Our Family Camping Trip and Greatest of All Time Memories with Backcountry!

Good morning! I can’t wait to share with you today our family camping trip!  This was Skye’s first camping trip so it was a big deal.  The weather screamed fall, the scenery was unreal and the gear was perfect!  This post is sponsored by Backcountry.   Everything we are wearing in this post is from Backcountry.  Thank you for supporting us and our amazing sponsors!

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Go ahead and close your eyes for a second and think about some of your favorite memories growing up as a kid.  When I do this the memories that pop up in my head are the ones where I was outside with my family.  Trips to Snow Canyon for picnics, hiking adventures in Zion, our treehouse in the backyard, river rafting in Jackson Hole with my sister (we need to do that again), games of kickball at the park while the sun was setting, long walks with my parents, trips to Lake Arrowhead and so many other experiences outdoors.

When I think of my greatest memories with my kiddos, most of them are when we are outside doing things together too.  Andrew and I have made it a goal of ours to give our kiddos as many amazing experiences outdoors as possible.  The bonding that happens for our family outdoors is unreal.  You get to escape your to-do list and all of the constant distractions that surround us and focus in on each other.  My best talks with Knox and Brooke have happened during our family hikes.  Some of my favorite memories with Andrew have happened while we are star gazing together.

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For me personally, I have learned that nature is one of the greatest sources of my happiness.  I feel so much peace and gratitude when I am outside.  It is the absolute best place for me to take care of my social, mental, physical and spiritual health.

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Skye has already joined us on many hikes and to a few National and Utah State Parks.  I am pretty sure she is counting down the days until she can jump around the rocks with the big kids on our adventures!

PS seeing Skye in her little Patagonia jacket and Sorel boots made my heart swoon.

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We decided a few weekends ago that we needed to get up to the mountains to spend time together as a family and have Skye experience her first camping trip!  The leaves have started to change colors, the temperatures have dropped and the air is so crisp this time of year .  We want to spend as much time as possible outside together.  Our trip was definitely one of my GOAT (greatest of all time) moments!

Backcountry has the absolute best gear to use for all of your outdoor needs.  We were so excited to find the perfect items for everyone in our family for this trip.  Everything at Backcountry is on my wishlist because it is all so stylish, functional and comfortable.  I want to wear this outfit below daily.

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Backcountry carries a huge variety of brands and products.   You can find everything that you need for the entire family at Backcountry for your big outdoor adventures and also your day to day lifestyle activities too!  Their gear is perfect for us to wear in the mountains, to school, on our errands and comfortable enough to wear around the house too.  Backcountry offers the best outdoor brands and products from Arc’Teryx, Patagonia, Fjallraven, The North Face, Sorel, Salomon, Black Diamond along and SO many more brands.  You can find everything that you need at Backcountry!

I am personally obsessed with seeing our whole family in our Patagonia jackets.  We will all be wearing them for the next 6 months non-stop.

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Backcountry also makes planning your trips so easy because they offer free 2-day shipping on all orders over $50 across the country.  So if you feel like being spontaneous and planning a last minute trip one of these weekends, Backcountry has you covered.

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I think it is a scientific fact that our kids laugh and smile 4 times as much outside vs inside;)  I think our brains are wired to be free and running around outside and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Brooke fell asleep in my arms by the campfire on our camping trip and slept on me for about an hour and a half.  The feeling of her warm little body breathing in and out on me while watching the stars and listening to Andrew tell Knox ‘spooky’ stories while Knox and Skye were on his lap was almost too much goodness.  It was one of those memories that will stick with me forever because it was that kind of thing where you just sit there and think, this is really what life is all about.

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Making memories outside together in my opinion is the best way to make memories.  When the kids woke up Sunday morning in the tent they were acting like it was Christmas morning because they were so excited to hike and chase Beretta around the mountains.

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The amount of s’mores that we ate during this campout might have set a new world record.  We made hot dogs for dinner and then had eggs and bacon (and more s’mores) for breakfast!

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This camping trip was definitely one of my greatest of all time memories.  I can’t wait to continue making these beautiful memories outdoors with my people.

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I hope that you are able to spend a lot of time outdoors this year!  I know as runners we are so lucky to get to spend so many miles outside seeing our gorgeous world and we are so lucky because of that.  Make sure to check out Backcountry for everything you need to get out and create some amazing memories.

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What gets you outside and dreaming of adventures?  Use code RUNNER15 for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com.  #GOATworthy  This promo code will be valid until 9/30 with the following exclusions: one use per customer, some exclusions apply, offer does not apply on top of other offers/discounts.  This post is sponsored by Backcountry!

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What are some of your own #GOATworthy (greatest of all time) fall adventures?

Let’s say you have a weekend completely open, the weather is absolutely perfect and you can go and do anything you want outdoors… What would you choose to do with your weekend?

When was the last time you went camping?  Have a favorite place to camp?

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47 comments

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Y’all got some great pics on that camping trip! I think the last time I went camping was when I was in middle school, so it’s definitely been a while.

If I had the weekend completely open and could spend it anywhere outside, I’d spend it at the beach. It’s my happy place :) I try to make time for that every weekend because I think it’s important to be able to take time to relax and to do the things we truly enjoy. I’m so happy that you’re able to do that with your family and make those special memories!

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I KNEW you were going to say beach:) Natalie, I am so happy that you were able to move close to the beach! Thanks Natalie! I hope you have a great day and get some froyo today!

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I love your hat! Is that on backcountry?

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YES!! It is!
Go here–> http://bit.ly/2MYaD7G and it is the North Face Triple Cable Pom Beanie! have a great day Chelsea!

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All of my favorite childhood memories were spent camping, boating, at the cabin or grandmas house. We try to take our kid camping often. I wish we could go more! We went over Labor Day and, unless we go southern Utah or out of state that was probably the last for the year. But maybe I’ll start planning next years camp outs haha!

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I LOVE how much you camp with your family Jenny, you are giving your kids amazing memories together! I am SO thankful that your cabin survived the fire… any more details on it all?

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We got together and looked at pictures last night. I posted a little about it today on my blog. It was just amazing that it burned right up the the fence line and stopped. We are going to go up later this week or next, depending on the fire to do some clean up/damage control so we don’t get mudslides. I know that the little ghost town of thistle was on fire yesterday but not sure how far down it got and now it’s going through diamond fork and hobble creek area. It’s a giant! It’s basically taken out the whole back of the south mountains and jumped over threatening the east. It’s insane.

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That really is such a miracle Jenny! I am so glad that it stopped at the fence line. Good luck! I seriously can’t believe how big this one has been! Have a beautiful day!

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ah so amazing!

some of our #GOAT fall adventures are totally surrounding camping and hiking to see the fall foliage. so totally love this post!

if the weather is perfect, we spend the day outdoors in the mountains or on the water. at that point, it’s just a matter of choosing what to do – cycling, hiking, running, rock climbing, sailing, surfing.

last time we went camping was in late Aug – and yes! the White mountains are our current favorite but we are ready to explore new areas too.

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I wish we could all go camping together!! Come explore Utah:) All of those things sound like the perfect fall day outside. You are SO good at getting out and doing things and I love it. Have a wonderful day!

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My husband and I love being outdoors and camping is at the top of the list! Do you bring a pack and play for Skye to sleep in? We are due in November with our first baby and trying to figure out camping logistics for next summer :)

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HEY JESSA!! Congrats on your new little one joining soon, I am thrilled for you! Yep, we just bring the pack and play which results in the rest of us being pretty squished (we need a bigger tent now ha) but it works:) Good luck and keep me updated!

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I love this post! I feel the same way too. When we’re all outside being together and active as a family, that is pure joy for me :) Living in southern California, it’s hard to do spontaneous camping trips because all the camp sites are booked way in advance. So, if we had an open weekend, we would probably hit the beach!
Growing up in Colorado though, I have many great memories of family camping trips. And fall has always been my favorite!
Thanks for sharing your camping weekend with us :)

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Yes yes yes! Come camp in Utah:) Oh I bet your camping in Colorado was amazing and beach trips whenever you want… that sounds perfect to me. Thanks Wendy and I hope your day is a great one!

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Hmm, you have us intrigued…we may just have to plan a trip this winter (when it’s cooler down in TX). If we had a free weekend, you can bet we’re heading to the beach. Love everything about it; the colors, the sights, the smell, the waves, the calm. :) Love your family pictures on your trip! Have a great day, Janae!

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Yes yes yes… I hope that you are able to enjoy the cooler months up ahead big time… you deserve it after the summer in Texas. Thanks Marie, YOU TOO!

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Our family loves camping! This looks like a great trip :)

And the kids patagonia jackets are just the cutest.

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I hope that you guys get in a great camping trip soon! THANK YOU! Have a wonderful week Kristi!

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What an adorable post. I can’t get over Skye’s little tiny Paty and tiny shoes. so. cute. ! Looks like an awesome weekend. I love backcountry! I recently ordered the softest fluffiest northface fleece that was on summer sale which will be amazing this winter. I also heard that backcountry does price-matching, so if its on sale somewhere else you can ask them to match it (not positive but someone told me they have done it). I went camping several times this summer and my dog couldn’t love anything more than that!

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Thank you Krista! Oh well now I’m going to need that fleece, that sounds perfect. They are the best! YES, Beretta is the same way… she loved just being able to roam everywhere and circle the camp site to protect us:) Have a great day Krista!

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it’s the campshire hooded pullover !! its like a hoodie made from a blanket

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Done and done… I NEEDED IT! Thank you!

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I camp every second weekend in the Summer with my son, we just got back yesterday from our final trip (maybe) of the season. Usually we tent but this time we rented an Otentik which was an amazing experience! My parents camped with us so I was able to get a 9km run in around the near deserted campground. Amazing! Definitely the best memories are made outside ?

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Pam, what an awesome tradition to do each month in the summer… I love that you have set that time aside to camp with your son. He is so lucky to have you! So glad you could get in a great run too! I totally agree. Have a beautiful day Pam!

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The pictures are absolutely beautiful! And the gear is very stylish. Did you have someone else with you or did Knox or Brooke take the pictures of you and Andrew? IF one of the kiddos took it, amazing :) I’d love to take my dog camping. I didn’t have a dog the last time I went.

One of my favorite annual outdoor activities is a cross-country ski weekend with friends I met through a running group. We’ve been going for 5 years the first weekend of February. I do NOT like the cold but it is worth braving the frigidness for the fun we have :)

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I had a friend come up and help us for a few pictures! Give them a few years and they can take more of the photos;) Taking a dog camping is the best… Beretta hears everything and anything so we feel so safe with her there:) Oh cross-country skiing is a killer workout and so fun. Totally worth the freezing temps for that. I love your tradition, I want to come! Have a wonderful day Amanda!

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Loved all these pictures, Janae!

#GOATworthy Fall memory: #1 is definitely November 3, 1990 – Les and I went hiking in Yosemite and that’s when he proposed! I knew it was going to happen but didn’t expect it that day. We’ve been back to Yosemite many times (almost always in November!) and I love it there.

Our family didn’t camp when I was little. One of my brothers was a hemophiliac so he couldn’t do a lot of hiking/adventuring. But once we were grown (and my nieces and nephew came along) we starting camping on the central California coast. Another #GOATworthy includes camping at San Simeon in the summer – it would be cool and foggy in the mornings/evenings and warm and sunny during the day. One year our entire family went to Hurst Castle and because our group was so large we got our own tour guide.

If I had a wide open weekend with perfect weather, I would head to Yosemite. It’s been a few years and it’s one of my favorite places. Or we’d pack our bikes and go riding on the central coast – 17 Mile Drive is a beautiful ride!

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Okay, I LOVE that Les proposed to you in Yosemite! Yosemite definitely has such a special place in your heart after that! Now San Simeon is on my list of places to camp! I have been to the Hurst Castle, that place is incredible! I hope that you are able to get back to Yosemite soon. Have a beautiful day Kathy!

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We love, love to camp. We went just last month – most summers we end up camping 3/4 weekends in the summer. Once, went to a First Nations camp ground Hot springs area 2 hours from home (it was autumn and the colours were gorgeous). We have camped in Jasper National Park (in the Rockies) and in some incredible off the beaten path spots. One of our um more memorable trips – it was snowing! We slept inside the truck (He outfitted his truck so it was like a bed) and when we woke up freezing still…we discovered it was – 7 degrees celsius outside haha.

We do have a favourite place (many but here is one) – 2 hours north of us, near whistler called Callaghan, it has a beautiful lake and lots of wooded areas and fire pits and we took his kayak out on the lake..

Looks like you guys had great trip and now makes me want to dig out my favourite gear and go shopping at Backcountry!!

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Your camping trips sound absolutely amazing! -7 degrees celsius—> YOU ARE HARD CORE (but I already knew that… um your 50/50)! Whistler is definitely going to happen for us someday (Andrew wants to mountain bike there) so we will have to check out Callaghan… that sounds perfect. Thanks Kristine! Have a beautiful day!

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I actually work at a kids’ camp in Juneau, Alaska every summer, so I get plenty of pretty amazing outdoor adventures there. My favorite (besides running there, which is so much better than running in Florida) is mountain climbing! Would definitely devote a weekend to it.

Just wondering, have you ever known a runner who dealt with snapping hip syndrome? I have wonky hip mechanics (cam impingement, one leg shorter than the other) so I’ve dealt with hip pain before, but for the last two weeks I had a painless snapping sensation in my hip whenever I walked. Fortunately I think it’s completely gone now – it didn’t hurt but it was annoying! Didn’t bother me at all on a 15-mile run today. I just hope it doesn’t come back!

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Grant, that is awesome that you do that each summer! We are dying to get up to Alaska… Andrew has traveled the world and Alaska is his absolute favorite place to go! Way to go on your 15 mile run today and I’m so glad you didn’t have to deal with your hip problem during those miles. I haven’t had this nor have I known anyone else to… I will ask around though! I could post your question in my post tomorrow and see if anyone has!?!?

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Alaska is absolutely amazing. I’m hoping to move there next year, actually.

If you want to post the question that would be cool! To my knowledge it’s a problem most often experienced by people with hip mobility issues like me. (Of course I’ve read just about every article on the first 3 pages of Google, because that’s how I cope with injury haha). The thing I’m curious about is whether anyone else has experienced it without pain (it’s usually painful) and whether it just went away over time for them. I’ve noticed that strengthening my glutes and core and activating my glutes while running really helped, but I don’t know if I can say that “fixed it” for me.

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Move there… that is so so cool! I am going to ask tomorrow, this is very interesting! Please keep me updated and I hope that it can get fixed asap!

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We started camping with our littles (now 2 and 4.5) when they were both a few months old. They ADORE camping! My GOAT was a few weekends ago – our church held a family retreat at Great Wolf Lodge. As awesome as that places was for us as first timer’s, we were there with 49 other family’s from our church, many of whom are great friends. It was just wonderful – especially seeing my littles faces their fears and ride rids and LAUGH as a family. And who doesn’t love a hotel?! Spectacular!

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49 other family’s–> That sounds like an incredible family retreat! I am SO glad you were able to take your kids to this and have such an amazing time! I hope you have a great day Whitney!

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You have such an amazingly beautiful family. I am jealous of you weather!! Currently at 3:15pm it is 95 degrees but the feel like temp is 103! Send some to Texas please! xoxo

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Wow, you guys keep your campsite very clean for there being 5 of you there! I camp with just me and my husband, and we have food and stuff all over the place. We could never take pictures that looked this nice in the background!

I love camping in Shenandoah National Park :)

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Okay.. But all your kiddos in their Patagonia sweaters.. And Skye too?!? I can’t even!! They are the BEST!! Such an adorable fam!

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You should check out Hike it Baby! It’s all about getting parents and their young kids outside :)

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Your camping pictures!!!!! :O
And your pom-pom hat. And Brooke’s little orange puffer. I love them!!!

Some of my GOAT fall memories include the outdoors, too–especially growing up in the northeast, which can be pretty hilly and where fall brings the most beautiful change of colors on the trees. Since I moved away, nothing’s been quite like it (ok, except for fall in the Missouri town where I lived for five years…those trees got so beautiful, too…). My house growing up was right by these woods (that eventually got torn town and turned into more houses…) and I remember my dad and I would stomp around in the woods with our dog and look for wild strawberries. On weekend days in the autumn I remember walking my dog down towards the old, almost-dried up river because it meant walking down back roads and under the trees with their leaves. I love it.

I was never up for camping–unless it meant “camping” the way we did in Girl Scouts and church youth group weekend retreats where we had a lodge and cabins with beds and bathrooms with plumbing (I actually sort of insist on having an actual bed–or at least an air mattress–to sleep on…). But the campfires were always magical to me. And the chance to have some sort of campfire-like experience–even if it means one of those chiminea things for a back porch–is one of the things I am looking forward to THE MOST when Tom and I get to own a house and make it home!!

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I love camping! I’ve been living in Colorado for 7.5 years now and prior to baby being born this year, my husband and I, along with our dog, would backpack sections of the Colorado Trail and camp along the trail. It was always so beautiful! A few weeks ago, we took our 3 month old “camping”. I put it in quotes, bc we did camp inside a cabin, but it didn’t have a kitchen or bathroom. Just beds and a table and a heater. We cooked hotdogs and corn on the campfire and roasted marshmallows for smores. It was nice to get out even with a baby on board! And I love backcountry! I get nearly all my gear from backcountry or REI.

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Hi Janae! I don’t know if anyone else has brought it up but you and Taralynn over on the Simply Taralynn blog have had a ton of sponsored posts by the same company at the same time! I can’t remember all of them but you both have Backcountry sponsored posts up at the same time right now. Maybe you’re already well aware but just thought I’d bring it up just in case. :) PS not a complaint just find it interesting!

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Hey Abbey!! Thanks for the comment! I had never seen her blog until your comment… her pictures are GORGEOUS!! That’s crazy that our sponsored posts go up at the same time! We both work with Mediakix so maybe that is why. Have a beautiful day and happy running!

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Your photos make me want to go up in the mountains. We never did camping as a family growing up. Getting my mom outdoors probably wouldn’t happen lol. I did go camping with camp a few times and honestly at age 8, I hated it. I came around in college when I met my fiancé and he took me camping. I have learned having all the proper supplies is essential to making the trip more fun. I also really want to look into a mini camper or something we could pull and drive somewhere to set up. A little more than tent camping, but would be fun to explore the US in.

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I love this so much! I grew up camping constantly with my family, and those are some of my favorite memories. I am excited to get back out there this fall and explore new campsites in Indiana! Thanks for the awesome post :)

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Oh man this is the best! We don’t get amazing weather here for camping until late fall/spring (hello Texas heat) but I definitely want to start camping.

I was wondering if you have considered writing a blog post about camping with Beretta like tips and tricks (or do’s/don’ts). We want to take our dog camping but I worry about everything like other animals, sleeping arrangements, etc. I’d love to hear what tips you may have or recommendations with bringing a dog camping. It could also be a good Andrew post! Ya’ll look like experts! HA!

Thanks for sharing!

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