SteveL
Reged: 07/21/03
Posts: 400
Loc: Blacklick, OH (Columbus)
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We're considering a family trip to Whistler at Christmas. Anybody have any thoughts on whether or not that's a good or bad idea (I'm thinking in terms of conditions and crowds compared to other Christmas ski choices)? Family consists of 3 children (19-29) and one non-skier (it was her idea to go, actually!). Skiers are varying intermediate levels, I suppose, maybe a little better for the kids.
Any suggestions as to where to stay so that the skiers and non-skiers can be equally happy? Is the shuttle system there as good as Vail's?
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Go Badgers! Go Bucks! Go Brewers!
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pdiddy
Reged: 01/06/04
Posts: 44
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Skiing at Christmas means 2 things: twice as expensive and twice as crowded. But, of course, always fun.
Have not skiied Whistler but have made plans to go several times. Take a look at the Pan Pacific Lodge. I would say a great location for both skiers and non-skiers alike.
S.
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Mike R
Reged: 05/26/03
Posts: 15742
Loc: Stinson Lake - New Hampshire
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Well..I think you've probably read enough of my posts to know where I will go here with this...skiing Christmas week anywhere good is an absolute freakin zoo..... I dont even want to leave the house that week.......lift lines are typically a half hour plus....ski school and daycare are overwhelmed with more kids then adults can handle...restaurants??..forget it..unless you eat at 5...bars....HAAAAAA..good luck....get two drinks when you a do get service just in case.......I know, I know that some people have no choice and have to go that time...and I know that I am the most spoiled skier in the world in that I get to ski places most will never see, never mind ski, so thst certainly skews my perspective...but still.......with all that aside......know what you are getting into here...some people actrually like all that insanity.....but thats my take and I live it day in day out... and as great as Whistler is...and it is one of the best....its also can be one of the coldest resorts to ski....but the terrain is world class for aure
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karma is a beautiful thing at times
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SteveL
Reged: 07/21/03
Posts: 400
Loc: Blacklick, OH (Columbus)
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It's colder than CO? I always assumed it was warmer, since it's lower elevation and it has the Pacific climate. Maybe we should just go back to Snowmass. We've been there and a few other places during spring break a lot and never thought that was overly crowded. Is Christmas that much worse? If so, I will very likely reconsider.
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Go Badgers! Go Bucks! Go Brewers!
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gregb
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 352
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Steve,
Consider Deer Valley for Christmas, they sused to limit number of lift tickets sold.
http://www.deervalley.com/
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SteveL
Reged: 07/21/03
Posts: 400
Loc: Blacklick, OH (Columbus)
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Been there. It was nice (snow was not good that week, but that happens), but everybody preferred Snowmass. Much more difficult for the non-skier to amuse themselves at Deer Valley as well.
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Go Badgers! Go Bucks! Go Brewers!
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heatherh
Reged: 06/21/03
Posts: 68
Loc: Doylestown, PA
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Have you considered Big Sky in Montana? We were just there and there were no lift lines! I've always heard this about Big Sky and never really believed it, but I've seen it first hand now! We were there the week of President's Day, which is their busiest week fo the year. Big Sky just doesn't get the crowds that other resorts get. It's a great mountain too!
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Mike R
Reged: 05/26/03
Posts: 15742
Loc: Stinson Lake - New Hampshire
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Big Sky is a great choice.....so is Grand Targhee....if you hate crowds....
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karma is a beautiful thing at times
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Mike R
Reged: 05/26/03
Posts: 15742
Loc: Stinson Lake - New Hampshire
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Steve..we are higher then anyone else....in more ways then one...LOL...but despite our great altitudes...we are very far south and that keeps us warmer then most...that plus the sun is very strong at 10 to 12 thousand feet....
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karma is a beautiful thing at times
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SteveL
Reged: 07/21/03
Posts: 400
Loc: Blacklick, OH (Columbus)
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Hmm. Do they have a village anything as nice as Vail, Aspen, or even Snowmass for the non-skier? Aren't they really, really cold? Also, are they ok for intermediates (including one 55-year-old who hasn't skied in about 5 years)? Don't like crowds and would stay away from anything extremely bad, but the place needn't be deserted either. What are Telluride and Crested Butte like?
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Go Badgers! Go Bucks! Go Brewers!
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SteveL
Reged: 07/21/03
Posts: 400
Loc: Blacklick, OH (Columbus)
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At Christmas, how do crowds compare at Vail, Snowmass and the Summit County resorts? Of Summit County, what's nicest for the non-skier?
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Go Badgers! Go Bucks! Go Brewers!
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ken
Reged: 01/28/04
Posts: 5
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I just had to post to this thread. I have been reding the threads on this list for the last couple of years and really enjoy it. It is very well done.
I lived in whistler for 7 years and my brother is a fireman there. It will be a zoo at christmas as all ski resorts probably are. However it is a large area with lots of accomodation choices and first class restaurants. Plenty of apres ski for all ages. As far as colder than CO I doubt it. The pacific dumps lots of snow on the 2 mountains ,it can be raining in the valley and dumpimg up top. Todays forcast 1c in the valley and -3c up top.
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ken
Reged: 01/28/04
Posts: 5
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Here are some websites
http://www.mywhistler.com/
http://www.resortquest.com/whistler/
I should of added that there is lots for non skiers to do also.
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dwl
Reged: 02/12/04
Posts: 59
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Steve:
Telluride is an amazing town, with great skiing (more intermediate runs, than beginner runs so be forewared if anyone likes greens). I like it much better than Beaver Creek or Vail and find the lines (even at President's Day weekend) not to be too bad. I have also been to Telluride in non-ski seasons, and think the town is absolutely charming.
There is a lot for the non-skiier as well (shopping, spa, transportation is available, etc).
I have good restaurant reccs too if you end up there.
We are heading to the Beav in a few weeks...have never been there during spring break season, so that will be an experience.
Deneese
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Mike R
Reged: 05/26/03
Posts: 15742
Loc: Stinson Lake - New Hampshire
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Steve...Telluride and Crested Butte are both much better choices then anything in Summit County in my opinion...and I live and own businesses in Summit County.... dont get me wrong,I love Summit County, but not during Christmas and not during March....every other time it is a slice of heaven....Targhee is not going to cater to intermediates much a sfar as terrain goes...and no one other then maybe Tremblanc or Whisttler is going to have a village complex to compare to Vail or Aspen or Snowmass.....their villages are on a much grander scale compared to everyone else....If you have to ski summit county during crazy times...I would suggest A Basin...which is where I ski most of the time anyway....but there again....most of the terrain is double black diamond, you will die if you aint good, expert only...but they do have some nice intermediate terrains and they are one of the only places that has intermediate terrain above treeline which is kind of cool if you are an intermediate......
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karma is a beautiful thing at times
Edited by Mike R (03/03/04 12:52 PM)
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SteveL
Reged: 07/21/03
Posts: 400
Loc: Blacklick, OH (Columbus)
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Thanks Mike and Deneese. I'm going to do a little more research and probably get back to you with more questions.
Steve
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Go Badgers! Go Bucks! Go Brewers!
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Mike R
Reged: 05/26/03
Posts: 15742
Loc: Stinson Lake - New Hampshire
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Denneese...the beav is a great choice for spring break...its just upscale enough to detract the "party til you puke" crowd....they will be keeping me company here in good ol Summit County for a while......and as payback.....I will be getting their money...it's all so.................symbiotic......LOL
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karma is a beautiful thing at times
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SteveL
Reged: 07/21/03
Posts: 400
Loc: Blacklick, OH (Columbus)
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Is "The Beav" a good choice for Christmas too?
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Go Badgers! Go Bucks! Go Brewers!
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Mike R
Reged: 05/26/03
Posts: 15742
Loc: Stinson Lake - New Hampshire
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Steve...could be....Vail is just nuts beyond words....I never get that far from Summit County that week as Im usually up to my ass in aligators myself...but it could be...I'll ask around here and get back to you
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karma is a beautiful thing at times
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dwl
Reged: 02/12/04
Posts: 59
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You know we haven't been in Vail/BC ever for Xmas -- usually the week after (i.e., for New Years) and it is always crowded (i.e., lines at lifts). Especially Vail. This March will be a 1st for us staying in BC, and not Vail, which we have done in years past.
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dwl
Reged: 02/12/04
Posts: 59
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Its good to know I have made a good choice for Spring Break!! Just a couple of couples going out for some quality skiing....looking forward to a really nice time....with very little puking involved...at least hopefully:)
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Mike R
Reged: 05/26/03
Posts: 15742
Loc: Stinson Lake - New Hampshire
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and the new Ritz Carlton at BC is just a spectacular hotel....make sure you check it out at least for a drink....or better yet..stay there
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karma is a beautiful thing at times
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dwl
Reged: 02/12/04
Posts: 59
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we couldn't get in at the RC --- but the ladies have made spa appointments there....so we will defintely check it out.
thanks for the tip. any other restaurant reccs? we haven't been to vail/bc in almost 3 years, so I am sure some new stuff has opened...
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Mike R
Reged: 05/26/03
Posts: 15742
Loc: Stinson Lake - New Hampshire
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dwl...no I cant give you much in the way of restaurant tips for BC...I dont get over that way much....in Vail I love Blues on the creek.....locals hangout there....great casual food...Vail is just too crazy for my taste....I ski Vail in April when the tourists leave
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karma is a beautiful thing at times
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drr
Reged: 10/09/02
Posts: 72
Loc: Seattle
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As someone who has visited Whistler about 60 times and has spent 15 or so Christmas breaks there, I
find this thread a little amusing. Lots of dis-information about Whistler.
First of all, Whistler is not colder then Colorado. It is near the Pacific and cold fronts are rare. The biggest
problem with Whistler is the low elevation. I can be raining at the base and snowing at the top. Ive been
there in November where it was powder top to bottom and back in January and all of the snow at the base
was washed away and you had to download. But they have great snow making capability and you will always
find enough snow at the top to ski on.
Christmas thru new years is crowded and you will pay a premium to be there. Try the days leading up to
Xmas. You can beat he crowds by being first in line on the lifts in the morning, ski through lunch and come on
down and enjoy your favorite beverage at one the the many restaurants and bars at the village base. The
village is decorated and it is truly a magical place during that time.
Whistler village has fabulous restaurants, movie theatres,grocery and specialty stores, spas etc. If you stay in
either Whistler village or the Blackcomb base, you will never need your car. It was designed to be pedestrian
friendly. So if you are not a skier, don't worry. Plenty of other activities.
Is Whislter nice then other resorts. I think so. It has been rated the top ski resort destination in North America.
Let me know if you have any questions.
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Island Visitor
Reged: 12/19/02
Posts: 10396
Loc: Retraité
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Alyeska, my friends. Once you've had outback, you'll never go back.
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Mike R
Reged: 05/26/03
Posts: 15742
Loc: Stinson Lake - New Hampshire
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drr...I believe I said Whistler CAN be colder then Colorado, not that it is colder.....and thats based on a lot of the racers I talk to out here's comments and my experiences from when I raced back in the day......Im glad you find it all amusing, anytime I can make a person laugh is a good thing, but I and my peers ski 120 days a year and have been skiing 100+ days a year for about 20 years now, so I would say that at least minimally qualifies us for knowing what we are talking about .....LOL
IV..yes IV..alaska rocks....but I liked New Zealand a little better
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karma is a beautiful thing at times
Edited by Mike R (03/03/04 05:44 PM)
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gregb
Reged: 02/20/04
Posts: 352
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Steve,
For an overthetop xmas ski vacation you might consider Zermatt, Switzerland. There is nothing like skiing beneath the towering Matterhorn and the charming shops and restaurants abound. When I was last there about 20 years ago the little village was so charming, with only horse drawn sleighs and no autos allowed.
http://www.zermatt.ch/index.e.html
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MartinS
Reged: 05/25/03
Posts: 771
Loc: Anna Maria Island, Florida.
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Whistler is GREAT! We have gone for several years, always in mid-January. We have had warm days and frigid days. The terrain is great for all levels-from beginner to Olympic ability. We usually stay in Creekside. There's a great place that is ski in/ski out called The Ledgends (www.lodginginnovations.com). As far as things to do for the non-skier, they will not get bored. Whistler Village is always hopping and their New Years Eve party is supposed to be great. There's plenty to do in the village for anyone. Not sure we'd want to go over Christmas, but Whistler is not to be missed. If you do go and have the time, take the train up. The ride is beautiful and takes you right through a bald eagle nesting area. It's a 2 hour ride up from Vancouver and drops you off right in Whistler Creekside. Feel free to PM us if you have further questions.
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You can rest when you're dead !!!
www.silentcaptain.com
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Lauren
Reged: 10/10/02
Posts: 1332
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One of the first things I ever remember wanting to do was to ride on the "Glacier Express" from Zermatt to St-Moritz.
http://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/1glac_1.html
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SteveL
Reged: 07/21/03
Posts: 400
Loc: Blacklick, OH (Columbus)
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Greg:
Interesting idea. I won't rule it out. Never skied Europe and always wanted to. Might not be that much more expensive than some of the nicer US resorts.
It appears that it's critical that I find out just exactly when the 5 of us will be able to get together. With child #2 graduating from college in June and with her future uncertain for the present, child #1 still trying to find a job as a screenwriter, child #3 having a long Xmas vacation that runs well into January and with my retirement in June, I may have more flexibility than we first thought or we may not have any time that works at all.
I always appreciate the informed opinions I get here (even when you disagree!!!) and will not hesitate to ask for more info once I have a better idea when we can actually go.
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Go Badgers! Go Bucks! Go Brewers!
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Nightflyers
Reged: 03/02/04
Posts: 7
Loc: Alaska and Ontario
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Quote:
Alyeska, my friends. Once you've had outback, you'll never go back.
Agreed. But I live about 30 minutes from Alyeska, so I may be biased! ;-)
Actually, I've never been there, but I hope to sometime soon!
-Rich
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AJ and Rich
-Captured by St. Bart's magic
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drr
Reged: 10/09/02
Posts: 72
Loc: Seattle
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Mike,
Sure Whistler can be colder then a Colorado resort on any given day in the year. But on average it is not.
The "racers" you know that go there perhaps are there for a race for less then one week per year, so their expereince
with and knowledge of the weather conditions should not be given much credence. And the fact that you
skied for 20 years has really nothing to do with the conditions at Whistler either. In fact it is not really clear
from your post that you have ever been there.
Whistler Mountain is not far from the pacific ocean and therefore enjoys relatively terperate weather like
most of the pacific northwest. Every once in a while, cold air will move in from Alaska and drop the temp
down to 10 to 15 degrees at the top of the mountain, but those occurances are rare. The average Dec.
mean temp in Whistler is 39 degrees while the average mean temp in Vail is 32
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Mike R
Reged: 05/26/03
Posts: 15742
Loc: Stinson Lake - New Hampshire
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drr....I love Whistler..and I have been there as well just about every major ski resort in North America...numerous times....either to ski or to look at retail space, or both.....its what I do.... we re on the same page here bud....I simply said it can be colder....thats all...and I stand by that....Im not gonna get into a pissing contest of who knows Whistler more then who..I'll give it to you for the sake of moving on...but I love the place and I posted that I do.....no need to defend it....I'm done with this subject now....lets move on
Edited by Mike R (03/12/04 08:53 AM)
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carleson
Reged: 11/30/03
Posts: 23
Loc: Seattle Wa
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Hey Steve...A few thoughts on Whistler...I live in Seattle and have been there many many times...Xmas is always a crapshoot weather wise ..it can be awesome but there's a fair chance it will be raining on the lower half of the mountain...best bet is mid feb thru april.As far as the mountain itself it is by far the best I've ever skiied in North America...it's beautiful,has terrain for eveyone,and a village that is second to none.I've been to just about all the resorts in Colorado,Utah and Montana...and Whistler is by far my fave...it was also the main reason I moved to Seattle...just a 4 1/2 hour drive.The village seems to grow evey time I go...which I'm not sure is a good thing,however it is loaded with non-skiing alternatives.Thre's a ton of info on the net about condo rentals and many different companies to choose from...anything located within a 1 mile radius of the base will suit you fine...The locals are super friendly...If I was you I would book it for mid winter vacay and avoid the crowds and iffy weather of xmas.
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SteveL
Reged: 07/21/03
Posts: 400
Loc: Blacklick, OH (Columbus)
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Thanks for the info. These are pretty much the reasons I was looking into Whistler as I knew it was perfect in nearly all respects. The prob |
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