JEWELS OF THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC
Franz Josef Land & Novaya Zemlya
A Contents
1 Overview 2 Itinerary 5 Arrival and Departure Details 7 Your Ship 9 Included Activities 10 Dates & Rates 11 Inclusions & Exclusions 12 Your Expedition Team 13 Extend Your Trip 14 Meals on Board 15 Possible Excursions 18 Packing Checklist Overview Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya
One of Earth’s least-explored frontiers and the newest destination to our portfolio, EXPEDITION IN BRIEF the sparsely populated Russian High Arctic is a place of isolated, rugged beauty Explore this rarely visited region of that will leave you amazed. Few travelers have ever ventured into this near- the Russian Arctic uninhabited landscape. On Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land and Novaya Encounter iconic Arctic wildlife, such Zemlya, we follow the footsteps of early northern explorers to two of the most remote as polar bears, walrus and seabirds archipelagos on the planet, enabling guests to experience an in-depth exploration Explore glaciated Novaya Zemlya, where of seldom-visited regions in the stark and spectacular Russian Arctic. the earliest Arctic explorers overwintered From the ancient mountains of Novaya Zemlya to the wildlife sanctuary of Franz Visit significant sites at Franz Josef Land Josef Land, these secluded lands offer a exhilarating mix of unique sights and and learn about the region’s fascinating history adventures. Marvel at ice-capped peaks soaring majestically out of the Arctic sea. Watch in hushed wonder at the unforgettable sight of a polar bear roaming its natural environment. Immerse yourself in a corner of our planet few humans ever to, with the operator that knows polar adventure better than anyone.
1 Itinerary
DAY 1 | HELSINKI, FINLAND DAYS 3 AND 4 | AT SEA Your Arctic adventure begins in As we sail through the Barents Sea, Arctic Helsinki, renowned for its extraordinary your Expedition Team will prepare you GREENLAND Ocean architecture and intriguing mix of for the adventures that await. Learn NorthPole ° eastern and western influences. If you about the intriguing history and politics Greenland Sea arrive early, explore the many museums, of the region, its fascinating wildlife, Severnaya Franz Josef Zemlya galleries and restaurants, relax at a geology, ecology and climate, and the Svalbard Land incredible sights you will soon explore. Finnish sauna or wander the vibrant Barents Sea Design District before retiring at your Staff will keep a lookout for seabirds, Kara such as kittiwakes, skuas and fulmars Novaya Sea included hotel. Zemlya soaring above your ship. Whale and seal Murmansk DAY 2 | EMBARKATION IN sightings may also be possible in this Helsinki A MURMANSK, RUSSIA biologically diverse sea. RCTIC CIRCLE RUSSIA After breakfast, we will transfer to the Scheduled route Flight route airport and board our private charter DAYS 5 TO 7 | EXPLORING Areas where ice may be present flight to Murmansk, Russia. Once NOVAYA ZEMLYA aboard, get acquainted with the ship and The largest of the Eurasian Arctic JEWELS OF THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC archipelagoes, the rarely visited Novaya Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya crew and settle in for your voyage north. Zemlya (“New Land”) is the third- Onboard the Ocean Adventurer Flights to/from Helsinki
2 largest wilderness area in Europe. This Encounters with Brünnich’s guillemots DAYS 8 | AT SEA long, narrow island actually consists of (thick-billed murres) are likely, owing Bid farewell to Novaya Zemlya as we two main islands, Severny (northern) to a small colony in the coastal cliffs. cruise farther north to Franz Josef and Yuzhny (southern), separated by Land. There are several activities to the imposing Matochkin Strait. To the northwest side of Severny Island keep you engaged while at sea. Attend are the Oransky Islands. Wildlife presentations by your Expedition Team, As we explore Novaya Zemlya, expect abounds here, with a variety of animal relax in our polar library or simply spend a new adventure every day. Each and plant life to be discovered, walrus some time on deck, admiring the sea. expedition will be unique, depending have been sighted here on previous on the weather and ice, but a few DAY 9 TO 12 | EXPLORING FRANZ expeditions. Coming across a walrus landing sites we strive to visit include JOSEF LAND haul-out is unforgettable. These giant Inostrantseva Bay, the Oransky Islands, This remote group of approximately 200 pinnipeds of the Arctic create a raucous Cape Zhelaniya, Cape Spory Navalok islands, many covered in ice, forms the as each walrus vies for a choice spot and Russkaya Gavan. most northerly archipelago in Eurasia of coastline. Encounters with whales and lies entirely within the Arctic Circle. Boasting one of the most picturesque and seabirds are possible, as well as A nature reserve, it is part of the Russian glaciers in the entire archipelago, polar bears, a genetically distinct Arctic National Park. Weather and ice Inostrantseva Bay provides subpopulation here. conditions will shape our exploration, breathtaking panoramic views of but we do hope to explore historical pristine Arctic wilderness. If conditions A significant site in polar exploration, sites, remote seabird colonies and walrus allow, we may explore ashore, or Novaya Zemlya also offers a number haul-out at some notable destinations, Zodiac cruise along the face of the of opportunities for you to trace the such as Cape Flora, Cape Norway, Bell glacier, at a safe distance, possibly routes of famous explorers and reflect Island and Tikhaya Bukta. Polar bear witnessing the wonders of calving ice. on the region’s history. encounters are also possible.
3 On Jackson Island, Cape Norway is DAYS 13 & 14 | AT SEA As your Arctic expedition winds down where Norwegian explorers Fridtjof IMPORTANT REMINDER you have a couple of days to sail through Nansen and Hjalmar Johansen wintered Embracing the unexpected is part from 1895 to 1896. The conditions were this wildlife-rich sea, where whales of of the legacy—and excitement—of astonishingly difficult, but they survived various species are often seen. Take in expedition travel. When traveling until the summer and continued their a presentation, reminisce about your in extremely remote regions, your journey south. The remains of their small incredible journey with your shipmates, Expedition Team must consider the relax in the lounge while swapping hut are still here today, along with a sea, ice and weather to guide the route stories and photos or enjoy the solitude and itinerary details. This itinerary is memorial marking the event. of the sea. Expedition staff will be on a tentative outline of what you may Exploring Tikhaya Bukta (Calm Bay), the hand to answer any remaining questions experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be site of an abandoned weather station on and spot wildlife. guaranteed. By the same token, wildlife Hooker Island, will feel like stepping back DAY 15 | DISEMBARKATION encounters as described are expected, in time. There is plenty to discover as you MURMANSK & FLY TO HELSINKI but not guaranteed. Your Expedition wander the ruins, immersed in Russian Returning to Russia’s most northerly Team will use their considerable polar history, and you may even be able to city, you’ll have time to bid farewell to experience to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence send a postcard from the post office! your Expedition Team and crew before of any particular species of bird or catching our group charter flight back to The Stolichky and Appolonov Islands marine wildlife is not guaranteed. Helsinki, where you will have one more offer plentiful walrus encounters, as the night in this exquisite city. lumbering giants can be found hauled out here. If ice and weather are in our favor, DAY 16 | HELSINKI we’ll explore the area by Zodiac, at a safe After breakfast, spend time exploring distance, to view these pinnipeds of the more of the Finnish capital or catch your Arctic in their natural habitat. homeward-bound flight.
4 Arrival & Departure Details
As you prepare for your journey, you may be interested in your arrival and departure details. Since international air transportation is not included in the cost of your expedition, you have some flexibility in planning your flights. Looking to extend your adventure beyond your polar expedition? On page 13, learn how to add on a pre- or post-expedition stop—or both!—in Helsinki or a nearby region of your choice. Arrival Day and Embarkation ARRIVING IN HELSINKI You may arrive in Helsinki at any time during Day 1 of the itinerary. Your included accommodation will be at the airport hotel, so arrival transfers are not necessary. On arrival at the hotel, you will receive a welcome letter outlining the departure information for the following day’s flight. An agent representing Quark Expeditions® PLEASE NOTE will be available in the lobby of the hotel that evening to answer any questions about There is a strict luggage limit of 44 lbs the charter flight(s) scheduled for the following morning. (20 kg) checked luggage and 11 lbs (5 kg) cabin baggage on the flights between MURMANSK AND EMBARKATION Helsinki and Murmansk. Should you Your flight to the Arctic is expected to depart from Helsinki to Murmansk on Day2 have additional luggage, it can be stored of the itinerary. The scheduled flight time will be communicated in your welcome at the hotel in Helsinki. There is NO letter, and you will be transferred from your hotel to check in at the airport. Upon option to pay for additional luggage. arrival in Murmansk, you will be transferred to the port and onto the ship.
5 Final Day and Included Departure Accommodations IMPORTANT REMINDER DISEMBARKATION IN MURMANSK Your included accommodation begins on Your ship is scheduled to arrive back at Day 1 of your itinerary, and the specific Russian visas are required for tourists from most countries. See the pier in Murmansk before 8am local hotel(s) will be indicated on your final your country’s Russian consulate time, but may arrive earlier depending voyage confirmation. If you are arriving or embassy for details. on Murmansk tides. After breakfast, and prior to Day 1 of your expedition or are once the ship has docked, you will have staying after the disembarkation day, time to bid farewell to your Expedition please contact your Polar Travel Adviser Team and shipmates before completing for hotel options. your disembarkation. The process takes about an hour. After disembarkation, Arrival and Departure you will transfer to the airport for your return charter flight to Helsinki. Transfers HELSINKI AIRPORT TRANSFERS DEPARTING FROM HELSINKI Arrival and departure transfers in Upon arrival in Helsinki, there will be a Helsinki are not included in the group transfer to your included post- expedition. Your first night’s included expedition hotel in downtown Helsinki. accommodation will be provided at After breakfast the following morning, the airport hotel, so please make your you may make your way to the airport to way to the lobby for check-in when connect with your homeward flight, or you arrive. A departure transfer to stay longer if you have booked additional the airport is not provided from the accommodation. downtown hotel at the end of your stay in Helsinki.
6 Your Ship
Quark Expeditions® boasts the largest polar-class fleet of any polar operator, and the ability to offer you this incredible voyage on one of our ice strengthened vessels.
The entire Quark Expeditions® fleet is built for challenging polar environments, allowing us to take you to places ordinary cruise companies wouldn’t dream of going.
7 FUNNEL
OBSERVATION DECK
BRIDGE
FUNNEL OCEAN ADVENTURER —Newly Renovated! BRIDGE DECK
Our popular ship Sea Adventurer has been relaunched as OBSERVATION DECK Ocean Adventurer after a multimillion-dollar renovation. CLINIC POLAR A team of marine architects, engineers, interior designers LIBRARY BRIDGE and polar expedition specialists worked together to enhance this nimble and intimate fleet favorite. Upgrades include CAPTAIN’S DECK BRIDGE DECK a refreshed look and feel throughout, plus the complete
PURSER’S CLINIC OFFICE remodeling of the lounge, dining room and bar. All cabins CLIPPER CLUB POLAR LIBRARY received brand new bathroom facilities. Six new deluxe DINING MAIN ROOM WC EL LOUNGE OFFICE cabins as well as three new suites have also been added. RECEPTION CAPTAIN’S DECK Major technical enhancements include two new Rolls-Royce UPPER DECK POLAR BOUTIQUE PURSER’S OFFICE engines, which yield increased speed and fuel efficiency, and CLIPPER CLUB
DINING MAIN ROOM WC EL LOUNGE a minimized carbon footprint. OFFICE RECEPTION ZODIAC BOARDING UPPER DECK SHIP SPECIFICATIONS: ROOMS POLAR BOUTIQUE M GY
Staff & Crew:87 MAIN DECK Guests: 128 ZODIAC BOARDING ROOMS
Lifeboats: 4, partially enclosed M GY Ice Class: 1A MAIN DECK
Visit QuarkExpeditions.com to view deck plan details. STERN BOW STERN BOW LOWER DECK LOWER DECK
Triple Superior Triple Superior Lower Deck Twin Deluxe Lower Deck Twin Deluxe MainMain Deck TwinDeck Porthole Twin PortholeSuite Suite MainMain Deck TwinDeck Window Twin WindowOwner’s SuiteOwner’s Suite
8 Included Activities
Ready for a little adventure beyond your ZODIAC CRUISING will introduce you to the fascinating ship? Each Quark Expeditions® voyage Zodiacs are the workhorses of polar history, biology, ornithology, and offers a variety of recreational activities expeditions, taking you to places the glaciology of the region, and much, to enhance your polar experience. ships can’t access, allowing you to reach much more. remote shorelines, explore shallow inlets and search for unique wildlife. POLAR PLUNGE Expedition staff make stepping in and This rite of passage, scheduled only once out of them safe and comfortable. per expedition, gives you the chance to jump safely into the bracing Arctic HIKING waters under the watchful eye of our Led by experienced staff, exploring on staff—and just about every single camera foot is the best way to appreciate the on board! polar landscapes. Our guides are able to accommodate a range of skill levels PHOTOGRAPHY to suit every passenger. Walking poles Documenting your voyage so you can are provided at each landing for your take the memories home is a rewarding convenience. As there are a limited experience. Our photography guides will number of poles available, please bring help you hone your skills to capture the your own if you require them on every beauty of the polar regions. landing, as some landing sites will offer Contact your Polar Travel Adviser or your more demanding options than others. Travel Professional for more information about your Included Activities and Adventure PRESENTATIONS Options, including the necessary experience, Enjoy daily chats with and presentations physical requirements and cost. from our world-class onboard polar experts—guides, scientists, naturalists, historians and other special guests who
9 Dates Jewels of the Russian Arctic: Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya
OCEAN ADVENTURER
Dates Days Start / End ARCTIC 2021 JUL 15 – 30, 2021 16 Helsinki ARCTIC 2020 JUL 9 - 24, 2020 16 Helsinki
10 Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions Exclusions RATES INCLUDE: RATES SPECIFICALLY • Leadership throughout your voyage by our • Formal and informal presentations by our DO NOT INCLUDE: experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled • Mandatory Transfer Package* landings and other activities • A photographic journal documenting the expedition • International airfare • All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily • A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for • Arrival and departure transfers in Helsinki program landings and Zodiac cruising excursions • Passport and visa expenses • All shore landings as per the daily program • An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep • Government arrival and departure taxes not • Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping • Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin mentioned above • All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board • All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges • Meals ashore unless otherwise specified throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any throughout the program • Baggage, cancellation, interruption dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. • All luggage handling aboard the ship and medical travel insurance—strongly Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare • Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers recommended kosher meals.) to a maximum benefit of USD 500$ ,000 per person • Excess-baggage fees on international flights • Beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and • Russian invitation letter for visa application cocoa available around the clock • Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac provided after final payment cruising, or any other gear not mentioned • Laundry, bar and other personal charges *MANDATORY TRANSFER PACKAGE INCLUDES: unless specified • One night’s pre- and post-expedition hotel accommodation in Helsinki • Phone and Internet charges • Round-trip flights from Helsinki to Murmansk • Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for • Transfers to and from the ship in Murmansk shipboard staff and crew • Transfers between the airport and hotel in Helsinki in conjunction with charter flight • Additional overnight accommodation
PACKAGE PRICE: $1,995 USD
11 Your Expedition Team
Our Expedition Leaders and their teams bring diverse expertise in subjects as varied as polar history, marine biology, glaciology, ornithology and photography. Their knowledge and enthusiasm will greatly enhance your immersion into the polar environment and further deepen your connection to the Arctic.
With over 30 years of experience bringing passengers to remote polar regions and an industry leading staff-to-guest ratio, we know how to safely handle the unexpected. Ensuring this hard earned experience is passed on, our new expedition staff receive comprehensive training in Quark Academy, which provides hands-on polar expedition training prior to any staff member’s first voyage as well as ongoing training for experienced staff.
12 Extend Your Trip
PRE- AND POST-EXPEDITION TRIP EXTENSIONS You can extend your trip by booking extra days to explore other northern cities before or after the voyage. Since you’re traveling such a long way, you may want to spend extra time in Helsinki. This dynamic city known for melding old-world architecture with modern metropolitan ways, has plenty to offer culture enthusiasts and foodies alike. Stroll Helsinki’s charming streets, grab a pint at a microbrewery, or visit dazzling shops, galleries and a traditional public sauna.
FROM TOP: Helsinki; the Sibelius Monument; Helsinki Cathedral
13 Meals on Board
If there is one constant on board, it is that you’ll enjoy delicious meals daily. While meal times may change due to landings and wildlife encounters, you’ll always be served three well-prepared meals per day. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated by letting us know prior to your expedition.
Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition.
Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available around the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard account. The well-stocked bars on the ship are open to enjoy with your fellow shipmates in late morning, afternoon and evening.
14 Possible Excursions
When traveling in extremely remote Russia regions, your Expedition Team must MURMANSK consider the sea, ice and weather to Founded in 1916, as a supply port during guide the route and itinerary details. the First World War, Murmansk was The following sites are a sample of initially named Romanov-on-Murman what you may experience on your for the Russian royal family (“Murman” expedition, whether by ship, Zodiac likely derives from the Sami word cruise, or shore landing. murman, which means “the edge of the earth”). The following year, as a result of Finland the October Revolution, the name was HELSINKI changed to Murmansk. The port remains This seaside city is known for its vibrant ice-free all year, making it a significant cultural and design scene, as well as its naval base and fishing and shipbuilding extraordinary mix of architecture styles. hub; in fact, the largest city north of It was named the World Design Capital in the Arctic Circle is the headquarters of 2012, which also happened to be its 200th both the Russian Northern Fleet and the anniversary as the capital of Finland. nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet.
15 Novaya Zemlya INOSTRANTSEVA BAY never had the opportunity to use it, From moss and lichen to icebergs as their ship wrecked off the coast. CAPE SPORY NAVALOK and glaciers, this picturesque bay is The hut is well preserved and has a The earliest Arctic explorers, led by often full of surprises. One of the most number of interesting inscriptions Dutch navigator and cartographer memorable sites in Novaya Zemlya, this on its interior walls. Willem Barents, wintered here, on the area is also known to be visited by the northeast coast of Novaya Zemlya, in CAPE FLORA, NORTHBROOK ISLAND iconic polar bear. 1596–97, when their ship became trapped More than half a dozen expeditions in the ice. It was the third of Barents’ ORANSKY ISLANDS passed through Cape Flora in the late expeditions to search for the Northeast Located on the northwestern side of 19th and early 20th centuries. Three Passage, but also his last. He died a week Severny Island (Northern Island), these expeditions, Leigh Smith, Jackson- after he and his crew left the cape in smaller islands are somewhat protected Harmsworth (Jackson’s journal was open boats in the spring. The remains of from the harshest conditions. They published as A Thousand Days in the Arctic) their hut were found in 1871. boast an abundance of wildlife, including and Ziegler-Fiala, camped here. Many walrus, polar bears, whales and seabirds. buildings from the time are in ruins or CAPE ZHELANIYA have fallen into the sea, but some remain Located at the northernmost point of RUSSKAYA GAVAN and can be explored. Severny Island, Cape Zhelaniya (which This is the site of a former polar means “Cape Desire” or “Cape Wish”) station. Built in 1932, it closed in 1993. CAPE NORWAY, JACKSON ISLAND was named by Willem Barents. It marks The surrounding bay is home to seabird Sometimes difficult to access, weather the boundary between the Barents Sea cliffs and walrus can occasionally be is always a factor at this northern part and Kara Sea, as well as the boundary found on nearby Bogaty Island. The of the archipelago. A variety of Arctic between Europe and Asia. A Soviet bay is dominated by the cascading flora is found here, making it particularly station was based here during the Second Shokalsky Glacier. interesting for botanists. This is also World War, and then an experimental the location where Fridtjof Nansen and station during the Cold War. An Franz Josef Land Hjalmar Johansen stayed during the 1895–96 winter, and the remains of their automated weather station has operated BELL ISLAND stone hut can be visited. here since 2005. The cape is protected as In 1881, the Benjamin Leigh Smith part of the Russian Arctic National Park. expedition built a hut here, but the crew
16 CAPE TEGETTHOF, HALL ISLAND STOLICHKY AND The cape’s impressive tall cliffs are home APPOLONOV ISLANDS IMPORTANT REMINDER to large numbers of seabirds, while the The star attractions of this pair of Embracing the unexpected is part of the ruins of the Walter Wellman 1898–99 small islands are walrus haul-outs. legacy—and excitement—of expedition expedition are also found here. With a Hundreds of giant pinnipeds are travel. When traveling in extremely diverse landscape, the island is great for known to haul out on the islands as remote regions, your Expedition Team exploring on foot, provided that polar well as on ice floes in the surrounding must allow the sea, the ice and the bears aren’t in the vicinity. waters. Watching large groups of these weather to guide route and itinerary boisterous behemoths jockeying for details. This itinerary is a tentative RUBINI ROCK, HOOKER ISLAND space is an unforgettable experience. outline of what you’ll experience on Considered by many to be home to the Zodiac cruising to watch walrus from a this voyage; please be aware that no most impressive bird cliffs anywhere in distance is a possibility here. specific itinerary can be guaranteed. Franz Josef Land. The cliffs here host an By the same token, wildlife encounters abundance of seabirds, and because of TIKHAYA BUKTA (CALM BAY) as described are expected, but not deep waters, ships are able to approach From 1929 to 1963, a weather station was guaranteed. Your Expedition Team the edge of the cliffs for spectacular based at this bay on the western side of will use their considerable experience views. Most of Hooker Island’s shores Hooker Island. Sections of the old station to seek out wildlife in known habitats, but the presence of any particular are dominated by glacier fronts. have been refurbished as an outpost for the national park rangers. species of bird or marine wildlife is not a guarantee.
17 WEATHER CONDITIONS & TEMPERATURES Weather is very variable; temperatures may hover Packing around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should Checklist be ready for any conditions.
WHAT TO BRING! Packing for the polar regions doesn’t have to be daunting, and to make it easier for you, all Quark voyages include an expedition parka to keep, and a loan of appropriate polar boots. Additional suggested items include:
FOR SHORE LANDINGS SUGGESTED ITEMS Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend) Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack Mid-layer warm/fleece top Swimsuit (for the polar plunge!) Mid-layer warm/fleece pant Binoculars Wool and synthetic sock (3 to 4 pairs) Camera with extra batteries Extra memory cards Neck warmer or balaclava Earplugs (in case of noisy cabinmates) Warm hat that covers ears Eye masks for sleeping Waterproof pants Seasickness, indigestion, headache Waterproof gloves and glove liners or other medicine Sunscreen Voltage converters and plug adapters Sunglasses with UV protection (220V/European outlets) Spare set of gloves Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising)
FOR ON BOARD Comfortable casual clothing (pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters) Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm) Comfortable non-slip closed-toed unheeled shoes (NOTE: Flip flops or sandals should not be worn on board due to safety concerns)
18 TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE Contact your Travel Professional
PHOTO CREDITS: Acacia Johnson; David Merron; Nicky Souness; Samantha Crimmin; Michelle Sole; Sue Flood; Abbey Weisbrot; Rogelio Espinosa; Irina Skalina; Cindy Miller Hopkins; EXPEDITION BROCHURE Hugo Perrin; Grange Productions; Focus Productions; Adobe Stock December 2019
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