They always seem to have a planned opening date fairly late, which seems odd as them being higher they get lots of snow. Right?
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Why does Gala Yuzawa only plan to open 21st Dec?
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SR : HokkaidOH! 2013/14
SR : HokkaidOH! 2013/14
DAY 1 : THURSDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2013
21 cm in the past 24hrs at MQ (Mike's Quarters, in Higashiyama)
It's that time of the year again.
Local photographer Glen Claydon and Sam Kerr of Niseko Xtreme Tours got first tracks of the season way back on 09 November, but then the warm wind and the rain came and washed most of it away.
The 23 November Opening Day at Grand Hirafu was cancelled and rescheduled for 30 November.
I arrived back on Fantasy Island yesterday afternoon and the snowfall had returned. In spades.
After settling in at the cabin and shovelling the day's snow it was out for Ian MacKenzie's 40th birthday.
Dinner at Niseko Pizza with owner Cezar, Brian from Niseko Ski Academy and Mick from Niseko Cellars, followed by drinks at Niseko Cellars.
Cracking night.
Last season's words, pictures & video can be found here:
SR : Shiribeshi Stories, Hokkaido 2012/13
http://www.snowjapan...okkaido-201213/
DAY 2 : FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2013
23 cm in the past 24hrs at MQ
As of today 116 cm (46") has fallen in the Niseko Resort Area
Another good fall overnight and a solid couple of hours shovelling all around the house getting after it before it gets out of control.
Went to the Dragon Bistro & Bar opening party in J-Sekka this evening, a return to Hirafu for the restaurant.
Japanese Italian fusion with a celebrated chef from Sapporo.
The local businesses try to outdo each other with the most colourful floral gift
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Looking forward to sampling dinner.
Snowing as I type and Opening Day for Grand Hirafu is scheduled for 8.30 tomorrow.
Let's hope it's as good as last season's opening day
Nikki Langley, Opening Day 23 November 2012
![Posted Image]()
DAY 1 : THURSDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2013
21 cm in the past 24hrs at MQ (Mike's Quarters, in Higashiyama)
It's that time of the year again.
Local photographer Glen Claydon and Sam Kerr of Niseko Xtreme Tours got first tracks of the season way back on 09 November, but then the warm wind and the rain came and washed most of it away.
The 23 November Opening Day at Grand Hirafu was cancelled and rescheduled for 30 November.
I arrived back on Fantasy Island yesterday afternoon and the snowfall had returned. In spades.
After settling in at the cabin and shovelling the day's snow it was out for Ian MacKenzie's 40th birthday.
Dinner at Niseko Pizza with owner Cezar, Brian from Niseko Ski Academy and Mick from Niseko Cellars, followed by drinks at Niseko Cellars.
Cracking night.
Last season's words, pictures & video can be found here:
SR : Shiribeshi Stories, Hokkaido 2012/13
http://www.snowjapan...okkaido-201213/
DAY 2 : FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2013
23 cm in the past 24hrs at MQ
As of today 116 cm (46") has fallen in the Niseko Resort Area
Another good fall overnight and a solid couple of hours shovelling all around the house getting after it before it gets out of control.
Went to the Dragon Bistro & Bar opening party in J-Sekka this evening, a return to Hirafu for the restaurant.
Japanese Italian fusion with a celebrated chef from Sapporo.
The local businesses try to outdo each other with the most colourful floral gift
Looking forward to sampling dinner.
Snowing as I type and Opening Day for Grand Hirafu is scheduled for 8.30 tomorrow.
Let's hope it's as good as last season's opening day
Nikki Langley, Opening Day 23 November 2012
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SnowJapan Giveaways - 10 Happo-one (Hakuba, Nagano) lift tickets
SnowJapan Giveaways 2013/2014
Friday 20th December 2013 until Thursday 26th December 2013
This weeks prize:
10 one-day lift ticket vouchers - each one can be exchanged for a 1 day lift ticket at the Happo-one resort in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture.
The vouchers can be exchanged for a 1 day ticket on any day this season until 6th May 2014.
The lift ticket vouchers are coming to you courtesy of Happo-one resort.
Who can enter?
Any current and active member of SnowJapanForums. ('Active' means you have actually joined in and made posts on the Forums - not just simply signed up!)
How do I enter? Please read carefully!
1) Send an email to giveaways2013@snowjapan.com
2) Please note your SnowJapanForums username in the email - if you do not write this, you will not be entered.
3) Subject line 'Happo-one Giveaway'
4) Any comments either about the resort, giveaway or SnowJapan are most welcome.
If your mail has been received, you should receive an automatic reply from us soon after sending. That means you have been entered!
Important! Please:
- Only enter if you are at least fairly sure that you will be able to use the prize if you win;
- Try to post a review of the resort and/or photos onto SnowJapan after you have used the prize - it helps the resorts, it helps the many people using SnowJapan to research Japan, and it helps us.
The winners:
10 people will be chosen - each to receive 1 voucher - and notified within four days of the Giveaway period closing.
![Posted Image]()
![Posted Image]()
![Posted Image]()
We would like to thank the good people at Happo-one resort for taking part in this Giveaway.
For more information on Happo-one:
http://www.snowjapan...akuba-happo-one
Please do take a few moments to post some comments when you enter... each year your comments help us try to improve SnowJapan.
Just to be very clear - we do not do ANYTHING with your email address other than use it to contact you if you win - your address is not put on any mailing lists, and your address is not shared with anyone.
Thank you.
Friday 20th December 2013 until Thursday 26th December 2013
This weeks prize:
10 one-day lift ticket vouchers - each one can be exchanged for a 1 day lift ticket at the Happo-one resort in Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture.
The vouchers can be exchanged for a 1 day ticket on any day this season until 6th May 2014.
The lift ticket vouchers are coming to you courtesy of Happo-one resort.
Who can enter?
Any current and active member of SnowJapanForums. ('Active' means you have actually joined in and made posts on the Forums - not just simply signed up!)
How do I enter? Please read carefully!
1) Send an email to giveaways2013@snowjapan.com
2) Please note your SnowJapanForums username in the email - if you do not write this, you will not be entered.
3) Subject line 'Happo-one Giveaway'
4) Any comments either about the resort, giveaway or SnowJapan are most welcome.
If your mail has been received, you should receive an automatic reply from us soon after sending. That means you have been entered!
Important! Please:
- Only enter if you are at least fairly sure that you will be able to use the prize if you win;
- Try to post a review of the resort and/or photos onto SnowJapan after you have used the prize - it helps the resorts, it helps the many people using SnowJapan to research Japan, and it helps us.
The winners:
10 people will be chosen - each to receive 1 voucher - and notified within four days of the Giveaway period closing.
We would like to thank the good people at Happo-one resort for taking part in this Giveaway.
For more information on Happo-one:
http://www.snowjapan...akuba-happo-one
Please do take a few moments to post some comments when you enter... each year your comments help us try to improve SnowJapan.
Just to be very clear - we do not do ANYTHING with your email address other than use it to contact you if you win - your address is not put on any mailing lists, and your address is not shared with anyone.
Thank you.
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Nagano snowboarding trip
Hello!
During the end of January, Im going to drive from Aomori prefecture to Nagano. On the way I would like to hit some side country snowboarding any recomandations? Also, I never been to Nagano before so any good backcountry mountains? Up in the north I snowboard around Hakkoda. Thanks In advance.
During the end of January, Im going to drive from Aomori prefecture to Nagano. On the way I would like to hit some side country snowboarding any recomandations? Also, I never been to Nagano before so any good backcountry mountains? Up in the north I snowboard around Hakkoda. Thanks In advance.
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Top resort targets this season
Top three.
Mine:
-- Zao
-- Alts
-- Kagura
Mine:
-- Zao
-- Alts
-- Kagura
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Arbor Formula - 2013 - Good for Hakuba?
Hi guys
I need some advice...I am heading to Hakuba in Jan 2014 and want to get a new board before I travel there. I am used to our Australian pack-ice conditions (ie. No POW!!!). I am looking at the Arbor Formula 161. I am 90kg and 6'1". What does anyone think about this board for typical Hakuba conditions?
I need some advice...I am heading to Hakuba in Jan 2014 and want to get a new board before I travel there. I am used to our Australian pack-ice conditions (ie. No POW!!!). I am looking at the Arbor Formula 161. I am 90kg and 6'1". What does anyone think about this board for typical Hakuba conditions?
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Photos of snow around my house in Kobuchizawa Wed/Thu+Fri morning
The SNOW monsters are here!
Friday Morning 20th Dec 2013
Friday Morning 20th Dec 2013
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Skiing Japan for first time "Help"
Each season I usually ski in North America but have heard exciting things about Japan, so this year it's my first trip to Japan.
I will be skiing Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and Niseko. I would love to hear about other skiers favorite Ski runs, pubs, shops, in fact anything at all as I will be on a big learning curve.
Thanks everyone, and have an awesome season.
I will be skiing Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and Niseko. I would love to hear about other skiers favorite Ski runs, pubs, shops, in fact anything at all as I will be on a big learning curve.
Thanks everyone, and have an awesome season.
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Snow Dude's 2013-14 ski thread (Sun Meadows, Kiyosato, Yamanashi)
I thought it would be nice to make a ski thread as I will be visiting my local resort a lot this year and document the weather/ snow conditions, etc each time I go as a reference for others and as a record for me.
I will also (sometimes) add photos that I take at the resort.
It is a small resort and has 10 courses with the longest being about 1600 metres top to bottom.
The reason I go there, is it is about 20 mins from my house, it is somewhere I have been going for years now and I like the area/ski resort and we have friends who go there too.
Day 1 : 7th Dec 2013 (Opening day) Just one lower course was open with mostly man made snow. Weather was mostly sunny, but very windy peaked out at about +1oC that day. Almost empty!
Day 2 : 8th Dec 2013 Same as above really!
Day 3 : 21st Dec 2013 Two thirds open all natural snow, soft powdery snow, sunny, nice conditions, although clouded up in the afternoon. Quite a few people, but never crowded. Top to bottom skiing.
Day 4: 22nd Dec 2013 It snowed up to about 8cm or so the night before so was treated to fresh pow on top of the already soft snow and sunny sky in the morning. The snow remained soft and powdery the whole day and were plenty of powder pockets to be found all day, albeit chopped up.
Around lunch time onward it clouded over and some light snow fell for a while before turning sunny again More people today..
A great day was had by all.
I will add some photos later, takes too long download from my phone now.
I will also (sometimes) add photos that I take at the resort.
It is a small resort and has 10 courses with the longest being about 1600 metres top to bottom.
The reason I go there, is it is about 20 mins from my house, it is somewhere I have been going for years now and I like the area/ski resort and we have friends who go there too.
Day 1 : 7th Dec 2013 (Opening day) Just one lower course was open with mostly man made snow. Weather was mostly sunny, but very windy peaked out at about +1oC that day. Almost empty!
Day 2 : 8th Dec 2013 Same as above really!
Day 3 : 21st Dec 2013 Two thirds open all natural snow, soft powdery snow, sunny, nice conditions, although clouded up in the afternoon. Quite a few people, but never crowded. Top to bottom skiing.
Day 4: 22nd Dec 2013 It snowed up to about 8cm or so the night before so was treated to fresh pow on top of the already soft snow and sunny sky in the morning. The snow remained soft and powdery the whole day and were plenty of powder pockets to be found all day, albeit chopped up.
Around lunch time onward it clouded over and some light snow fell for a while before turning sunny again More people today..
A great day was had by all.
I will add some photos later, takes too long download from my phone now.
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Fukushima 2013/2014
With Minowa opening today, the 2013/2014 season has officially started in Fukushima.
And hence, time for this season's thread.
Previous season's threads:
2010/2011
2011/2012
2012/2013
Planned openings:
11.15
Minowa (B lift)
11.30
Grandeco
12.14
Adatara Kogen
Nekoma
12.15
Oze Hinoemata Onsen
12.19
Aizu Kogen Daikura
12.20
Grandsunpia Inawashiro Resort
Numajiri
12.21
Aizu Kogen Takatsue
Alts Bandai
Fairyland Kaneyama
Family Snow Park Bandai x2
Grandee Hatoriko
Inawashiro
Listel Ski Fantasia
Nihonmatsu Shiozawa
Tadami
Ten-Ei
Urabandai
12.22
Aizu Kogen Nango
Aizu Kogen Takahata
12.23
Yanaizu Onsen
From 14 Jan. to 31 March 2014, 21 resorts in Fukushima are offering free weekday skiing to 20-22 year-olds who register through the 雪マジ！ふくしま/Snow Magic Fukushima program. (Separate from, and in addition to, the nationwide 雪マジ！１９ program for 19-year-olds.)
And hence, time for this season's thread.
Previous season's threads:
2010/2011
2011/2012
2012/2013
Planned openings:
11.15
Minowa (B lift)
11.30
Grandeco
12.14
Adatara Kogen
Nekoma
12.15
Oze Hinoemata Onsen
12.19
Aizu Kogen Daikura
12.20
Grandsunpia Inawashiro Resort
Numajiri
12.21
Aizu Kogen Takatsue
Alts Bandai
Fairyland Kaneyama
Family Snow Park Bandai x2
Grandee Hatoriko
Inawashiro
Listel Ski Fantasia
Nihonmatsu Shiozawa
Tadami
Ten-Ei
Urabandai
12.22
Aizu Kogen Nango
Aizu Kogen Takahata
12.23
Yanaizu Onsen
From 14 Jan. to 31 March 2014, 21 resorts in Fukushima are offering free weekday skiing to 20-22 year-olds who register through the 雪マジ！ふくしま/Snow Magic Fukushima program. (Separate from, and in addition to, the nationwide 雪マジ！１９ program for 19-year-olds.)
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Tsugaike Kogen
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Niseko 2013-2014
My first day of skiing at Hirafu. Overnight we had about 10-15 centimeters.
The snow was pretty dry but hard and icy underneath. I just cruised, taking it easy and getting my legs in.
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photos by Tai. thanks.
The snow was pretty dry but hard and icy underneath. I just cruised, taking it easy and getting my legs in.
photos by Tai. thanks.
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Zao stuff
Some pics from Zao this season, will do my best!
Last few days the snow has arrived.
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Last few days the snow has arrived.
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Japan's most famous snow icon - the Emergency Telephone Box 13/14 (Yuzawa, Niigata)
We missed the snowfall the other day but there's still a bit hanging around the base of the famous telephone box.
A rainy day here today, but I noticed that last year's thread was also started on 15th November.
May the box be completely covered this year.
(For newcomers, last year's fantastic and thoroughly exciting thread is here)
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A rainy day here today, but I noticed that last year's thread was also started on 15th November.
May the box be completely covered this year.
(For newcomers, last year's fantastic and thoroughly exciting thread is here)
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Cheeseman's "Cheese at Resorts" Gallery
This year I thought I would create a special "Cheese at Resorts" Gallery.
At the moment, myself along with Cheesewoman, Cheesegirl and Cheeseboy are at Nozawa Onsen in Nagano. Lovely place, but no good views yet as it has been snowing.
Anyway to start off my gallery, here's the gallery and some cheese in Nozawa. Just some run of the mill 'natural cheese' as they call it used to melt on pizzas etc. Not the most gourmet start....![wink]( "wink")
http://www.snowjapan.com/e/insider/member_photo_gallery.php?userGallery=222
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Please upload any cheese at resort pics to SnowJapan and tag them as 'cheese at resort'. That way, they'll all be grouped together.
Thanks.
At the moment, myself along with Cheesewoman, Cheesegirl and Cheeseboy are at Nozawa Onsen in Nagano. Lovely place, but no good views yet as it has been snowing.
Anyway to start off my gallery, here's the gallery and some cheese in Nozawa. Just some run of the mill 'natural cheese' as they call it used to melt on pizzas etc. Not the most gourmet start....
http://www.snowjapan.com/e/insider/member_photo_gallery.php?userGallery=222
Please upload any cheese at resort pics to SnowJapan and tag them as 'cheese at resort'. That way, they'll all be grouped together.
Thanks.
↧
Maiko Snow Resort (Minamiuonuma, Niigata) - 23rd December 2013
First day of my season and over to a local favourite, Maiko Snow Resort.
It has been a mostly very grey day in the area, hardly any colour to play with, but it was the first day so I wasn't too fussy.
Snow was fairly decent, not great, and while cover was actually pretty much 100% you can tell it's not mid season deep - lots of things popping up on the side of the runs.
Had a fun few hours though.![:friend:]()
But just so you can see what Maiko looks like early in the season:
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It has been a mostly very grey day in the area, hardly any colour to play with, but it was the first day so I wasn't too fussy.
Snow was fairly decent, not great, and while cover was actually pretty much 100% you can tell it's not mid season deep - lots of things popping up on the side of the runs.
Had a fun few hours though.
But just so you can see what Maiko looks like early in the season:
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Stolen ski/board gear in Japan
Talk in another thread about stolen gear
http://www.snowjapanforums.com/index.php/topic/23478-skiing-quivers-in-niseko/
Always amazed at how almost no-one locks stuff up here, but also that I have never heard of anything being stolen.
Any experiences - when and where?
http://www.snowjapanforums.com/index.php/topic/23478-skiing-quivers-in-niseko/
Always amazed at how almost no-one locks stuff up here, but also that I have never heard of anything being stolen.
Any experiences - when and where?
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SnowJapan Giveaways - 20 Yuzawa Town (Yuzawa, Niigata) lift tickets
SnowJapan Giveaways 2013/2014
Friday 13th December 2013 until Thursday 19th December 2013
This weeks prize:
20 one-day lift ticket vouchers - each one can be exchanged for a 1 day lift ticket at any of the ski resorts in Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture:
- GALA Yuzawa
- Ipponsugi
- Iwappara
- Kagura
- Ludens Yuzawa
- Naeba
- Nakazato Snow Wood
- NASPA Ski Garden
- Yuzawa Kogen
- Yuzawa Nakazato
- Yuzawa Park
The lift tickets are coming to you courtesy of Yuzawa Town.
Who can enter?
Any current and active member of SnowJapanForums. ('Active' means you have actually joined in and made posts on the Forums - not just simply signed up!)
How do I enter? Please read carefully!
1) Send an email to giveaways2013@snowjapan.com
2) Please note your SnowJapanForums username in the email - if you do not write this, you will not be entered.
3) Subject line 'Yuzawa Town Giveaway'
4) Any comments either about the resort, giveaway or SnowJapan are most welcome.
If your mail has been received, you should receive an automatic reply from us soon after sending. That means you have been entered!
Important! Please:
- Only enter if you are at least fairly sure that you will be able to use the prize if you win;
- Try to post a review of the resort and/or photos onto SnowJapan after you have used the prize - it helps the resorts, it helps the many people using SnowJapan to research Japan, and it helps us.
The winners:
10 people will be chosen - each to receive 1 voucher - and notified within four days of the Giveaway period closing.
![Posted Image]()
![Posted Image]()
![Posted Image]()
Yuzawa Resort Spotlight on SnowJapan
We would like to thank Yuzawa Town for taking part in this Giveaway.
Please do take a few moments to post some comments when you enter... each year your comments help us try to improve SnowJapan.
Just to be very clear - we do not do ANYTHING with your email address other than use it to contact you if you win - your address is not put on any mailing lists, and your address is not shared with anyone.
Thank you.
Friday 13th December 2013 until Thursday 19th December 2013
This weeks prize:
20 one-day lift ticket vouchers - each one can be exchanged for a 1 day lift ticket at any of the ski resorts in Yuzawa Town, Niigata Prefecture:
- GALA Yuzawa
- Ipponsugi
- Iwappara
- Kagura
- Ludens Yuzawa
- Naeba
- Nakazato Snow Wood
- NASPA Ski Garden
- Yuzawa Kogen
- Yuzawa Nakazato
- Yuzawa Park
The lift tickets are coming to you courtesy of Yuzawa Town.
Who can enter?
Any current and active member of SnowJapanForums. ('Active' means you have actually joined in and made posts on the Forums - not just simply signed up!)
How do I enter? Please read carefully!
1) Send an email to giveaways2013@snowjapan.com
2) Please note your SnowJapanForums username in the email - if you do not write this, you will not be entered.
3) Subject line 'Yuzawa Town Giveaway'
4) Any comments either about the resort, giveaway or SnowJapan are most welcome.
If your mail has been received, you should receive an automatic reply from us soon after sending. That means you have been entered!
Important! Please:
- Only enter if you are at least fairly sure that you will be able to use the prize if you win;
- Try to post a review of the resort and/or photos onto SnowJapan after you have used the prize - it helps the resorts, it helps the many people using SnowJapan to research Japan, and it helps us.
The winners:
10 people will be chosen - each to receive 1 voucher - and notified within four days of the Giveaway period closing.
Yuzawa Resort Spotlight on SnowJapan
We would like to thank Yuzawa Town for taking part in this Giveaway.
Please do take a few moments to post some comments when you enter... each year your comments help us try to improve SnowJapan.
Just to be very clear - we do not do ANYTHING with your email address other than use it to contact you if you win - your address is not put on any mailing lists, and your address is not shared with anyone.
Thank you.
↧
Skiing quivers in Niseko
Hi all,
I'll be skiing the niseko area in January and will be bringing 2 or 3 sets of skis. I've not been able to find answers to these questions via search:
1. Is there on-mountain storage or check-in/valet for skis? I'd like to be able to bring 2 set of skis onto the mountain in the morning and swap out of skis during the day depending on conditions and the group I'm skiing with.
2. Is there an open/recreational race course on mountain if I want to hit some gates, and if so when is it open and what kind of course is it? I'm not familiar with course standards in japan.
Thanks!!
I'll be skiing the niseko area in January and will be bringing 2 or 3 sets of skis. I've not been able to find answers to these questions via search:
1. Is there on-mountain storage or check-in/valet for skis? I'd like to be able to bring 2 set of skis onto the mountain in the morning and swap out of skis during the day depending on conditions and the group I'm skiing with.
2. Is there an open/recreational race course on mountain if I want to hit some gates, and if so when is it open and what kind of course is it? I'm not familiar with course standards in japan.
Thanks!!
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Best choice for learning to snowboard
My kids have been skiiing for a number of years, and are eager to take up boards.
I am wondering where the best hill is for beginners. We will be hitting Tsugaike, Cortina, Goryu and Happone on our coming trip.
I am wondering where the best hill is for beginners. We will be hitting Tsugaike, Cortina, Goryu and Happone on our coming trip.
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