Parkville Nature Sanctuary

We picked a Saturday morning for our exploration. When we arrived at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary, we found parking to be in high demand. Even with a number of visitors, we still found a spot close to the trail head. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset, so it is easy to find a  period that fits most schedules. This is set up strictly as a walking trail for humans, so remember to leave your bikes and pets at home. Kids are certainly welcome though, and we saw a few families enjoying the area.

Getting Our Bearings

For our inaugural visit, we decided to keep our hike short. The Parkville Nature Sanctuary has five trails to choose from. They range in length from 1/10 of a mile up to 1.5 miles long. This means that there is a trail for just about everyone to enjoy. It also means that it is easier to spread out visitors, so there is limited congregating. Part of the reason for the restriction of pets is that they want to make sure the local wildlife is undisturbed. Before we headed off on our adventure, we took a moment to familiarize ourselves with the locals. Hopefully we would spot a couple of examples along the trail.

Walk on the Wild Side

The Parkville Nature Sanctuary is set on 115 acres of wooded land. It sits on the land between Park University and Riss Lake. The White Branch is a small stream that carries the overflow from the lake down to the Missouri River. It provides some scenic opportunities along the trails and keeps the wildlife in the area. Even though Kansas City had been in the midst of a dry spell, we were hopeful that there would still be water moving through the creek bed. We decided to take the Old Kate Trail, which leads up to the waterfalls coming down from Riss Lake.

Dry Days

As we made our way forward, we began to hear the flowing water ahead. It wasn’t a rushing sound that one would expect after a series of heavy rainfalls. Instead, it was a gentle trickling that draws those hearing it towards the origin of the sound. About a third of the way along the trail we came to the waterfalls. Sure enough, it was only a small stream that meandered down the rocky hillside, but it was still a pleasant discovery.

Tranquil Setting

While the water flow may not have been optimal, it was still something to be taken in. Nearby we found a bench that offers a view of the hillside. From there we could sit back and take in the whole environment that engulfed us. It was hard to imagine that we were just steps from the faster pace life of the city. As we enjoyed our brief rest, it seemed that the sounds of nature washed over us like the water rolling down the nearby rocks.

Soothing Sounds

Our stop was brief, as we were eager to explore more of the trail. After crossing another small bridge, we found that the path began its journey away from the hillside that holds the lake. A few steps down the trail, we came to another small water feature. Here the flow flattened out and passed over a rocky ridge. We watched as a family took turns posing in front of the flowing stream. It made us think that this would be a good place to use for a short photo shoot. It would be even better during a less dry period.

Social Distancing

2020 is the year that we are learning more than we ever wanted to know about “social distancing”. What better way to do this than taking a hike? While we enjoy walking when we visit new destinations, we have never really considered ourselves hikers. At least not in the  context of being one with nature. This year has certainly changed our perspective and we are truly enjoying it. The Parkville Nature Sanctuary allows for plenty of room to spread out. Even though the parking area had been a little congested, we found the trails wide open.

Enjoying Nature

Changing up from urban adventures to nature explorations has some other benefits. Most of the delicate creatures we encounter are found in our home gardens. During these nature walks we are spotting a lot of colorful insects. While we didn’t run across a lot of wildlife, we did spot some songbirds and even a bunny. I would imagine that the hikers that arrive earlier in the morning are rewarded with the bulk of the wildlife sightings. We will have to keep that in mind for future visits.

Exercise Made Fun

Now that we know about the Parkville Nature Sanctuary we are sure to frequent it. Being so close to us, it helps remind us of the wonders of nature. Our plans are to start incorporating more hiking destinations to our blog. Hopefully some of them will resonate and you will plan your own excursions. Not only is it good exercise, but it allows for some time to reflect and recharge our internal batteries. Besides, we still want to catch sight of some of those elusive creatures. Have you ever hiked in the Parkville Nature Sanctuary?

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We want to thank Main Street Parkville for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

The Early Days

Parkville had a simple enough start, as a steamboat landing site. In 1838, a land speculator named Col. George S. Park relocated to the area and built his home on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. He had plotted out the town of Parkville and by 1850 it was a thriving community. At that time, the town had a beautiful stone hotel, which was constructed near the river landing. This frontier facing river port thrived from the movement of hemp and other products. Steamboats, like the Arabia, moved goods from town to town, and served as transport on the “water highway”. You can see some of the goods that were common for the era at the Arabia Steamboat Museum. (Learn more about the Arabia Museum here.) For a period, Parkville was growing faster than neighboring Kansas City, to the south. From the earliest mention of the area, by a French trader, until the days leading up to the Civil War, Parkville seemed to be a city on its way up. This boom of growth would be curtailed by violence associated with the “war between the states”.

History

In 1853, Col. Park established one of the earliest newspapers in Platte County. The Industrial Luminary was produced with an abolitionist spin, which angered many of the pro-slavery folks in the region. In the Spring of 1855, a proslavery mob raided the newspaper office and threw the printing press in the river.  During the war, violence was commonplace in the region, as attested by the phrase “border war” used in this area. In July of 1864, Confederate guerrillas, including Frank and Jesse James, invaded and occupied Parkville for two days. The end of the war did not curtail the political bitterness in Parkville, which had stopped commercial growth. The city of Parkville would remain a quaint river town on the banks of the Missouri River.

Activities

These days, you can make your own history in this downtown district. When we made our itinerary for an overnight stay, we looked for some interesting activities to enjoy. It wasn’t difficult to more than fill our couples escape in Parkville, Missouri. Budding or inspiring artists will find opportunities to hone their skills at one of the galleries. If you are looking for some time outside, perhaps a round of mini-golf or a stroll through the Farmers Market is more to your liking. Those needing some extra relaxation may want to drop by the yoga studio for a session. With so many activities, you may have to stay a couple extra days. (You can see more activities here.)

Dining

Everyone has to eat to survive, so why not enjoy your meals? Main Street Parkville has a few eateries to choose from. On the west side of the street we sampled dishes from three different restaurants. Each one offers unique atmosphere and experience. You can test the cuisine choices that run the gamut from pub food to fine French dining. So, you may ask yourself what falls between those two points? Well that would be a long established Italian eatery that’s popular with visitors and locals alike. (You can find the individual dining articles here.)

Adult Beverages

Of course, the east side of the street has some dining options, as well. The local pizzeria is a good place to enjoy an adult beverage with your meal. A popular spot for people watching would be the local coffee shop, Parkville Coffee.  With plenty of hot or cold drinks being served up, the delicious smell of coffee can be intoxicating. If it’s breakfast time, why not grab a sandwich or pastry to accompany your beverage of choice. Finding good food and drink makes a couple escape to Parkville, Missouri memorable.

Shopping

We would be remiss, if we failed to point out the delightful shopping opportunities in downtown Parkville. Whether you are looking for some new duds or accessories, you have some nice options. It’s a great destination for hunting that special something for a friend’s birthday. While you are there, you might as well pick up a little something for yourself, as well. Satisfy your sweet tooth, tune up your guitar game or just stroll the sidewalk, while window shopping. (You can read more about the shops here.)

Friendly Faces

One common theme that seems to repeat itself every place we visited was the friendly welcome we received. Whether it was the owners of the local B&B (You can read more about this lodging option here.), the staff at the coffee shop or just some people enjoying a glass at the local wine shop. That Midwest warmth permeates the area and is contagious. It will help you feel like a local during your own couples escape to Parkville, Missouri.

Plan Your Couples Escape in Parkville, Missouri

You can see why we love our visits to Parkville. Over the years, we have watched our metropolitan area change, yet this quaint river town has maintained it charm. Places like this offer visitors a chance to get away from their daily duties and just relax. This is one of the main reasons this area is so popular with couples and families alike. Isn’t it about time for you to plan your own couples escape to Parkville, Missouri? We know that they will welcome you like an old friend.

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We want to thank Main Street Parkville and the local business for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Fine Art

As you make your way into downtown Parkville, Missouri, you will pass by the old railroad depot building. This charming and rustic structure has been re-purposed to hold the Cathy Kline Art Gallery. We made the short walk from Main Street to visit her shop and were taken back by all of the wonderful pieces she has displayed. Cathy welcomed us in and gave us a tour of the space. I’m a huge fan of glass works and was enchanted by the pieces she had in her gallery. It was nice to see that she includes many other artists, local and regional, in her space.

A Delicate Touch

Cathy creates her own art, but also offers classes to others. During our visit, one of her students was busy working away on her piece. It was exciting to watch her work and she was kind enough to allow us to take her picture. If you have an inkling to pursue the fine arts, this is definitely a place to check out. Be sure to take some time to check out all of Cathy’s pieces that are displayed in the gallery.

More Artistic Endeavors

Back on Main Street, we decided to seek out more artistic options. At the Parkville Artisan’s Studio, they have plenty of choices when it comes to art classes. Our timing was perfect, as a Dirty Pour Painting Class was about to begin. While we waited for everyone to assemble, we checked out some of the pieces they have for sale. This place is packed with a wide variety of art styles and makes a good place to shop for that special someone who loves local artwork.

Detailed Instructions

The Dirty Pour class is one of many types of art that you can participate in at the Artisan’s Studio. Everyone found a seat and was provided a canvas and empty cups. Various colors of paint are put into each cup, and will be thrown together for the final product. The idea is not to stir the various colors together, but to let each color come through in the final product. We watched as Tricia Szasz instructed the students on how the process works. She patiently walked through each step and repeated them when needed. After all of the questions were answered, it was time to get active.

Creative Juices Flow

Once all of the paints had been poured, they are combined into one cup. What you get looks like a can of paint that has separated, but it’s what is needed to produce the finished product. The next step is to lay the canvas on top of the cup and then flip it over. Suction helps hold the cup on the canvas, as each student allows the cup to slide around. This distributes the paint across the surface. Once the majority of the paint has oozed out of the cup, it’s time to remove it. Now the students rotate the canvas up and down to distribute the paint around the canvas as they desire. The end result is a beautiful modern art piece that will  be suitable for hanging when it dries.

Stretching into Parkville

Back outside, we headed across the street to check out the new space for Om Prana Yoga. This holistic wellness center offers classes for all levels of yoga enthusiasts. They focus on small class size, so that each person can get individual attention. The front half of their space includes a shop where you can pick up all of your comfy equipment for classes or just relaxing at home. One of the common themes we find in Parkville is the interesting merchandise for sale. We love the small shop atmosphere and it feels good putting money back into the community by supporting locally owned shops. (You can see more of the Parkville shops here.)

A View from Above

When you first arrive on Main Street Parkville, you may notice the Parkville Mini Golf sign on the top of the hill overlooking the downtown. We clambered up the steps to check out this family friendly attraction. If you want to get active in Parkville, climbing the stairs is a good start. Once up top, we had a wonderful view of nearby Park University. We popped in the clubhouse to grab our gear for a quick round of mini-golf. Since we both love this activity, there was no way we would miss this opportunity. In fact, we had to return on a different day to play, since our original visit ended up including a late season snow storm. Midwest weather can be so fickle.

Putting Around Town

It was time for our competitive juices to start flowing. While I love to play golf, Crystal has always shied away from the regular courses. Her best games are played on these miniaturized versions. On this day, she was on point and giving me quite a run for the money. Her pink ball seemed to be attracted to the holes and she was giving me a real challenge. In the end, it is hard to say who won, since we don’t keep score. It’s enough to say that we both had a great time and this seemed to be true for the other players on the course.

To Market We Go

Since we had to make a return visit due to weather, it worked out that the Parkville Farmers Market was in session, as well. While it may not be as large as some found throughout the city, it is still a nice place to explore and visit with some locals. This day was the opening weekend, so not many crops were being harvested, yet.

Seasonal Colors

A few vendors were there to sell their various items, but we were just enjoying the vibrant colors. Crystal did pick up a buttery croissant to enjoy with her coffee. At the end of the aisle a band performed for the crowd. The whole setting was very relaxing and helped put us in a mood to slow our pace a little. We will have to come back a little later in the season to check out the fresh vegetables and fruits.

Relaxing Activity

While the attractions we have mentioned up to now have been family friendly, we wanted to include a spot that is perfect for a couples escape. Wines by Jennifer is a small shop located just up the hill on Main Street. The owners have taken one of the beautiful historic homes and turned it into a destination. When we walked through the front door, we found an assortment of wine related products for sale. The staff explained how the building was laid out, with each room representing a different wine producing region. We made our way through the house checking out the various zones. This is a good place to taste some new wines that you may have had your eye on.

Get Active in Downtown Parkville

As you can see, Main Street Parkville is brimming with activities. They have options that work well during any weather. On the warmer days, plan a stop at the framers market, followed by a round of mini-golf. If it’s a rainy day, which we have seen lots of this year, why not plan a family lesson at one of the art studios. Of course, a yoga session would be a good stress reliever after a hard work week. With so much to see and do, when are you planning your next Parkville excursion?

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We would like to thank Main Street Parkville and the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Landing at English Landing

One of the things that makes downtown Parkville so quaint, is that it has retained its small town feel. Walking along the sidewalks you can imagine you have been transported to a small town nestled in the countryside. Periodically, a train will pass through the area, much like you would find in so many Midwestern towns. The atmosphere beckons you to slow your pace and enjoy a relaxed visit. We started our exploration in English Landing Center, which is located on a hillside closer to the river. La Bottega Vintage Market is an antique and collectibles shop that has a variety of booths, with items from different vendors. Our morning visit was cloudy and cool, so we wandered through the spaces with an eye peeled for treasures. Just a little ways away, we happened upon Old Town Sweets. Here shoppers can satisfy their sweet tooth from an assortment of goodies. Be sure to check out their vintage candy packages that they use for decorations.

Putting the Pieces Together

While Crystal and I are not big into clothing creation, we have had reasons to purchase fabric in the past. New pillow covers, fabric screens or even just using a piece of fabric in a picture frame can add a special touch of home decor. Finding that unique pattern is especially fun during the holidays. At The Fabric Chic they have so many colorful options that it makes the final decision more interesting. If quilting is more your style, you will find all of your materials at Peddlers Wagon. Located at the top of the hill, on Main Street, this Parkville shop has a homey feel, like visiting grandma’s house.

Designer Digs

One of Crystal’s favorite reasons for visiting Parkville shops is to check out the latest inventory at the clothing boutiques. J. Quinn Boutique is newer to the area, so it’s not surprising to find her checking out their fashions. Across the street is Sincerely, Ellis, which is her favorite boutique clothier in Kansas City. She actually first found them in the West Bottoms, and rejoiced when they joined the Parkville shops. They don’t have men’s clothing at either shop, but there are plenty of places for us guys to rest, while the ladies shop.

Homey Comforts

While the boutique clothing stores gravitate toward women, there are some other shops that can be savored together. Another one of the newer businesses to join the Parkville shops is Farmhouse Collection. With a home base in Jamesport, Missouri, it was a natural choice to add a location in the quaint downtown area of Parkville. This store features tons of home decor items with a country feel. Stepping through the door, you are greeted with the fresh smell of wildflower scented candles and potpourri. We even watched as one of the staff members designed a custom aroma that Crystal uses to scent our home’s bedding.

Color Your World

While we are on the subject of home decor, there is another Parkville shop you will want to visit. Samsara is just a short walk over to East Street. (One block over from Main Street) The bright red doors hint of the colors that can be found inside. This shop is filled with trendy, classic, and retro pieces that will add that certain something to just about any home. Crystal and I enjoy strolling through the store looking for that accent that will be just what we need to complete a look.

Something for the Guys

You know how I said there are plenty of comfy spots for guys to sit while their significant others shop. What if I told you that there is a Parkville shop that is designed with guys in mind. Cool Vintage Watches is everything the name says and more. I like to explore the shop checking out all of the sports memorabilia, fishing gear, old cameras, and obviously cool watches. When your legs need a rest, pull up a seat in front of the television set and watch some sports. We are sure this will become one of your favorite hangouts, when visiting Main Street Parkville.

Take Home Something Special

We wouldn’t want the ladies to feel left out, so if you head across the street you will find Parkville Jewelers. You can find matching watches, but they won’t be vintage. Of course, if you guys are in the doghouse, this is the place to find that special something to get back in good favor. Speaking of doghouses, perhaps you are looking to add the pitter-patter of scurrying paws to your home. Over by Samsara, you will find a shop being run by Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter. You can check out who’s up for adoption or just chip in by shopping in their store. The money goes for a good cause.

Jam Session

As you can see, there are Parkville shops to cover just about any subject. What if you are looking for something that just doesn’t fit in the normal boutique shop lineup? Perhaps you will find what you are looking for at Bentley Guitar Studios. Since the mid 1990’s, this has been the place in Parkville to shop for that special instrument.For those who already have a guitar, they also offer lessons, which so many of us could really use. Repair is included on their menu of services, but don’t bring in an old guitar that was destroyed during a heavy metal concert. No one can rebuild one of those.

Seeing the Parkville Shops with Fresh Eyes

Whenever we visit Main Street Parkville, we find lots of couples exploring the stores. With so much variety, it is easy to find something on your shopping list. Even if you have no purchases in mind, this quaint river town is a great destination to spend some leisurely “together” time. Strolling the brick sidewalks offers great views, fresh air, and we love the exercise. Why not make your own plans to check out these unique shops? We’ve even heard that there are some new places that will opening in the coming months. Things are looking bright in downtown Parkville, Missouri.

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We want to thank Main Street Parkville and Café des Amis for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Cozy and Quaint

Our morning meal had been hours ago, at the local B&B. (You can read about Main Street Inn here.) Hunger was beginning to call out to us, and we were anticipating more than a meal. Having prior knowledge that owners Guillaume and Ingrid Hanriot are from the Champagne region of France, increased our anticipation. We knew the dishes would be full of delicate, yet complimentary flavors. The hostess seated us with a window view of the downtown. We timed our visit to be a late lunch, in hopes of missing the normal weekend rush. Our server, Sarah, welcomed us to the oldest business building in downtown Parkville. (Built in 1844) She walked us through the menu and included some suggestions based on dishes she enjoys.

Difficult Decisions

With Sarah’s assistance, we were able to plan out our entire meal. We knew it would come in stages, which allowed time to savor each dish properly. While this cuisine is designed to be complimented by certain wines, we decided to forego this and stick with water. Sarah brought us a tray of crusty French bread, with lavender salted butter, to munch on while our meal was being prepared.

Dining With Our Eyes

In order to get the best cross section of flavors, Crystal and I decided to split dishes where possible. We started with Salade Cafe des Amis, which combines baby greens, red pepper, Portabella mushrooms, blue cheese crumbles, and candied spiced walnuts. Even a simple salad becomes a culinary masterpiece when the correct selection of flavors are combined.

Refined Elegance at Café des Amis

The next course included a pair of seafood based dishes. It is fair to say that most people have heard of escargot, yet many have not tasted a dish containing snails. My first experience was at Café des Amis, when I ordered the Feuilleté D’Escargots. The dish consists of six Burgundy wild snails in a butter sauce, with garlic and fresh herbs. The flavor was a delightful blend that begged to be completed. It was apparent that the crusty bread was a perfect way to sop up every drop of the delicious sauce. Sarah arrived again shortly, with my order of Coquilles St. Jacques Au Gratin. This breaded and baked dish of sherry sautéed scallops and mushrooms is served in a béchamel sauce. The addition of tomato had tinted the “white sauce” to a beautiful hue of orange. The addition of a baked squid ink wafer added an architectural element to the dish.

A Taste of Brunch

Time for a confession. Not for me, but for Crystal. She is not nearly as open to new flavors as I am, so she was skipping the opportunity to sample the seafood dishes I had chosen. Her loss was my gain, as each one presented a new flavor combination that my taste buds had yet to discover. Now it was her turn, as the Quiche Lorraine was served. This labor intensive dish consists of 36 hour poached ham, bacon, sautéed onions and Swiss Cheese. Baked to golden perfection, I could immediately see that Crystal was happy with her choice. Our final dish to be served reminded me that it was a good thing I had let her have the majority of the salad.

Sensational Seafood

Sarah brought out a lidded pot that contained my order of Moules Marinières Faςon Odile. I knew that this would be all mine, since Crystal was busy with her quiche. When the lid was removed, a plume of steam rose from the pot. Inside I spied Prince Edwards Island mussels in a sherry wine, shallots, herbs, and light cream sauce. This was definitely another fantastic dish that offered a depth of flavors. Soon, my pot was empty and our meal was complete. Sarah returned to tempt us with dessert, but we had no room left for it.

Returning to Our Discoveries

Our thoughts were turning to our afternoon of exploring, and we wondered how many people would recognize the look of satisfaction that comes from a meal at Cafe des Amis. Time for us to make our way back into public, but we would carry with us the memory of the refined elegance we just enjoyed. With an afternoon still ahead of us, it was certain that we had plenty of energy to take on any challenge.

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We want to thank Main Street Parkville and Main Street Inn for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Colorful Accents

The Main Street Inn offered us a historic stay in a home built in 1885. The owners have added their own unique accents to the house, and many offer a pop of color. From the moment we arrived, we could see that this building stood out from its neighbors. The gingerbread accents on the exterior had hinted of the attention to detail that we found throughout the interior.

Romantic Settings

We were welcomed by owners Jason and Kathy, who have put their hearts into creating this special place. Main Street Inn has three suites to choose from for your couples getaway. Old Kate’s Room (pictured on left) is named for a mule that was used to help haul coal from the railroad depot up to Park College. Used for a few years, the mule was eventually retired when the Park College Power Plant was constructed. These days the old power plant serves as a local eatery and pub. Another room that gives a nod to the local college is Col. Park’s Suite. (pictured on right) Either of these rooms would be a perfect place to spend a peaceful escape from your busy daily life.

Our Couples Getaway

There is a third room, which is named the Missouri River Suite. This would be our hideout for the night. Once again, it was the details that drew our attention. One wall is original brick works from the 1885 construction. The addition of artistic details would not be lost on us, and we enjoyed exploring our room. With a large Jacuzzi tub, we were able to jet away the stress from a busy week while discussing our plans for the next day. The beautiful pops of color brightened the room, and did the same for our moods. It seemed that every time we looked around, we noticed another interesting detail.

Start the Day Right

After a restful night’s sleep, we woke refreshed and ready for a day of exploring in Main Street Parkville. As we relaxed in our room, a knock came on the door. We had been prepared for this, as Kathy told us she would bring us an early morning treat. Outside of our door, we discovered a tray filled with delectable delights. A carafe of French press coffee accompanied some freshly baked Strawberry-Banana Bread. This morning tidbit is a nod to a standard French first meal, and was just right to tide us over until breakfast time.

Happy Hosts

Once we had assembled ourselves and packed our overnight case, it was time to make our way to breakfast. The first floor of the house is home to Jason and Kathy. They welcomed us into the dining room, where we would fuel up for a day of exploring. For us, a huge plus of staying in bed and breakfasts is this personal time. It gives us a chance to learn more about the locals and why they love the area that they call home. It is also a great opportunity to get an inside scoop on things to see and do around town.

Delicious Cuisine

This morning, Kathy had prepared  some tasteful dishes for us. We arrived just in time to watch her plate up Baked Pears. These were flavored with honey, cinnamon, and walnuts. The pears were so tender and full of taste. As we chatted with our friendly hosts, we quickly made this morning fruit disappear.

She Even Waits Here

Next it was time for the main course. We were really enjoying the way the meal was being served in stages, which allowed time to savor each dish. Individual servings of Egg Frittatas came filled with sweet peppers and accompanied by toast. Crystal took time to explain to our hosts the ritual of waiting, that accompanies most of her meals. As I gathered photos of the dishes laid out before us, the enticing aroma urged me to keep this down time to a minimum. Soon it was time for us to dig in to these tasty casseroles.

Plan Your Couples Getaway

We knew our couples getaway had a time limit, and we were saddened to have to leave Main Street Inn. This historic house had proven to be more than just a beautiful building. This home on the hill had offered us more than just shelter. It had been an escape from our daily routine. With our minds and bodies refreshed, we were ready to head out for some leisurely exploring in downtown Main Street Parkville. This stay had proven once again that you don’t have to leave the city to escape from it. When was your last hometown getaway?

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