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DCSki Columnists

The following volunteer DCSki Columnists contribute many informative (and often entertaining) articles throughout the ski season, sharing insight into local and far away ski areas. You may view past articles from your favorite columnists below.

 
Robbie Allen

Robbie Allen learned to ski on Whitetail’s opening day! Since then his travels have taken him to many a ski area from the smallest 150-foot hill to the Swiss Alps to Ski Dubai. His passion is for small local ski areas.

When not skiing Robbie can be found in melted snow, an All American swimmer in his youth he continues to swim today. He has raced in the waters around Manhattan and across the Chesapeake Bay. Also he has completed 4 Ironman triathlons - winning the swim portion in each. When not swimming he is found working on his other goal of running 50 marathons by age 50.

An aspiring writer Robbie he has written for Sprit magazine, Metro Sports, Xtri.com, Trip Advisor.com as well as others. In his day job he is a Project Manager and/or a Naval Reserve Officer. He is married with two kids (The Team) who all ski!

Robbie has written 20 stories for DCSki since 2008.

Recent articles by Robbie:

Firsthand Report: Beaver Creek (April 20)
Robbie Allen believes he has found heaven on earth, during a late-season trip to Colorado’s Beaver Creek Resort. He provides this Firsthand Report from a recent trip.
(1 reader comment)

Firsthand Report: Vail - The Killington of the West (April 20)
He may normally spend his time skiing at out-of-the-way and lesser known ski areas, but for Spring Break, Robbie Allen took his family to one of the most popular ski resorts in the world: Vail. He provides this Firsthand Report.

Going Further Afield: Chestnut Mountain Resort - Towboats, Trains, and Tough Terrain! (March 30)
Tucked away in the Northwest corner of Illinois on a high rocky bluff overlooking the Mississippi River is a ski area that offers a surprisingly steep vertical. Robbie Allen describes a late-season visit to Chestnut Mountain Resort in this Firsthand Report.
(1 reader comment)

Going Further Afield: Mountain High - A True SoCal Experience (March 19)
Robbie Allen’s travels took him all the way to the West Coast, where he grudgingly left a sun-kissed beach to head into the mountains, discovering a ski area where the boarders outnumber the skiers. He provides this Firsthand Report from California’s Mountain High Resort.
(2 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: Detroit Rock City - Mt. Holly (February 25)
As DCSki’s roving columnist, Robbie Allen has made a habit of visiting small ski areas across the country. His latest visit was to Mt. Holly, an area that rises above Michigan thanks to an unusual land swap with a mining company.
(1 reader comment)

View more articles by Robbie

Lou Botta

While actually born in the tropics (Cuba), Lou grew up in New England and went to College in Vermont, where he initially took up skiing. He then embarked on a twenty-two year Air Force piloting career that took him to over 50 countries. He has skied in Europe and America (both North and South). On his second career as a senior officer with the Federal Government, Lou’s vacation time is almost entirely devoted to skiing, whether at West Virginia’s Snowshoe, where he has a second home, or traveling and skiing throughout New England and the Rockies. Lou also takes a yearly ski trip to Europe, having been most recently to St. Moritz and Zermatt, Switzerland. He is also a pilot, scuba diver, long-distance cyclist, and marathon runner.

Lou has written 4 stories for DCSki since 2001.

Recent articles by Lou:

Firsthand Report: Hiking the Kalalau Trail (November 12, 2007)
Some people start running on a treadmill to get ready for the ski season. DCSki Columnist Lou Botta had another idea: he decided to hike the Kalalau Trail in Kawaii, one of the most strenuous hikes in the U.S. Lou provides this detailed Firsthand Report.
(5 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Whistler/Blackcomb (February 21, 2005)
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently returned from a trip to Canada’s Whistler/Blackcomb. He provides this detailed Firsthand Report.
(8 reader comments)

Snowshoe Weekend - More of the White Stuff (January 18, 2003)
DCSki Columnist Lou Botta recently spent a weekend at Snowshoe, and describes the conditions, along with some tips for getting to the slopes.
(3 reader comments)

A Trip to Switzerland (March 31, 2001)
Lou Botta recently returned from a trip to Switzerland’s St. Moritz, and provides a fascinating trip report (and some great pictures).
(7 reader comments)

View more articles by Lou

James Chen

James “Jim” Chen is a member of the National Ski Patrol and a volunteer patroller at Liberty Mountain ski area in Carroll Valley, Pennsylvania. Jim has been a member of the Liberty Patrol since joining the National Ski Patrol in the 1995-1996 season. Off the slopes, Jim is a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm of Crowell & Moring, LLP where he practices environmental, transportation, safety, and product regulatory law. During the off-season, when not in the office, he usually can be found on the Potomac River trying his luck with the local fish population.

Jim has written 17 stories for DCSki since 1999.

Recent articles by Jim:

Firsthand Report: Wisp (February 28, 2007)
DCSki Columnist and ski patroller James Chen spent the weekend at Maryland’s Wisp Resort with many of his fellow ski patrollers. He provides this Firsthand Report.
(3 reader comments)

Liberty Mountain Enhances Safety Efforts (February 19, 2007)
Ski patroller James Chen describes recent efforts at Liberty Mountain Resort to raise awareness of skier and snowboarder safety.
(22 reader comments)

Winter Highs, Lows, and Highs Again: A Wisp Firsthand Report (February 23, 2006)
DCSki Columnist Jim Chen spent the past weekend skiing at Maryland’s Wisp Resort with his family and friends. He provides this Firsthand Report.
(3 reader comments)

Winter’s Return: A Firsthand Report from Liberty Mountain, Feb. 13 (February 18, 2006)
After suffering through a warm January, DCSki Columnist Jim Chen hit the slopes of Liberty Mountain on February 13, right after the return of cold temperatures and a dumping of natural snow.
(1 reader comment)

Spring Skiing in February - Liberty Mountain Firsthand Report (February 7, 2005)
DCSki Columnist James Chen spent Superbowl Sunday skiing with his family at Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain Resort. He didn’t make it home in time to catch kickoff, but that’s because his family had so much fun on the slopes, as he describes in this Firsthand Report.
(1 reader comment)

View more articles by Jim

Matthew Graham

Matthew Graham is a skier as well as a hang glider and paraglider pilot, SCUBA diver, cavern diver, equestrian, polo player, sailor, hiker, biker, rock climber, paddler, and skater. He’s also dabbled in just about every other sport, even bull riding! He writes for the Washington Post, Washingtonian Magazine, USA Weekend Magazine, Hooked on the Outdoors, Richmond Magazine, Chesapeake Life Magazine, Metro Sports, Blue Ridge Outdoors, Recreation News and numerous other outdoor and travel publications. His wife, Karen Carra, is a freelance photographer, dancer, skier and extreme sports athlete.

Matthew has written 20 stories for DCSki since 2002.

Recent articles by Matthew:

Tips for Avoiding Crowds on Weekends (February 18)
DCSki’s best tip is to ski on weekdays: crowds are often nonexistent, and it’s usually less expensive, too. But what if your schedule only allows you to ski on weekends? No worries. DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham provides his “top ten” tips for avoiding weekend crowds at Mid-Atlantic ski areas.
(6 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Viva Vail (February 12)
Last season, DCSki Columnist Matthew Graham visited Colorado’s Vail Resort. Even though a friend broke her arm on the trip, Matthew describes the trip as one of his best ski trips ever.
(1 reader comment)

Colorado Quickie: A Firsthand Report (March 19, 2007)
Matthew Graham and Karen Carra took advantage of discounted flights to Denver to make a quick Colorado ski trip, visiting Loveland Ski Area, Copper Mountain, and a frozen lake. Learn about their trip in this Firsthand Report.
(6 reader comments)

Avoiding Weekend Crowds at Wisp and Whitetail: Two Firsthand Reports (February 6, 2007)
Matthew Graham spent the past two weekends on the slopes, first at Wisp and then at Whitetail, and managed to avoid crowds each time. He spills the beans on how to avoid weekend crowds and describes the stellar conditions in this entertaining Firsthand Report.
(5 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Stratton Mountain, Vermont (February 4, 2007)
In Matthew Graham’s estimate, Stratton Mountain is “so good you’ll cry.” In March of 2006, Matthew and his wife met up with friends at Vermont’s Stratton mountain. During the trip, Matthew ate waffles. Lots of waffles. He describes the waffles and the skiing in this Firsthand Report.
(2 reader comments)

View more articles by Matthew

Jim Kenney

Husband, father and civilian employee of the Department of Navy, Jim Kenney is a D.C. area native and has been skiing recreationally since 1967.

Jim has written 64 stories for DCSki since 2000.

Recent articles by Jim:

Firsthand Report: Bryce Resort (March 5)
DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney led a youth group of about 20 skiers and snowboarders to Virginia’s Bryce Resort on March 1, 2008. He provides this Firsthand Report.

DCSki Gathering at Blue Knob: A Pictorial (February 25)
A group of eleven DCSki readers converged on Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob Resort on Sunday, February 24, 2008 for a day of sunny skiing. Jim Kenney provides this pictorial and report.
(2 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Game On at Blue Knob (February 3)
Jim Kenney provides this Firsthand Report of a recent visit to Pennsylvania’s Blue Knob Resort, where he encountered great terrain for beginners and experts alike.
(3 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Hidden Valley, PA - a New Beginning (January 22)
DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney had never visited Hidden Valley Resort, so it was with great interest that he took his family to the revitalized Pennsylvania ski area to discover why so many DCSki readers are passionate about the resort. He learned why, and shares his experience in this Firsthand Report.
(14 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Geared Up for MLK Weekend at Seven Springs (January 21)
DCSki Columnist Jim Kenney and his family got a head start on MLK weekend and swung by Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs Resort for an enjoyable day and evening of skiing. Jim provides this Firsthand Report from their January 18, 2008 trip.
(7 reader comments)

View more articles by Jim

Connie Lawn

Connie Lawn calls herself “The Skiing White House Reporter.” She has been covering the White House as a correspondent since 1968, and heads her own news bureau. But, as the years roll by, the passion for skiing and the mountains has become more intense. Connie now does her snow reports for DCSki. She also circulates her feature reports on radio, and is looking into television and a book about humorous ski experiences. Some of Connie’s funny ones (in Czechoslovakia in 1968) can be read in her book, You Wake Me Each Morning (iuniverse.com). Connie skis the local areas and, when possible the West, New England, New Zealand, and Europe. The industry keeps growing and Connie believe this is a good time for as many people to be involved as possible.

Connie has written 110 stories for DCSki since 2003.

Recent articles by Connie:

Firsthand Report: Sundance Resort, Utah (August 3)
A recent business trip drew Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman to Utah, where they swung by Sundance Resort for a summer visit. Connie provides this Firsthand Report.
(1 reader comment)

Crossing the Hudson on Horseback (June 29)
While attending her son’s wedding, DCSki Columnist Connie Lawn visited the 1000 Acres Ranch Resort in New York. There was no skiing (not at this time of year, anyway), but she did try out activities such as horseback riding, and filed this Firsthand Report.

Firsthand Report: Ski Utah Ability Awareness Trip (March 15)
Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman recently returned from a magical week in Utah, where they visited several ski areas to learn about adaptive programs, including Park City, Snowbasin, Snowbird, and Sundance. Learn more about their trip in this Firsthand Report.
(2 reader comments)

Western Wanderings: Alpine Meadows and Diamond Peak (March 9)
Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman check in with a firsthand report from California’s Alpine Meadows and Nevada’s Diamond Peak - two ski areas located near Lake Tahoe.
(2 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Wounded Warrior Weekend at Snowshoe Mountain Resort (March 5)
Connie Lawn and Charles Sneiderman visited West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort February 23-24, 2008, where they observed Snowshoe’s first Wounded Warrior Weekend. The event brought wounded service members to the slopes of Snowshoe to learn how to ski and snowboard. Connie filed this Firsthand Report, describing both the event and the overall skiing experience at Snowshoe.
(1 reader comment)

View more articles by Connie

J.R. Patten

J.R. Patten is an ultramarathon runner, backpacker, skier, and general outdoor nut. And he shows up to class at Georgia Tech from time to time.

J.R. has written 1 story for DCSki since 2008.

Recent articles by J.R.:

Firsthand Report: The Canyons, Utah (August 6)
DCSki’s newest Columnist, J.R. Patten, just returned from a trip to The Canyons Resort. While most visit the Utah resort in the winter to take advantage of its deep powder and 3,700 acres of skiable terrain, J.R. discovered there’s more than one reason to visit during the “off season.”
(8 reader comments)

View more articles by J.R.

John Sherwood

John Sherwood hails from Bedford, Massachusetts - the snow belt of Boston’s western suburbs. He first experienced the joys of skiing on the 240-foot vertical slopes of Nashoba Valley in Littleton, Massachusetts. As a teenager, he enjoyed skiing at Gunstock, Waterville Valley, and Stowe. He moved to DC in 1991 but a combination of graduate school poverty and a false belief that “local skiing just can’t be any good” kept him away from the slopes for 9 long and miserable years.

John finally received his Ph.D. in history, got a real job as a Navy historian, and officially ended his skiing hiatus. To celebrate, he took his wife, a native of Slovakia who grew up skiing to school, to Stowe for a week in February 2000. Hooked again, John decided to explore local skiing during the 2000-2001 season and visited Whitetail, Seven Springs, Timberline, and Blue Mountain. He also took another trip to Stowe. When he returned from Vermont, he concluded that local skiing really is not that bad; in fact, it can be great when the conditions are right. Arguably, Timberline at the end of March had better snow conditions than Stowe in early February.

A proud Timberline season pass holder since 2002, John generally skis over 20 days a year at that resort. He also enjoys skiing in Europe, the West, and New England. The West Virginia Division of Tourism awarded John “Stars of the Industry” awards in both 2003 and 2004 for articles on skiing in West Virginia.

In addition to DCSki, John has published winter sports related articles in the The Slovak Spectator, Financial Times, Ski Racing Magazine, and the SkiEurope Report. He is also the author of four books in military history. His latest, Black Sailor, White Navy: Racial Unrest in the Fleet, was published in November, 2007 by New York University Press.

John has written 82 stories for DCSki since 2001.

Recent articles by John:

Springtime Snapshots: The Canaan Valley Region in Late Spring (June 25)
DCSki Columnist John Sherwood recently made a trip to the Canaan Valley region of West Virginia, where he visited Dolly Sods, Roaring Plains (South Prong Trail), and the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. He provides some photos from his visit.
(2 reader comments)

The Transplanted: A DC Skier Heads West (December 1, 2007)
Many DCSki readers know Tim Romano and his wife Madeline. They’re regular attendees at DCSki slope-side gatherings. After spending 28 years in the DC area, Tim recently packed up and moved to Logan, Utah. DCSki Columnist John Sherwood interviews Tim to learn about the differences in skiing and lifestyle between the Mid-Atlantic region and a state that includes the word “Ski” on its license plate.
(4 reader comments)

Spot Report: Timberline Four Seasons Resort, January 21, 2007 (January 23, 2007)
John Sherwood skied at West Virginia’s Timberline Resort on Sunday, and provides this Firsthand Report.
(8 reader comments)

Firsthand Report: Timberline, December 30-31, 2006 (January 1, 2007)
Despite less than ideal conditions, John Sherwood made his first run of the season at Timberline Resort this past weekend. He filed this Firsthand Report.
(4 reader comments)

Going Further Afield: The Canyons, February 4-8, 2006 (February 9, 2006)
John Sherwood just returned from a trip to The Canyons, an up-and-coming ski resort in Utah that offers over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. John filed this Firsthand Report describing the pros and cons of the ski area.
(7 reader comments)

View more articles by John

M. Scott Smith

Scott is Editor and founder of DCSki. He writes the articles, takes the photographs, designs the pages, programs the site, pays the bills, and occasionally catches a wink of sleep. In addition to DCSki, Scott works full time as a researcher and computer scientist.

Scott loves outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, travel, skiing, kayaking, and mountain biking. He is an avid photographer and writer, and also plays keyboards and drums. Scott grew up in Colorado and currently resides in Maryland. (That’s right - he went from Colorado to Maryland - what was he thinking?!) Scott maintains a personal weblog at www.mscottsmith.org.

Scott is a member of the Eastern Ski Writers Association and the North American Snowsports Journalists Association.

Scott has written 632 stories for DCSki since 1997.

Recent articles by Scott:

Busy Summer Underway at Whitetail (August 23)
Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Resort is busy making capital improvements for the upcoming winter season, but is also welcoming summer and fall guests to try their hand at fly fishing or play a round of golf.

Agreement with Seven Springs May Provide Catalyst to Re-Open Laurel Mountain (August 21)
The roller coaster history of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Mountain Resort is about to take another turn. An expected cash infusion from the state of Pennsylvania and an agreement by nearby Seven Springs Resort may provide the catalyst to re-open Laurel Mountain, although it is not clear whether the steps necessary to re-open the area will be completed this year.
(1 reader comment)

Liberty, Roundtop, and Whitetail Offer $399 Three Mountain Season Pass (July 27)
Pennsylvania’s Liberty Mountain, Roundtop, and Whitetail Resorts will be offering a “3 Mountain” season pass for $399 for the upcoming winter season.
(3 reader comments)

What’s New for 2008: Liberty Mountain Resort (July 13)
Liberty Mountain Resort is spending $3.6 million in capital improvements this summer, including a significant lodge expansion and continued enhancement of snowmaking.
(2 reader comments)

Hiking Day and Night at Shenandoah: A Firsthand Report (July 8)
Despite an ominous rainy forecast, DCSki’s Editor spent Sunday, July 7 hiking at Shenandoah National Park. One daytime circuit hike dipped into the valley and shadowed waterfalls, while an evening circuit hike led to the highest peak in the Park for a spectacular sunset, revealed by breaking storm clouds.
(5 reader comments)

View more articles by Scott

DCSki is sponsored in part by the following companies:


Canaan Realty: IMAGINE A PLACE THAT'S YOURS ALONE... Because adventures come in all shapes and sizes, so do our vacation rentals. Whether you are looking for adventure, recreation, or simply relaxation, we have four breathtaking seasons for you to enjoy. Slopeside, lakefront or secluded, Canaan Realty proudly offers a choice selection of vacation homes and condominiums. Call upon our friendly staff to help you plan the perfect ski vacation, weekend getaway or reunion with family and friends. Once you've stayed with Canaan Realty, you'll see why we're the first choice for lodging in Canaan Valley. Virtual tours, pricing, availability and online reservations available at www.canaanrealty.com.

Canaan Valley Resort: Canaan Valley Resort, located outside Davis, West Virginia features 39 slopes for beginning, intermediate, and advanced West Virginia skiing. With a vertical drop of 850 feet and the longest run at 6,000 feet, the experience is as challenging as you want it to be. Night skiing is also offered for an exhilarating skiing experience. Canaan Valley Resort and Timberline Four Seasons Resort have joined forces for the 2007-2008 ski season to offer guests the ability to ski both mountains at their leisure for one price. The new two-day pass allows skiers to enjoy over 75 slopes and trails, making a truly memorable trip to the mountains. In addition to fun on the slopes, Canaan Valley Resort offers a plethora of outdoor activities to whet an appetite for adventure. Cross-country terrain abounds in the valley, and guests without skis can choose to slide down the tube park, try their hands at airboarding or lace up their skates on the covered ice rink.

Hidden Valley Resort: Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort is the perfect place for a family getaway. With 28 slopes for skiing and snowboarding, terrain parks, a half pipe and snow tubing, there's something for everyone at this popular Mid-Atlantic family resort. New automated snowmaking ensures plenty of powder for winter sports and recreation! Off the slopes, visit the new ski and board shop, new eateries, and sports club. With a topnotch ski school and programs for beginners and children, Hidden Valley offers an ideal setting for all ages. Located in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands, Hidden Valley is within easy driving distance (200 miles) of Baltimore and Washington D.C. For lodging information or reservations, please call 814-443-8000 ext. 259.

Liberty Mountain Resort: Your favorite ski area, Liberty Mountain Resort, has the perfect accommodations for your year-round needs. Plan a conference, reunion, or every bride's dream wedding! We feature in-house catering and multiple banquet rooms to host any event from the smallest of gatherings to the largest of celebrations. Our New Challenge Course at Boulder Ridge is the perfect way to spend a few unique hours with your group! Our custom-designed courses meet any group's needs, from high to low impact, emphasizing problem solving or high adrenaline adventure! Meal and lodging options complete the experience. The mountainside Liberty Hotel is perfect for extended stays. Other amenities include our outdoor swimming pool, hiking, and adjacent golf and billiards facilities. Area attractions & shopping are less than 10 miles away in historic Gettysburg, and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking the Appalachian Trail or Catoctin Mountain State Park.

Pro-Fit Ski & Skate: Located in historic Leesburg, Virginia, Pro-Fit Ski & Skate offers expert custom boot fitting services, full ski/snowboard service and repair, and an excellent selection of skis, bindings, snowboards, clothing and accessories, and more. We have been certified "America's Best" by the MasterFit University Bootfitter Training Centers. Join us August 21 through September 2 for our Storewide Anniversary Sale! 15% - 75% OFF everything in the store.

Sawmill: Own the slopes. Sawmill is the first and only true ski-in/ski-out, gated community offering in Snowshoe, West Virginia, where a miracle microclimate produces snow that rivals Colorado's champagne powder. As unique as the four-season location is Sawmill's elegant vacation homes, customizable to your exact desires. This is an extremely rare opportunity to select from among a handful of sites and homes, starting at $750,000 in a community that can never again be duplicated. So call now at 877.372.9645 or visit us at Sawmillwv.com and make your reservation to own the slopes.

Snowshoe Mountain Resort: We've added 3 new trails plus we've got the best offer of the year! Get 2 nights lodging and 2 days skiing for just $105 per person. Available midweek, non-holiday. Call 1-877-441-4FUN to make your reservations.

Timberline Resort Realty: TIMBERLINE RESORT REALTY offers rustic to luxury vacation rentals and beautiful properties for sale throughout Canaan Valley, Tucker County and surrounding areas. Just visiting for a few days? Choose beautiful LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS from our website. Or, prefer to own a MOUNTAIN GETAWAY? Explore the endless possibilities.

Whitetail Resort: Head to Whitetail for some of the best skiing and riding in the mid Atlantic Region! Enjoy nearly 1,000 feet of vertical and the Region's only High Speed Quad Chairlift. Spend less time on the road and more time carving down some expert terrain like Bold Decision or intermediate favorites Limelight and Snow Dancer! Don't worry, there is plenty of fun to be had for all ability levels, and for freestylers be sure to check out Jib Junction Terrain Park (not for the faint of heart)! We even have Park Place 101 for the beginner freestyler! Don't forget about Whitetail Adventure Tubing, fun for all ages!

Wintergreen Resort: STAY 2 NIGHTS AND SKI FREE! Located 2 1/2 hours from the Beltway, Wintergreen Resort boasts the most thrilling winter playground in the Mid-Atlantic. Nestled atop the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Resort offers the most extensive beginner-to-expert terrain for skier and snowboarders alike and Virginia's largest tubing park. Call 1-800-266-2444 to learn how you can Stay 2 Nights and Ski FREE!

Wisp Resort: Wisp offers thirty-two slopes on 132 acres of skiable terrain that includes a new Super Pipe, two Rail Parks, Terrain Trails and Gardens and a new ski carpet at Bear Claw Snow Tubing Park. Maryland's only four-season resort also features new Burton Learn-to-Ride Programs for adults & kids, an upgraded ski & snowboard rental fleet from Rossignol, Elan and Burton, a Nordic Center featuring cross country skiing and snowshoeing and Sewickley Spa. Plus, Wisp has events all season long including the Freestyle Festival & Beachin' Weekend. Ski Free Packages and slopeside lodging are available at the remodeled Wisp Resort Hotel.
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