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Seward On Your Own |
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The 10 Top Things to do in Seward |
Orientation
Cruise ships in Seward dock at the Seward Cruise Terminal, which is located adjacent to the Small Boat Harbor and about one mile from the historic downtown area.
Like so many other Alaskan coastal cities, Seward lies on a long and narrow spit of land at the bottom of a large mountain--Mount Marathon. Since there are only about 3,000 residents in town, the geographic layout of the town is not that big, and it's easy to walk from place to place. On the other hand, there are other options on getting around.
Seward sits on the shore of Resurrection Bay. To the south of Seward is the Kenai Fjords National Park. North of Seward is the Exit Glacier. Inland from Seward on the Kenai Peninsula is Cooper Landing, a tiny resort village that hosts river fishing and float trips. Anchorage is 126 miles north of Seward, and travelers will use either the Seward Highway or the Alaska Railroad to go between the two cities.
Anchorage to Seward Shuttles
You have three options if you're transiting from Anchorage to Seward for your cruise, or vice versa: taking the Alaska Railroad, taking a shuttle bus, or driving a rental car. Make sure to make reservations for your transit well in advance. The trip is an especially scenic one, so enjoy it!
Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic Train The Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic train leaves Anchorage daily at 6:45 am, arriving in Whittier at 11:05 am. The return leg departs Whittier at 6:00 pm arriving in Anchorage at 10:15 pm. This service is available seasonally from mid-May to mid-September.
There are a number of shuttle operators that ferry passengers from Anchorage to Seward, and return. The scenic trip takes approximately 3 hours. These include:
Hertz is the only major rent-a-car company that has an office in Seward; they offer one-way rentals from Anchorage to Seward, or vice versa. Tel: (800) 654-3131.
Taxis
PJS Taxi & Tours
Locally owned and operated since 1991, PJS Taxi provides safe, friendly transportation services in their fleet of passenger vans. PJS also offers tours to Exit Glacier, historic tours of Seward, train/cruise ship transfers and custom charters to Anchorage, Whittier, Kenai and Homer.
Tel: (907) 224-5555
Mike's Taxi
Mike's Taxi provides a knowledgeable, courteous, and professional driving staff to serve you in Seward. They offer pickup from and delivery to your cruise, fishing charter or other Alaska adventure.
Tel: (907) 224-6453
Seward Trolley
Taking the Seward Trolley within the town makes it easy to get from the Cruise Ship dock to the downtown area. The Trolley makes stops at the Cruise Ship Terminal, the Small Boat Harbor, the Seward Museum, Downtown/Kawabe Park, the Alaska Sealife Center and the Seward Library. |
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To see the locations of the recommended shops listed below, see our Map of Recommended Seward Shops.
Discovery Gift Shop at the Alaska SeaLife Center
301 Railway Ave
Seward's largest, most upscale gift shop. Specializing in Alaskan made gifts. The shop has one of the largest book selections in town. Alaska SeaLife Center Rescue Wear as well as Seward Silver and the Alaska SeaLife Center logo apparel is sold exclusively in the shop.
Tel: (907) 224-6301
Cover to Cover Bookstore
300 Washington St.
For those of you who want to grab a book or two before your cruise, Cover to Cover is the place to visit. They carry a wide selection of books.
Tel: (907) 224-2525
Alaska Shop
210 4th Avenue
The largest gift shop in Seward, with a good selection of Alaskan-made jewelry and other products.
Tel: (907) 224-5420
Once in a Blue Moose
230 4th Avenue
Once in a Blue Moose is the place where you'll find an interesting collection of Alaskan themed products. They've also got a large online shop.
Tel: (907) 224-5335
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For a small town, there are several excellent restaurants in Seward. The seafood is as fresh as can be, and for some reason Seward seems to have several great pizza places. Whatever. Enjoy your culinary experience in Seward.
To see the locations of the recommended restaurants listed below, see our Map of Recommended Seward Restaurants.
Recommended restaurants in Seward
Ray's Waterfront
Seafood
Serving fresh, locally-caught seafood, Ray's Waterfront is considered one of the best restaurants in Seward. Standouts include their cioppino, Moroccan-encrusted halibut, calamari, seafood chowder and Thai scallops. Since it's popular, expect a wait at prime dining time. But you can wait in the bar with a drink before you're seated.
Small Boat Harbor
(907) 224-5606
Seward Windsong Lodge's Resurrection Roadhouse
Pizza
Located about 10 minutes from downtown Seward, at the entrance to Exit Glacier road. While the Resurrection Roadhouse serves fish, ribs and venison dishes, the hand-thrown gourmet pizzas really stand out here. The low key ambience is very pleasant, and the view is cannot be beat. Call (907) 224-7116 for their courtesy shuttle.
31772 Herman Leirer Road
Tel: (907) 224-7116
Apollo Restaurant
Greek & Italian
The Apollo Restaurant, a Seward favorite and highly recommended, features a wide selection of beer, wine and specialty desserts in a Greek-themed dining atmosphere. Check out their unique custom smoked salmon, smoked in-house. If you've been fishing and caught something good, their chef will prepare it for you. Located 2 blocks north of the Alaska SeaLife Center. Open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm daily.
229 4th Avenue
Tel: (907) 224-3092
Christo's Palace
Steaks, Seafood & Pizza
While Christo's Palace serves seafood, steaks and the like, pizza is the star here. It's really good. The service is slow, however. Christo's is located right across the street from the Alaska SeaLife Center, so ask for a table at the window and watch the pedestrian life of Seward pass by as you wait for your pizza. Full bar. Accepts Hours: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
133 Fourth Avenue
Tel: (907) 224-5255
Ranting Raven Bakery
Light lunch & pastries
The Ranting Raven is a gift shop and cafe serving up fresh baked pastries and breads, along with soups, salads, and light lunches which can be enjoyed in their coffee shop. They also offer specialty coffees and espressos; after all, Alaskans like their coffee!
228 4th Avenue
Tel: (907) 224-2228
Bakery at the Harbor
Bakery cafe
Noted for a good selection of delicious bakery items, including danish. Also has excellent sourdough pancakes. Service is a little slow, however.
1210 4th Avenue
Tel: (907) 224-6091
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Recommended Hotels in Seward
Hotel Seward
221 5th Avenue
Seward
Tel: (907) 224-8001; Toll Free: (800) 440-2444
Recognized as Seward's favorite hotel, the Hotel Seward is centrally located in the heart of historic downtown Seward within steps of the Alaska Sea Life Center, Seward Museum, restaurants and shopping. The hotel features a total of 62 rooms: 38 rooms in the Alaskan Wing, and 24 in the Historic Wing. Amenities include Simmons Pillow Top Beds, cozy blankets, free wireless internet, Flat Screen TV with HBO and your choice of Deluxe rooms or Executive View rooms with fireplace, Wing back Chairs and complimentary cozy robes to enjoy during your stay. Rates start at around $125 for an historic twin with shared bath, and run to $270 for a deluxe two queen bed room.
Seward Windsong Lodge
31772 Herman Leirer Road
Seward
Tel: (907) 224-7116; Toll Free: (877) 777-4079
Close to town, yet located in a secluded setting, the Seward Windsong Lodge's 180 spacious guest rooms, onsite restaurant, lounge and meeting facilities provide a peaceful respite. The Seward Windsong Lodge is your first-class choice for Seward lodging. Room rates start at $149 per night based on double occupancy.
Recommended Hotels in Girdwood
Alyeska Resort
Girdwood
Tel: (907) 754-2111
Reservations: (800) 880-3880
Alyeska Resort is Alaska's premier year-round destination, and features the 304-room Hotel Alyeska. Nestled in a a lush valley surrounded by mountain peaks, hanging glaciers and ocean views, The Hotel Alyeska offers guests luxurious accommodations and convenient access into the Alaskan wilderness. Having recently gone through a comprehensive renovation, the hotel features plush new carpets, Serta Presidential Pillow Top Mattresses, luxurious interior decor, as well as complimentary high-speed internet access in all guest rooms and wi-fi access in all public areas on the second and third floors. Hotel amenities include a 60-passenger aerial scenic tram, a saltwater pool, whirlpool & fitness center, easy access to open space, nature trails & walking paths, the Seven Glaciers Restaurant, the Spa at Alyeska, unique dining & shops and Starbucks in-room coffee.
Recommended Hotels in Anchorage
Expensive (more than $200/night)
Anchorage Marriott Downtown
820 West 7th Avenue
Anchorage
Tel: (907) 279-8000
Reservations: (800) 228-9290
The Anchorage Marriott is the only full-service luxury hotel in Anchorage. Guest rooms have oversized picture windows that frame striking views of downtown Anchorage, the city Parkstrip, the Chugach Mountain Range and the Cook Inlet. Located in the heart of the city, the Anchorage Marriott Downtown is within walking distance to businesses, shopping, dining, the Anchorage Convention District, the Performing Arts Center, the Anchorage Museum and more.
Crowne Plaza Anchorage Mid-Town
109 West International Airport Road
Anchorage
Tel: (907) 433-4100
Reservations: (877) 348-2424
Located in midtown Anchorage, the Crowne Plaza Mid-Town hotel is just minutes from downtown, shopping, the Alaska Railroad Station, H2Oasis, the Convention Center, the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Zoo. A complimentary shuttle is offered to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, sited just 2 miles away. On-site amenities include the Juno restaurant and lounge, fitness center, indoor saline pool and spa. The rooms are appointed with generously-sized work desks, free wireless and wired high-speed Internet access. The hotel also includes a business center and a concierge floor.
Hilton Anchorage
500 West 3rd Avenue
Anchorage
Tel: (907) 272-7411
Reservations: (800) 245-2527
Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, the Hilton Anchorage hotel is just a 10 minute drive from Ted Stevens International Airport, one block from the Alaska Railroad Depot and within walking distance of over 100 dining options in and surrounding the downtown area. Amenities include a Starbucks Coffee Kiosk, fitness center, an indoor heated swimming pool and steam rooms. The guest rooms are appointed with comfortable furniture including work stations and high speed internet access. All rooms also feature "The Bed by Hilton," with luxurious top mattress sets, down comforter and plush pillows. Most rooms feature magnificent views of the Chugach Mountain Range, Cook Inlet or cityscape.
Historic Anchorage Hotel
330 E Street
Anchorage
Tel: (907) 272-4553
Reservations: (800) 544-0988
Elegantly restored and furnished, the Anchorage Hotel is the only hotel among Anchorage historic properties and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This boutique hotel offers 26 recently-refurbished rooms and suites. Its amenities include a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast, high-speed internet access, and a 24-hour concierge. The hotel is a 100% non-smoking facility.
Hotel Captain Cook
935 West 5th Avenue
Anchorage
Tel: (907) 276-6000
Reservations: (800) 843-1950
The Hotel Captain Cook--Alaska's only member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide--is Anchorage's only true luxury hotel. Each of the hotel's 547 rooms and suites offer a stunning view, whether it's of the neighboring Cook Inlet or the Chugach Mountains. The hotel is located near Anchorage's best cultural, retail and natural highlights, including the 5th Avenue Mall, the Alaska Center for Performing Arts, the Convention Center and the scenic, 10+ mile Coastal Trail. Hotel amenities include four outstanding and distinctive restaurants, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, separate men's & women's Athletic Club and martini, wine and gourmet coffee bars.
Millennium Alaskan Hotel Anchorage
4800 Spenard Road
Anchorage
Tel: (907) 243-2300
Reservations: (800) 544-0553
Situated on the shores of scenic Lake Spenard, just one mile from Anchorage International Airport and four miles from downtown Anchorage, the Millennium Alaskan Hotel is the perfect starting point to explore the many wonders Alaska has to offer. The hotel's spacious accommodations include Alaskan decor in each of their 248 guest rooms, including Club Level rooms. Amenities include a health club with sauna, whirlpool and steam room, as well as complimentary shuttle service to the airport and downtown shopping.
Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa
401 East Sixth Avenue
Anchorage
Tel: (907) 276-8700
Reservations: (800) 325-3535
The recently-remodeled Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa boasts some of the finest lodging in Anchorage. The Sheraton is an ideal base for exploring the city, with businesses, restaurants and shopping within easy walking distance. The hotel's 370 guest rooms each feature 42" flat screen TVs, refrigerators and High Speed Internet Access. The 100% smoke-free hotel's amenities include a complimentary 24-Hour Fitness Facility, a large variety of spa and massage services, shuttle bus and a business center.
Moderate (between $100 and $200/night)
Anchorage Grand Hotel
505 West 2nd Avenue
Anchorage
Tel: (907) 929-8888
Reservations: (888) 800-0640
The Anchorage Grand Hotel is a luxury boutique hotel featuring 31 suites with fully-equipped kitchens. The hotel is located in downtown Anchorage, within walking distance of all that downtown has to offer, including the Performing Arts Center, Convention Center and the Museum of History and Art. Originally built in 1950, the hotel underwent a complete interior renovation beginning in 2000. The charm of the hotel's original structure is blended with the luxury of modern amenities, providing guests with a unique experience. Amenities include continental breakfast, morning newspaper and wireless internet access.
Coast International Inn
3450 Aviation Avenue
Anchorage
Tel: (907) 243-2233
Reservations: (800) 544-0986
A favorite Alaskan hotel for over 20 years, the Coast International Inn is renowned for its friendly hotel service, comfortable guest rooms, and dining choices. The hotel features waterfront accommodations on Lake Hood, minutes from the airport, shopping, entertainment and downtown Anchorage. The hotel also features hotel features 24 hour complimentary airport shuttle service, a 24-hour fitness facility and complimentary parking.
Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites
1200 L Street
Anchorage
Tel: (907) 276-0110
Reservations: (800) 544-0786
At every turn, postcard perfect views are just outside your window at Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites, the preferred boutique lodging choice among Anchorage hotels. Situated just south of downtown, you can take the hotel's shuttle or walk to great shopping, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, the Convention Center, the Anchorage Museum and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail – an incredible place for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Amenities include free in-room gourmet coffee, free local calls, complimentary high-speed Internet access, free breakfast every morning and free 24-Hour Shuttle Service to downtown and the airport.
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Tour Operators in Seward
Alaska Tour and Travel
Alaska Tour & Travel is the largest custom vacation packaging company in Alaska. The company represents top Alaska tourism suppliers offering a variety of popular day trip operators in Seward.
Toll Free: (800) 208-0200
Seward Information Center
The Seward Information Center has partnered with the best vendors in town to provide a wide array of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping adventure or more relaxing recreation, the staff at Seward Information Center can customize a package for any traveler. They truly are your one-stop source for a Seward visit you'll never forget
1412 4th Avenue
Toll Free: (907) 224-5560
Aquarium
Alaska SeaLife Center
The Alaska SeaLife Center offers an unrivaled, up-close and personal experience with Gulf of Alaska marine wildlife. Here you can see a one ton Steller sea lion gliding past underwater viewing windows, puffins diving in a carefully crafted naturalistic habitat, and harbor seals resting on rocky beaches. Alaskan king crab, sea stars, and the Giant Pacific octopus also await you, as well as a whole variety of intertidal creatures and deep sea fishes. Open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am until 6:30 pm; Friday through Sunday 8:00 am to 6:30 pm. Admission is $20.00 for adults, $15.00 for students 12 to 17; and $10.00 for kids 4 to 11.
301 Railway Avenue
Tel: (907) 224-6300; Toll Free: (888) 378-2525
Kayaking
Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking
Sunny Cove is a small Alaskan company providing quality paddling experiences in Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park. Since 1996 they have been introducing paddlers to the wonders of coastal Alaska. The paddling tours feature small groups, great food, and excellent guide/naturalists.
(907) 224-4426; Toll Free: (800) 770-9119
Kayak Adventures Worldwide
Kayak Adventures Worldwide is a small shop based in Seward offering environmentally friendly and educationally based sea kayaking trips. You don't need any experience to join their trips, just an adventurous spirit and a desire to learn and explore the great Alaskan wilderness. They've been offering quality sea kayaking trips in the area since 1984.
328 3rd Avenue
Tel: (907) 224-3960
Fishing Charters
If you plan on going fishing, you'll need an Alaskan sport fishing license. You can view the regulations and get your fishing License online at the State of Alaska Fish & Game Web page.
Puffin Fishing Charters
Puffin Fishing Charters been guiding halibut and salmon fishing charters out of Seward for over 25 years. Captain Leslie Pemberton began Puffin Fishing Charters in 1994. Today, they operate two charter boats: the Adventuress and the Huntress. Both the Adventuress and the Huntress are 36-foot fiberglass sport charter fishing vessels with raised pilothouses. The two boats feature state-of-the-art electronics, including top-of-the-line Simrad components: dual color fishfinder and fathometer, radar, GPS marine electronics, and VHF and CB radios--the finest equipment to get to and from the fishing grounds safely and to put you on the most prolific fishing spots. Arrange your outing prior to your arrival or departure from Seward.
Tel: (907) 224-4653; Toll Free: (800) 978-3346
Semaka Charters
In business since 1997, Semaka Charters is owned and operated by Captain Eric Clock. Clock is a life-long Alaskan native and past commercial fisherman. Semaka's custom-built 31 foot aluminum boat is the 5 Star Rated Seafarer, roomy enough for a group to haul in their enormous catch of the day. Arrange your outing prior to your arrival or departure from Seward.
Small Boat Harbor, Slip H-41
Tel: (907) 440-9510; Toll Free: (877) 224-3195
Crackerjack Sportsfishing
Voted Best Fishing Charter in 2008 by the readers of the Alaska Daily News, Crackerjack Sportsfishing is the first choice for quality Seward fishing charters for Salmon, Halibut and Lingcod. Their charter boats are state of the art and specifically designed for saltwater fishing in Alaska. They are equipped with the finest halibut and salmon fishing tackle available: top of the line fishing rods from G. Loomis, the finest lever drag reels from Avet and Accurate, and quality tackle from Mustad and Berkley. All of their charter boats are fully equipped with the latest fish finding, navigation and safety equipment from Simrad Marine Electronics. Captains Andy Mezirow and Nik Ranta have over 15 years of Seward Alaska fishing experience, and offer a variety of full- and half-day fishing options. Arrange your outing prior to your arrival or departure from Seward.
Seward Small Boat Harbor
Tel: (907) 224-2606; Toll Free: (800) 566-3912
Alaska River Adventures
Experience world class Kenai River fishing with Alaska River Adventures' seasoned Alaska fishing guides for trophy rainbow trout, king salmon, red salmon, silver salmon and sea-run dolly varden. Fishing from drift boats on Alaska's Upper Kenai River and Kasilof River, they guide guests who are staying at Cooper Landing's most prestigious lodges, as well as independent fishermen. Arrange your outing prior to your arrival or departure from Seward.
Mile 48 Sterling Highway, in Cooper Landing
Tel: (907) 595-2000
Kenai Peninsula Cruises
Major Marine Tours
Major Marine offers 7 daily cruises that leave from Seward every day, ranging from a 3-hour Kenai Fjords Wildlife cruises to 7½ hour Full-day National Park cruises. Expect to see breathtaking scenery, towering waterfalls, massive glaciers and wildlife such as eagles, harbor seals, otters and bird rookeries. Feel free to take pictures from the viewing decks as glaciers calve or relax in the comfort of the heated cabin in their Coast Guard-certified ships. Additionally, on four of the daily cruises you can enjoy an authentic Alaska tradition with a delicious salmon and prime rib meal, which is available for just $19. Arrange your outing prior to your arrival or departure from Seward.
Tel: (800) 764-7300
Kenai Fjords Tours
Kenai Fjord Tours offers 8 daily cruises that vary from 3 to 9 hours, including National Park tours, Resurrection Bay tours, Northwestern Fjord tours, a Captain's Choice tour, a Cruise and Kayak tour and a Gray Whale Watch tour. Kenai Fjords Tours is the original tour company in the area, operating since 1974. They have the most experienced and knowledgeable captains operating in Kenai Fjords National Park, as well as the newest fleet of custom sightseeing vessels offering you the best experience. Arrange your outing prior to your arrival or departure from Seward.
Tel: (877) 777-4051
Exit Glacier Hiking
Exit Glacier Guides
Exit Glacier Guides is a Seward-based guiding and hiking company focused on providing affordable tours in the Exit Glacier area of Kenai Fjords National Park. They have been running hiking tours out of Seward since 2003, and are the only company in town offering guided glacier tours. Their tours allow adventurous folks to ice climb and ice hike directly on the surface of this magnificent natural attraction.
Located at the Train Wreck shopping center, Seward
Tel: (907) 491-0552
Sled Dog Tours
Seavey's Ididaride Sled Dog Tours
Enjoy Alaska's most exciting summer ride at Seavey's Ididaride Sled Dog Tours. You'll feel the power, excitement and energy of their amazing sled dogs as they are harnessed to comfortable wheeled sleds for a 2-mile ride along Box Canyon Creek. Your Iditarod veteran guide will thrill and excite you with stories from the trail as you experience the raw power of 13 Iditarod sled dogs. Their guides are all Iditarod racers, and offer a humorous, behind-the-scenes look at the Seavey family's training for the most demanding race on earth. This tour was chosen as one of Alaska's Top Twenty Attractions. They offer 6 rides each day.
Mile 1.1 Old Exit Glacier Rd.
Tel: (907) 224-8607; Toll Free: (800) 478-3139
Godwin Glacier Dog Sled Tours
This Alaskan outdoor adventures tour combines helicopter flightseeing, a glacier landing and a dog sled, making this triple adventure a unique and unforgettable experience and the highlight of any Alaskan adventure tours vacation. Depart from the Seward airport and fly to Godwin Glacier, where you're met my 80 sled dogs who can't wait to take you on a ride through the glacier's snowpack. Not inexpensive, but surely a thrill!
Tel: (907) 224-8239; Toll Free: (888) 989-8239
River Rafting
Alaska Rivers Company
For over 30 years, Alaska Rivers Company has been one of the industry leaders in providing Alaska rafting and guided Kenai river fishing trips on the Upper Kenai River. Their professionally trained and knowledgeable staff has unrelenting dedication to your safety while under their care. They offer both a 3-hour Upper Kenai River Scenic Float Trip and an exciting 7-hour Kenai Canyon Day Trip.
Mile 50 Sterling Highway, in Cooper Landing
Tel: (888) 595-1226
Kenai River Trips/Alaska Wildland Adventures
Alaska Wildland Adventures was the first company to obtain permits to float the Kenai River, and has been operating rafting and fishing trips continuously since 1977. They offer both a serene 2-hour float along a non-motorized stretch of the scenic Upper Kenai River, and an exciting 7-hour exploration into unspoiled Alaska wilderness that most travelers never see.
Mile 50.1 Sterling Highway, in Cooper Landing
Tel: (907) 783-2928; Toll Free: (800) 334-8730
Kenai River Drifters Lodge
Drifters Lodge offers 3 different rafting trips on the Kenai River. All 3 trips are suitable for all ages. These include a scenic 7 mile, 3-hour Class I & II trip beginning at the headwaters of the Kenai River; a 12 mile, 3-hour float from Cooper Landing into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; and a 25 mile, 7-hour scenic Kenai River Canyon Trip rated Class I & II++.
Mile 48 Sterling Highway, in Cooper Landing
Tel: (907) 595-5555; Toll Free: (866) 595-5959
Horseback Riding
Bardy's Trail Rides
Bardy's offers a fun 2-hour ride through part of the old town of Seward that was destroyed by the great earthquake of 1964, then to the shores of Resurrection Bay and back to the stables traveling through streams teeming with salmon. This ride is also perfect for birders! They offer two excursions per day.
Tel: (907) 224-7863
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