Bistro or at restaurants nearby.

    For more information about the Gardens, visit:  http://tohonochulpark.org/

    Meet at the Photography Club at 8:15 AM for departure at 8:30 AM.  Please wear your GVR Photography or Camera Club badge, if you have one. 

    GVR requires that every person participating in Photography Club Field Trips must sign a waiver prior to departure absolving GVR or any liability.  GVR has started a new waiver requirement, and the waivers are now good until December 31st.  You may sign the waiver at the Photography Club or the morning of the trip, if you have not completed one already.

    Jane Forster will be our trip leader.   For questions, email Jane at bjforster@msn.com or call 303-881-3933.

    Last date to cancel for a refund is April 3, 2024.

    If you need to cancel, please contact the Field Trip Coordinator Lynn Rozema at 719-351-5193 or email lrozema51@gmail.com We may have people on the wait list to take your place.  

    NOTICE:

    All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.

    The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations. 

    In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.




    • 04/23/2024
    • 7:30 AM - 2:00 PM
    • GVR Photography Club, Santa Rita Springs Social Center
    Register

    Bird/Nature Photography: Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds 4/23/2024

     Cost:  $12

     NOTE:  This trip is designed especially for those   members who have mobility issues.  There is a covered sitting area which is easily accessed through a beautiful butterfly garden.  You can simply sit and enjoy/photograph the birds.

    Located on the edge of Patagonia, the Tucson Audubon's Paton Center for Hummingbirds is a place to explore and experience the special birds of southeast Arizona. It is dedicated to the celebration and conservation of hummingbirds—and all of southeast Arizona’s astounding biodiversity—through recreation, education, and sustainable living. 213 bird species have been reported for this cozy home lot on the outskirts of Patagonia, including Violet-crowned Hummingbirds, Gray Hawks, Varied Buntings, Thick-billed Kingbirds, and many more local specialties.

    Led by bird and nature expert, Sandy McMahan, who is a long-time teacher and nature guide. Whether you're an expert birder/photographer or a beginner, you will enjoy Sandy's narratives. If you have binoculars, you may want to bring them along. A small notebook and pen or pencil would be useful to record your sightings. 

    Bring your lunch or lunch on your own.

    Meet at the Photography Club at 7:30 AM in the upper parking lot for carpooling, depart at 7:45 AM.

    GVR requires that every person participating in Photography Club Field Trips must sign a one-time waiver prior to departure absolving GVR of any liability.  You may sign the waiver the morning of the trip, if you have not already done so.

    Mike McMinn will be our leader. Call him at (810)516-0220 or email him at mikefore@comcast.net with questions.  

    If you need to canceI, please contact Field Trip Coordinator Lynn Rozema at (719) 351-5193 or lrozema51@gmail.com. On the day of departure call Mike.

    No refunds after 4/16/2024.

    NOTICE:  

    All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.

    The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations. 

    In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.




    • 05/07/2024
    • 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • GVR Photography Club, Santa Rita Springs Social Center
    • 12
    Register

    Bird/Nature Photography: Mt. Lemmon 5\7\24 

    Cost: $12.00

    Mt. Lemmon is the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains.  Vegetation ranges from saguaro-palo verde desertscrub at the base to mixed conifer forest at the summit.  Many miles of trails are available, with numerous recreation areas, rest areas, and pull-offs.

    The higher elevations will provide us the opportunity to see many birds that are not in or rare the Green Valley/Madera Vista area, such as Band-tailed Pigeos, Cordilleran Flycatchers, Stellar's Jaysm Mountain Chickadees.  Check out the Ponderosa Pines for breeding Olive Warbers and owling in this area can net Spotted and Northern Saw-whet owls.

    We will meet at the Photography Club parking lot at 7:30 for an 7:45 departure.  Monica Parker will lead the group, with our birding and nature guide, Sandy McMahan.

    Please be aware of the elevation and travel distance.  

    Be sure to wear comfortable shoes (preferably close-toed), a hat and sunscreen, bring water, and be sure to pack a lunch or snacks. There are, if you prefer, a number of eating establishments in Summerhaven.

    For those driving, make sure you have a full tank of gas before setting out. We are approximately 40 miles (1hour & 46 minutes) from the Marshall Gulch Picnic Area (the end-of-the-road).

    Meet at the Photography Club upper parking lot at 7:30 AM for carpooling, departure at 7:45 AM. Please wear your GVR Photography Club or Camera Club badge if you have one. For those carpooling, $5.00 is an appropriate contribution to the driver. 

    GVR requires that every person participating in Photography Club Field Trips must sign a one-time waiver prior to departure absolving GVR of any liability.  You may sign the waiver the morning of the trip, if you have not already done so.

    If you have any questions, please contact Monica Parker at 618-304-1164 or email mparker582@aol.com.

    If you need to canceI, please contact Field Trip Coordinator Lynn Rozema at (719) 351-5193 or lrozema51@gmail.com. On the day of departure call Monica.

    No refunds after 4/30/2024.

    NOTICE:  

    All participants need to be responsible for an assessment of their mobility and health issues relating to field trips. Some trips may not be appropriate, but you must make that determination. However, the trip leader may deny participation in a specific field trip to anyone deemed not suitably prepared or able to walk with the group.

    The club strives to provide several field trips specifically designed for members with physical limitations. 

    In order to participate in this event, you must be a member of the GVR Photography Club and GVR.



The GVR Photography Club is located in the Recreation Village of Santa Rita Springs.
921 West Via Rio Fuerte, Green Valley, AZ 85622 
Phone 520-648-1315

If you have any questions or concerns please call the above number during business hours or email us at: gvrphotographyclub@gmail.com

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