Oregon leftovers and Be-Puddled in Washington...

Oregon Leftovers -

When I got back on the trail after a 3 hour hitch from Roseburg, OR. I began hiking alone and found being on the trail strangly hard.  I'd been off of trail life for 6-7 days...an eternity for any hiker, but on top of that I ate an average of 5 meals a day and gained 10 pounds back.  Slightly overweight and mentally unconditioned for the return to hiking. 
I managed the 8 or so miles to the closest water source and found a single thru-hiker camped far away from the weekenders.  I had run into Bump! We camped together and caught up on all the goings on! We spent the following day hiking together and ran into a fast section hiker, Grateful.  He is fairly unique and caught us off guard by hiking in a loincloth.(He didn't wear it the whole time)  I must admit that whatever my initial thoughts were he become a terrific trail companion. And for the next few days we hiked at the same pace, grabbed pizza and beer, snuck into a ski resort's lighting shed, and had good conversation while we walked.  When his section ended and he headed out for hitchhiking I was definitely sad to be on my own again.  Over the course of this trip I would say he is the only person I've met where I didn't feel compelled to finish my sentences because he already understood. The last bit of trail that Grateful and I walked through was right next to a forest fire.  When Grateful and I parted ways my eye began to bother me...
I hiked to the next trail head and was stopped by an Oregon State Trooper.  He pulled out a map and told me I would need to hike somewhere else.  I humorously explained, I had already hiked everything South of here and only planned on hiking North.  After comparing maps and trail locations he determined it was acceptable for me to continue, but only on the condition that I give him my blog address and I carry Police Grade Pepper Spray.  It made me laugh seeing how his face twitched with concern.  I really felt bad for making him worry, I tried to explain how safe I was when I hitch hike... and how I try to avoid bad situations... but he was still concerned.  I was touched that he gave me Pepper Spray and told me how to use it.  It made me feel special and cared about. He also asked me what was wrong with my eye.  It turns out that I got ash from the forest fire between my eye and the contact.  I discovered this two days later, after hiking with one contact to the Big Lake Youth Camp, having my eye washed out by the nurse, and then hitching into Sisters, OR to see a doctor.  I scratched the eye and needed to take antibiotic eye drops for 5-7 days.  As there was another forest fire North of where I got off the trail I decided I didn't want to hike with one contact(no glasses) through another forest fire area.  I spent the night in Sisters and in the morning I found Bump sitting on a picnic table in the County Campground when I returned after going to the local coffee shop.  We got a hold of the local Trail Angel, Loyld, and headed into Bend so we could catch a bus up to Gov't Camp, so we could hitch to Cascade Locks, so we could attend Trail Days(a PCT event for current and previous thru-hikers and trail angels). In the end I skipped 150 miles of Oregon due to the scratch.  I hope to return and hike it with Grateful as it is his last section as well. 

Be-Puddled in Washington -
At Cascade Locks I ran into Slimjim, Psycho and Apricots, Boat, Little Engine and Plain Slice, Auxille, Duff, Shades, Sunshine and Balls, Zero Zero, Just Dave, Redhead, and tons of other hikers I've met along the way!  It was a great time seeing everyone again all in the same place at the same time.  Everyone had stories to share and questions to ask.  It was quite the reunion. 

I left Cascade Locks with Slimjim and Boat and off into Washington we walked!  We passed a few other hikers: Otter, Wyhoming, Passant and Darko, and were passed by Drugstore. Unfortunately it rained quite steadily the entire three days.  The last night out my sleeping bag was soaked and I wrapped myself in trashbags so the heat of my body wouldn't escape.  I woke up to puddles of water in my tent and knew it was going to be a long cold and wet day.  As we trudged through Goat Rocks National Park, I took the lead of the group and managed to take the wrong trail... I missed a turn off(still hiking with one contact) and had to hike back to the last trail intersection. This took place right before Knife's Edge - one of the most scenic and dangerous parts of the trail on the PCT.  As I had gotten lost, both Slimjim and Boat had gotten ahead of me.  I climbed the steep mountain, got to the beginning of the Knife's Edge and became really concerned.  The trail is 16 inches wide with steep cliffs dropping down from the end of the 16 inch trail.  I was so high and the clouds were so low I could only see 100 feet of the drop offs, but I tried not to look because the wind was gusting stubborn 20 mph speeds.  Slimjim got my scary descent on video.  I was so glad to find Slimjim and Boat waiting for me at the bottom.  We continued on, knowing that we had to get into White Pass and get a hotel room.  With soaking wet gear we wouldn't make it through the night.  We got to the trail head to find one of Slimjim's friends waiting for us with chocolate cake, raspberries from the garden, and fresh peaches.  He had no idea she would be there!! We were all so thankful for her kindness, she drove us to her house(60 miles away), fed us, gave us showers, blankets, warm food, and arranged for her neighbor to drive us back to the trail.  It was a perfect ending for walking in 3 days of steady rain!

From White Pass Slimjim, Boat, Drugstore, and I continued forward.  I was finally able to put the other contact in my other eye, so I led our group to a very spacious campground not too far from the trail.  We relaxed and made a fire that evening.  The following day we did 34 miles.  The next day, Slimjim pulled ahead of the group toward the afternoon.  By dinner it was Boat, Drugstore, and I at a creek.  I piped up and said, "Hey, so this is a crazy idea by why not hike through the night and go all the way to Snoqualmie?"  They thought about it, Drugstore had tons of caffeine pills, and we decide to go for it.  We hiked through the night and completed 57.5 miles in a matter of 24 hours and 47 minutes.  We passed tons of tents during our night hike and when we found Slimjim he turned our crazyness down and decided to sleep instead. When we got into Snoqualmie we headed straight to the Breakfast Buffet and ate 4 plates each.  I was cold, wet, and exhausted but so proud. Yea, it's crazy to walk such a distance and to hike for so long a time, but there are only so many days left to be a crazy thru-hiker and it was a perfect adventure.  After breakfast Boat and I snuck down to the Ski Resort's storage area and fell asleep while we waited for Slimjim to arrive.    

Slimjim once again had the Trail Angel connections and we were soon picked up by Thanksgiving Mom.  She was so kind and fed us SO much good food.  We were dropped off at the trail head, fully rested, jacuzzied out, and saturated in starbuck's coffee.  I've got 250ish miles to the Canadian Border and I am really looking forward to being done.

Hiker Updates:
Damien - He is back on the trail and I saw him yesterday at the hotel in Snoqualmie. I should be catching up to him tomorrow or the following day.  He is hiking with my favourite Swedish woman, Smiles!
Shroomer, Missing Link, and Johnny Law  - are all ahead by two days.

I'm not sure what else to share, except to say:  I am happy.  I am warm and clean with my hair in a braid sitting in a carpeted hotel lobby.  I've got all my fingers and all my toes and I miss everyone so much.

The Sanity of Oregon!

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. "

 - John Muir

 Leaving Mt. Shasta I looked back across the mountains knowing full well what accomplishments I had made yet looking forward I saw Castle Crags towering ahead, California ready to be completed, and over-walked feet anticipating Oregon tread rumored to be covered in soft pine straw.  I took more time than I had intended and I left being the last hiker in town.  My hitchhike to the trail took a few hours and I found myself turning down rides from the questionable individuals.  

A soft-spoken homeless woman brought me a Jr. Cheeseburger and Arizona Tea; saying she knew how it was.  It was by far the most touching human contact I have ever had.  I started to explain to her what I was doing but she had already walked halfway across the street before I could utter a thank you.  

The longer hitchhike from Mt. Shasta caused me to hike and camp alone for the next few nights.  My first night sleeping alone, both on this trip and in entire life occurred the first evening along Sulpher Creek. I relished in the quiet forest with the slightest rumble of water rushing over the rocks as my lullaby.    Rising early to complete the 3,000 foot 5 mile climb, I found my legs pained by the full pack.  Hungry for oatmeal, I quickly discovered I had not packed any fuel for the next 100 miles of town-less trail.  This required me to ration my lunches.  My average caloric intake didn't even come close to hitting 2,000 as my dinner is my largest meal usually 500-900 on it's own.  Interestingly I got my first 30 mile day with fewer calories.  I rolled into Scott Mountain Campground at 7:30, 30 miles into the day and found the most amazing note in the middle of the trail.  "Trail Magic, Campsite # 1 on the Left."   I made my slow sore walk to the site and sure enough a terrific smell of veggie burgers and marshmallows was floating through the air to me.  Setting my pack down I spied my favorite Trail Angel from Southern Cal. Gourmet relaxing in a lawn chair.  I got a hug and a big smile.  It was great to see a familiar face as well as meet his youngest daughter who was on her first backpacking trip.  I hope she becomes an avid hiker.  Our discussions on trail vs. city life were more developed as I now have a better grasp on the trail side.  I think he found me more mature.   He asked how many miles I would be doing the next day and my reply was, “Definitely not 30 miles”.  

But despite my confident reply... I did another 30 miles the next day.  I hadn't intended to but hiking along the ridge I wasn't able to find a campsite.  After going over 30 miles I called it quits and camped in the middle of the trail near the next creek I stumbled across.  The trail was just large enough for me to cowboy camp.  I was so exhausted I fell asleep in a matter of minutes once I crawled into my sleeping bag.   

ETNA, the next town stop, is a small old-fashioned white picket fence neighborhood with a local soda pop pharmacy.

After having done two 30 mile days in a row I arrived in Etna a day before planned.  I stayed at the Hostel - Alderbrook Manor, also part Bed and Breakfast.  Gourmet, Elaine, Danny, and I went to the local's restaurant - Bob's Diner.  The food was delicious and I ate far more than I or anyone else expected after my 5 days of heavy rationing.  After finishing off my own meal(an extra large breakfast special), I ate Danny's fries, Gourmet's salad and the last large piece of fried chicken left on his plate, part of a chocolate malt, in addition to getting a large slice of berry pie.  Before this I finished off a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, two bananas, and more than a pound of fresh cherries.  

I left the town of Etna by myself, yet I found myself struggling to enjoy hiking alone this time.  The first night Daredevil caught up to me as she had only stopped in Etna for two hours for a quick resupply.  It had been 3 months since we had seen each other.  

On the way to Seiad Valley a car stopped along the 7 mile road walk.  Hummingbird rolled the window down and asked if I wanted a ride.... YES!   - I know you're thinking I cheated... Yes I did... 7 miles in 98 degree heat in the middle of the day.  Upon reaching Seiad Valley I discovered Hummingbird is an ultra-light hiker.... the next day she did her first 60 mile day on the PCT.... she's working on setting the fastest Yoyo record.  I hope she makes it, but I feel sad for her ... it is lonely work being unable to hike with others.  

As we (Missing Link, Johnny Law, Danny, Redhead, Hummingbird, Wolf Taffy, Epic, Little Engine, Plain Slice, Zero Zero, and Just Dave) waited for the heat of the day to pass all the hikers gathered underneath a bridge, started a fire, cooked hotdogs, drank sodas/beer from the small store, and swam in the water hole before climbing 4,000 feet to the next water source.    

Most of us crossed into Oregon together two days later.  We were all excited and I must admit that each of us walked those 10 miles from our campsite with a bounce in our step.  Crossing the state border never felt so good!  Having walked 1703.2 miles in the same state I was estatic to leave California behind and hug the tree with the border sign.  Danny, Missing Link, and Johnny Law laughed at me for giving the sign a high five.  I celebrated the border by eating the two days worth of breakfasts at 10am. 

I once again had the pleasure of meeting Zero Zero!  He's the first blind man to hike the PCT.  He has 27 sponsors and hikes with three hiking partners that make up Team Farsight 2010.    

ASHLAND, the next town stop, is the town of Shakespeare Lovers

Danny, Missing Link, Johnny Law, and I got into Ashland by way of breakfast at Calahan’s Restaurant and Lodge.  We ate an early Sunday morning breakfast on the outdoor patio beneath large unbrellas in giant cushioned chairs.  The fresh coffee was warm and did more than I imagined.  We got a newspaper and truly relaxed listening to the water feature beside us surrounded with vibrantly green grass, blooming snap dragons, and cheerful sunflowers. The day was perfect from beginning to end.  If only every day was as satisfying.  We discussed the possibility that everything was better in Oregon, a far superior state than California.  Danny and I hitchhiked into Ashland and were dropped off at the public library.  We quickly left after discovering how few computers there were for the constant demand of the locals. 

I was the last of the hikers to arrive at the Ashland Hostel and was glad to have made a reservation the night before.  The Hostel quickly filled up with young weekend visitors intent on attending the Shakespeare plays.  The one woman bunking in my room who was not a hiker was clearly disgruntled that Smiles, Charmin, and I were awake, showered, and packed before 6:30 am. 

I left Ashland with Danny, Missing Link, and Johnny Law.  We all camped together the few nights it took to get to Crater Lake, 128 miles.  There were a few nights where I camped with Zero Zero, Just Dave, Double D, Redhead, Wolftaffy, Kentucky Blue, or Epic. All of whom stopped in Mazama Village for a resupply and I continued on to HWY 138 to be picked up by a friend.  In this section I had planned to do 25 mile days but ended up doing a 17(half a day), 30, 35, 28, and an 18(half a day).  Doing a 35 mile day felt terrific.

My last night on the trail I camped alone, not 2 feet away from the Rim of Crater Lake.  My tent site offered the most vivid sunrise of the trip.  A few hours of hiking later I caught up to Mike, who had been two/three days ahead.  I think it was the first time we truly got along.  We exchanged hiking stories, theories, and interactions with each other and joked about how funny it would be if I managed to catch up to him in time for us to cross into Canada together.

I’ve got lots more to add but I want to get all the small things down before I forget….

-       I ran into Halfbrew and Rosie – they offered me a possible job doing guided tours for their company.  They are south-bounders right now and we were ecstatic to see each other!

-        - I met the hiker who started a fire in Southern Cal that took out at least 20 acres of forestry near Idylwild. He’s facing possible fines of $65,000-70,000.

-       I hitched off of HWY 138 with a honeymooning couple from the east coast.  They were amazingly sweet and full of spunk.  I was dropped off at Bend.

-       Backpack – I was in the Bend REI for 2.5 hours discussing gear and equipment that worked/didn’t work with employees and customers. Great people there and extremely helpful.  They knew immediately I was hiking the PCT.

-       Tent – I have not bought a double wall tent for Washington… I am still investigating manufacturers and recent reviews.

-       Starbucks – Upon arriving in Bend my first store stop was actually a Starbucks… no surprise there.  One of the workers is planning a thru-hike with her boyfriend.  I was so excited about their plans I gave her my contact information.

-       Zero Zero / Team Farsight 2010 – I really enjoyed hiking with Zero Zero, the first blind man to hike the PCT.  He followed me for 7-8 miles out of Ashland and had a wonderful conversation.  He is by far one of the most inspirationally, down to earth, no-shit-taking person I have ever met.  I hope to catch up to him when I get back on the trail.

-       300 miles of Oregon left – I plan to do 10 days of 30 mile days through Oregon.  My next resupply will be at Cascade Locks… which is actually just down the road from my friend’s apartment.

-       Culture Shocks:

o  I get car sick these days.

o  Anthony pointed out how my voice has changed and it caused me to realize that I was currently taking part in the longest conversation in over 1.5 months.

o  I did a 5 mile walk with no pack in 100 degree heat and didn’t think twice about it.

o  If I can see at least 12 people my anxiety level jumps up.

o  I like hugs.

o  My spatial needs have grown to a 3 foot perimeter for everyone.

-       Smell – Despite my warnings… RE(friend who I am staying with) was shocked at how bad I smelled.  I tried to wash off at the creek before I hitched too.  He was smart and brought my cotton clothes boxes so I could change before the drive to White Salmon/Hood River.

-       Weather – It’s really hot! High 90’s – early 100’s

-       Getting home – Thinking about taking a train instead of a plane.

-       IPOD – I’m not sure if I will regret this decision but I have had my ipod sent to me so the last few miles of the day will go by a little better.

-       Book – I’m reading a book called, “Wild Women Run with Wolves.” - -It’s a little too intense for trail reading.

-       Other Trails – Canoe Trail in Upstate NY, Pilgrimage in Spain, CDT with Team Farsight 2011, the new New Zealand Trail … who knows, 6 months is a long time.

-       Crazy PCTers – RE’s friend Tyler remarked that for hiking the PCT… I was fairly normal and not crazy like he was expecting.

-       Hiker Hip Language – My mum likes the hiker hip language… I didn’t even notice the switch in conversations until she pointed it out.

-       Sierras – I’ve come to terms with my hike through the Sierras. 

-       Greetings – Hikers usually don’t shake hands because we don’t trust where other people’s hands have been… so we fist bump or high five.

-       Birthday! – It’s today and I am excited to be 23!

-       Smells part 2 – Just Dave and I spent an hour talking about how smells don’t exist if you don’t smell it yourself…  When Wolf Taffy arrived the conversation turned to whether you could actually offend yourself with your own… farts.  It was hilarious…and we all agreed… it wasn’t possible.

-       Yurtman – wisdom occurs with time.  When you trust someone there is no keeping count of mistakes.

-       Camera - It broke... I will hopefully have a replacement for Washington.  Oregon is pretty flat so ya'll aren't missing too much.

Hiker Updates

-       Slimjim – When I got off the trail he was behind me by 4 days (110 miles) but since I am taking 4 day’s off I’ll probably be behind him.

-       Mango – Got off the trail July 5^th ish.  He hurt his knee in the Sierra’s and is back home in TN planning his return to the PCT next year. I wish him the best.

-       Damien – Currently in Seattle staying with Yurtman while his ankle continues to heal.  I think he’s started to walk on it and has put the crutches down.

Extras - 

 - JB - trail names for everyone might take some time.  That could be interesting though.

 - EB - How I miss you! I am sitting in a coffee shop in Hood River goofing off and thinking of you.  Listening to your voicemail last night made me laugh and tear up.  You know me so well.

 - Parentals - I love the cards, they made me home sick for hugs and laughs.

 - OK - We need to go driving and sing loudly(off key).

 - MB - I hope the last days of work are enjoyable...I was hoping I would be back in time to see you at your desk before you left.  Give Chloe a ear scratch for me!
 - MJ - Relationship Update: I am hiking alone much more now than ever before.  I have not found anyone that comes close to being worth the consideration, sorry to disappoint!  I've got 800 miles to the Canadian border, so another 6ish weeks of hiking.   I will sometimes go a day or two without seeing another thru-hiker. 

Pictures!!

 Half way!!

 Feather River

 Hat Creek Rim Sunset

 Saddle before Mt. Lincoln / Donner Pass - Cowboy camping

Damien @ Saddle

 Amazing Swimming Hole before Sierra City

Getting Damien off of the Trail

 Mike carrying Damien's pack as well as his to the closest road

 Damien, Bump, and Yurtman in Old Station

 Soft Sunset

Smiles and Shroomer in our African Safari campsite

Legs of Steel! - Mt. Shasta

I am sitting in the one internet cafe of Mt. Shasta wearing new shoes, clean socks, and clothes that smell a little less than they did when I arrived in town yesterday morning. It's been a long haul since I last posted.  I've definitely found new limits.  This hike is hard and requires tremendous determination and fortitude.  Reaching the half way point was exciting.  I remember Damien and I yelling at the top of our lungs while dancing around the monument crossing the line drawn across the trail.  In some ways though it's saddening to reach half way after 3 months and 4 days of very hard hiking and look ahead.  It took that long to hike 1,327 miles.  I am now at mile 1,505ish with 1,150 miles to go and I can't wait to cross into Oregon next week.   Total the PCT is 2654 miles long.  I hope to be complete before October and avoid the snow in Washington.  Hopefully I'll finish that master's application and adjust to living near cars again.

Before Old Station(my last town stop) I had begun to get really tired and had considered taking a week off the trail and working at a guest ranch for food and lodging. I was surprised with myself for feeling guilt at leaving the trail for a week to allow my body to rest. At this point Damien and I had just bumped our daily average up to a solid 25 miles a day. (SR - this means there are days where I walk more than 25.... and those days I hurt.) I ended up not stopping but continued on the next day and arrived more than 2 hours behind Damien walking into Old Station almost to exhausted to eat and shower. Damien and I both took a zero day(no miles) and left late the day after. Our no miles day we went into Redding, Damien for shoes, and me for insoles. I had discovered my entire left foot had gone numb and I was experiencing pain similar to what had caused my long stop in Idyllwild(mile 200 or so). After much discussion with other hikers it was decided I don't get arch support. We looked at my insoles and we were all surprised to see holes worn into different places. This past 100 miles I decided to invest in new/better shoes and insoles made for heavy hiking.



In Old Station, I found myself in the company of many hikers: Jake the Rabbit, Balls, Sunshine, Yurtman, Bump, Blue Butterfly, One Step, Guardian Angel, Steady Eddy, Motor, Neon, Avo, Max Chill, and Mike(yea he caught up).  Mike, Damien, and I left late in the evening to get in a night hike through the hot Hat Creek Rim section of trail.  We camped after 10:00pm and began hiking again around 4:00am.  Later in the morning, Damien who has been a joy to hike with rolled his ankle again.  This time though he was unable to put any weight on it.  Mike took his pack and began walking down the trail after the decision was made to get Damien off the trail and to the closest road.  I kicked debris from the trail so he could hop the .5 miles a little easier.  Smiles a Swiss/French woman with 30 years of mountaineering and hiking experience arrived for the .25-.5 mile of off trail walking.  She got a log and had Damien sit on it while she and I carried him to the road.  Afterward Smiles and Mike left to continue hiking.  I stayed with Damien for a little while before leaving to walk down the road a couple of miles until I got cellphone service.  I called the Trail Angels in Old Station, they drove over, picked me up, and we went back to get Damien.  He's currently still in Old Station on crutches.  After a few days of rest the Old Station Trail Angels took him to the hospital to make sure he didn't tear any ligaments.  He got the okay, but he will be off his ankle until it's back to 100%. 
I continued on to the water cache 8-10 miles further and camped with Smiles, Redhead, Mike, Shroomer, Little Engine, and Plain Slice.  We camped along the Hat Creek Rim Ridge in tall dry yellow grass with an amazing view of the sunset beside Mt. Shasta and on the exact opposite side the almost full moon was rising.  It was beautiful and we joked we were cowboy camping in Africa. You would have liked it.

I am excited to say I will get a few days off from hiking.  A close friend has agreed to pick me up off the trail to celebrate our birthdays(his is one day before mine.)  I hope to get in 400 miles before August 15 so please wish me luck.

I'm running out of computer time, but I hope to update again in Etna, 100 miles from here.(4.5 days?)  I will be continuing on alone from Mt. Shasta.  Smiles, Shroomer, and Mike left at the crack of dawn today.  I needed to catch up on emails and phone calls.  I also would really like to keep distance between Mike and I.  But I hear Slimjim is catching up and I expect he is closing the distance between us as I type.  I think he's 30 miles or less behind me so I expect to see him in the next week or so.

Gear - I am definitely thinking of getting a new backpack as my current one has gotten a hole in the bottom that no amount of self repair has fixed.   - - fingers crossed it will last me another 400-500 miles?

Pictures - If you would like to see more pictures please check out my facebook albumns - my mum has recently posted the rest of the Sierras.

Email - having problems getting my gatech email.  Please be patient if I haven't responded yet!!!

I hope everyone is doing well and taking care. Miss everyone!
 - Golden Child

Mt Shasta

Emily's Mom here!  It's been a long haul but Emily is persevering!  She left Old Station (1382) last night.  She's on the trail to Mt. Shasta even as we speak.  It's going to be a 33 mile dry section - all open and hot - in a burned out area (no shade).  It's in the nineties mid-day...  Still hiking with Damien (the nicest hiker on the planet)!

I put all her photos on facebook - it's PCT group 4.  Encouraging text messages and facebooks posts would be helpful at this point.

New Photos for July

Honker Pass

Again Damien and I had not planned to stop until our next resupply town but we did anyways! :) Walking down the trail there was this giant sign: Honker Pass - Showers, Laundry, Mattresses, Food.  We took down their number and address continuing our walk thinking about bacon.  We hiked 22-24 miles to the road and hitched down to Bucks Lake.  I would say this is my best stop so far.  We got in around 7pm to find the owners out for dinner but they had left the side building open with instructions on showers and laundry. There was even a cooler outside with cold beverages!(even three types of beer Barry!)  The couple Terry and Nancy have a giant porch really made Damien and I feel at home not out of place. The food was absolutely amazing and I enjoyed every bite. Being on the trail for so long it's strange to be inside, sitting at a kitchen table, eating with two pieces of silverware and have a napkin in your lap. 
Alright I need to get clean clothes on and start the 18-19 miles walk to Belden. I'm glad I've pushed it this week, doing 24 miles days have really brought me back to a good hiker rythym.  I can't wait to keep going!
I should have computer access later tonight or tomorrow; oh and I'm at mile 1274.4!!