Mountlake Terrace, WA

Terrace Creek

3.125(based on 33 reviews)
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16 0
wellsbranch250
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 10.8 years 694 played 680 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Urban Jungle

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 4, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

(2.893 Rating) A half parkstyle half heavy woods type of course.
- RAW BEAUTY - When I briefly reviewed the course map prior to playing, I assumed typical park style course, and yes, there is some of that. Tee (1) didn't change that and nor did seeing basket (5) on my walk to (1). On tee (2) however, I thought I had mistakenly entered Jurassic Park. Hole (3) is stunning and was personally my favorite hole on the course. (3) is a big valley shot through mature heavy woods with extra rawness and big lush ferns. (5) thru (9) were back to parkstyle, but (10) tiptoes back into a wonderous jungle and has a terrifying tight and slanted fairway. The tantalizing landscapes mostly continued through to the end, but (15) appeared to have a large chunk of trees recently removed and there was a lot of earthmoving scars. Last there was (18), wow, what a killer shot.
- HOLE VARIETY - I thought the variety here was the course's strongest aspect. I played 20 courses on this trip and I still visually remember all 18 here from memory 25 days later when I penned down this review. I couldn't re-remember all of Pier Park, SeaTac or Shelton Springs. Anyways, upshots, downshots, epic downshots, valley shots, big right hooks, pocket shots, tunnel shots and even an open shot. The biggest missing thing here is the drive and approach par 4, although a couple felt like tweener holes for my MA2 skill level.
- CHALLENGING - The front 9 felt ideal for MA2 level players like myself. Birdies can be had on many of them with 350 foot power and hitting the right angle. A couple of the holes on the front, a 3 will be a great score. The second half was tougher, tighter and more wild. I couldn't keep pace with par on this half, but I enjoyed the thrill of trying to throw a miracle.
- CHAINS - Not top of the line baskets, but they were good enough. I think it was a mix of models, but mostly MachIIIs

Cons:

The course will be too raw for some.
- FORGIVENESS - Unless a player has a ton of skill or a lot of luck, ending up in extra rough spots is going to happen. I generally throw well in the woods, but that didn't stop me from throwing into head tall weeds a couple times. Losing plastic is going to happen here at a much higher rate than the average course. I didn't notice much water here other than very small creeks, but the slanted terrain and established overgrowth is going to play hide and seek.
- ONLY ONE TEE - I passed a couple local MA4s on hole (3). They noted to me that they generally only throw the front nine. A course this diabolical in sections, could really use 2 tees on several holes. I could easily tell that the back nine was getting less play than the front.
- SAFETY HAZARDS - Hole (11) throws down the heart of a low use walking trail that has a small blind spot. (18) crosses the same trail as well. There is plenty of room in this park to have easily avoided this. The steep trail down to basket (18) is also super sketchy, even when dry.
- NAVIGATION AND SIGNAGE - Players will need a navigational app to seamlessly throw this one. The status of the signage here was pretty bad and near nonexistent during my Spring 2023 visit. Only a few posts were left. There was a course map posted, but it was a near useless line diagram.
- AMENITIES AND EXTRAS - In addition to the poor signage, the tees are slightly below average. Mostly concrete, but small and sometimes misaligned. I don't recall much in the way of seating. No alternate placements or practice basket.
- BEGINNER FRIENDLY - I wouldn't bring a beginner here based on what I've already written above.
- PARKING - Street parking only for those that want to park anywhere near tee (1).

Other Thoughts:

If Terrace Creek were to ever get a makeover, it will shine. The elements are here to be able to produce both fun and engaging gameplay, but the rawness and general lack of investment over the years holds this course back a peg. As is, I'm going with a soft 3.0 rated course. It reminded me of courses like Indian Creek Park east of Atlanta, Glenville Lake near Fayetteville NC, Sharpe Springs in Nashville and Joe Wheeler in North Alabama. All of these noted courses are mixed wooded courses with elevation movement and deliver MA1/MA2 level difficulty. Not destination worthy, but anyone who lives in the Seattle metro area should check it out at least once.
- TIME PLAY - I logged 59 minutes solo to play this one.
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3 1
PHDParrot
Experience: 14 played 11 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Hard to play 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 24, 2020 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

A very fun first few holes, despite the big hikes. Proper signage and quality tees and pads.

Cons:

Hole goes downhill after the first few holes. Way too close to crowded areas/playground/highly frequented trails. After hole 9 or so is an unnavigable mess before eventually clearing out. Hole 18 to hole 1 is way too far, its absolutely nuts and a miserably poor course layout.

Other Thoughts:

Course gets very muddy quickly in certain spots. I wouldn't even try to play this one on a halfway nice day, people everywhere.
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1 5
KidRobo
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Flying blind 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 3, 2021 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Some interesting holes on some hilly terrain

Cons:

Lack of any real signage. Janky spray paint on posts giving rough distance. Mud in the grassy areas. Poor indication of the direction to the next unmarked tee.
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1 8
Dlaxdaddy
Experience: 19.4 years 4 played 3 reviews
0.50 star(s)

Plenty of better in the area 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 7, 2020 Played the course:once

Pros:

Free

Cons:

Lots of overgrowth! Course is HORRIBLY laid out as well. Lots of throws into crowded areas of a park and into walking paths where someone could easily come around the corner and catch a disc to the face. No directions to any of the holes/baskets, short tee pads, and you will 100% need a spotter on at least 5 of the holes.
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6 0
Breh
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.4 years 193 played 191 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 26, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

Has some really fun shots, with good mix of forehand/backhand holes. Great use of elevation change. Orange cones on basket makes it super easy to identify and not have to walk up to find the pin. The layout is really bad, however just looking at some of the holes themselves they play really fun. Taking away the layout hole 2,3,18 and a few others our really good holes, and our very signature type holes.

Cons:

The layout is very bad here!! Finding hole 1 was easy as it plays next to the kiosk and road. However it can get confusing after that and hole 2/3/4 play to close together and could be saftey issue. After hole 4 is where the layout becomes a nightmare. You have to cross the road to hole 5 and there's no tee signs or navigation. Super easy to get lost here specially after hole 11. Hole 12 and 13 is another example of bad layout as you play up the hill, then tee of down the same hill you just played up, then return to walk up it after you finish. Baskets were in okay shape,however hole 13 has different basket all together. tee pads were okay on some holes. Some our way to short, and not really pads.

Other Thoughts:

This was a very hard course for me to rate. If you look at the holes just as an individual basis most of them were fairly good to really good. However the layout dosen't flow well and the course leaves you feeling very meh about it
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10 0
Schreuds2.0
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 7.4 years 93 played 81 reviews
2.50 star(s)

I feel bad trespassing on shrek’s home... 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 24, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Baskets are visible on approach to the hole and/or from the tee
-Most fairways are good but... (see bullet 3 in cons section)
-Elevation is used really really well, hole 18 is a massive downhill, so massive in fact that you can expect to lose a disc. (This is a pro and a con)
-This is a mostly wooded course where trees come into play often, they make it challenging, but not too hard.
-Terrace Creek Park is a really pretty park
-Lots of options in terms of what to throw, many creative lines, as well as a few traditional ones

Cons:

-Tees are too small, and sometimes awkward to get on if they are on a hill
-There was one tee sign (#7) and it was covered in graffiti
-Hole 11's fairway is a concrete running path which has many runners on it, hole 9 you have the option of concrete path, or a swamp.
-Disc Golf Paths are awful, running Paths are decent. Hole 18's path is basically a dried out waterfall, bring your butt padding.
-Navigation is impossible without a map, and very difficult with a map, No Tee signs + haphazard layout + unclear markings on Baskets=impossible
-Only a few benches, many of which are rotten wood
-Many fairways intersect, or end within 20 feet of the next tee. Fairways also cross running paths (or are running Paths) frequently.
-This course gets a 1/4 on the New Shoe Index, Of someone can play this course without getting mud all over their shoes I will buy them dinner.
(Not actually but you get the idea)
-Holes 1-4 are completely separate from the rest of the course, also hole 18 to parking lot is a really long walk, the course doesn't loop around at all.

Other Thoughts:

If you are tired of playing the same old courses, give this one a try, it is nice and close to Seattle. However, don't go out of your way.
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10 4
blake13
Experience: 12.5 years 74 played 5 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Try Not to Hit Someone 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 21, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

- 18 hole course north of Seattle
- Good variety of shots required
- Pretty trees scattered throughout
- Open field in the middle of the course good for playing catch or warming up (though in 5's fairway)

Cons:

- Dangerous course design (see "Other Thoughts")
- Lengthy walks between holes
- No signage
- Counterintuitive navigation
- Litter; no trash cans
- Poor/uneven teepads
- Rough/thick foliage with thorns
- Erosion; steep hills with poor traction
- Crowded; many runners, dog walkers, etc.

Other Thoughts:

Terrace Creek is the most dangerous disc golf course I have ever played. More than half the shots require a significant risk of hitting a person or car even while following the designed throwing line of the hole. Full list below:

1: RHBH anhyzer over a popular two-lane road; guarded basket encourages this route
3: Straight shot across a valley that goes over 4's teepad
4: RHBH hyzer; straight shot or any turn goes directly at 2's teepad.
5: Along the popular two-lane road
6: Over walking path and bench; overthrow can reach 8's teepad
8: In range of 6's drive; blind throw over walking path; early hyzer lands right on 9's teepad.
9: In range of 8 and 7's drive; limited vision of walking path beyond teepad (UPDATE: on 6/30/16, one day after original review was posted, I saw a player hit square in the chest from 7's drive on the walk from 8's basket to 9's teepad. The player who threw the drive on 7 could not see anyone in the area and did not know he hit someone until the man starting cursing at him)
10: Fairway is a walking path; walk to 11 crosses 18's fairway with no view of teepad
12: Walk from 12 to 13 crosses 11's fairway
14: Early RHBH hyzer goes over 15's teepad
18: Throw's down valley over walk from 10 to 11

As an out-of-towner, I am shocked this course is still in the ground. I have played approximately 10 rounds at this course, and have seen a non-disc golfer hit in the stomach from a turned over drive on Hole 5, a disc golfer hit in the chest walking from 8's basket to 9's teepad, and countless other near-misses. This course puts players and park visitors at extreme risk for injury.

Safety issues aside, the course navigation is terrible, and the only course maintenance comes from foot traffic that causes erosion. With no signage, it is next to impossible to find where to go next. Four holes (1-4) form a loop on one side of the road, and the final 14 zig-zag forward while going further and further away from parking. The walk from 18 to 1 takes approximately 10 minutes.

There are a few fun shots at Terrace Creek, and a lot of the holes do present good golf holes if safety and other course features are not considered. Many of the holes require good finesse with midranges and drivers, so skilled players will usually score better than inconsistent players. I very much enjoy playing 7 (straight drive through tight gap in front of basket), 12 (short downhill ace run), and 18 (top of the world).

Overall, I am not inclined to play at Terrace Creek on a regular basis. Despite my close proximity, I prefer field work to showing up for the risk of hitting someone or losing a disc in the thick rough. A lot of locals really enjoy Terrace Creek, but I have to imagine it is because of the lack of good courses north of Seattle and not because of the course itself.
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4 5
Travis Tribble
Experience: 10.2 years 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Trampled Down to Perfection 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 4, 2015 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Well used; no matter your level its been there for 21 years so there are trails to all the strange spots your discs may end up
Beautifull if you go on low traffic days/times
Most tee pads in great condition, cement
Orange cones highlight a lot of holes
Challengeing holes with good twists (3,15,18)
Course now has all its baskets

Cons:

High Traffic on the weekends
No water unless you go to the rec. center at hole 12 so bring some
Can be hard to find the holes the first time
Hole 1 is right by the street dont park your car near the Basket unless you like dings
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4 0
TheMinnesotan
Experience: 14.5 years 25 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Quite the Hike 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 15, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Lots of hole variety. Short, long, uphill, downhill, trees, open shots.
-Nice tee pads
-Full 18 holes

Cons:

-Hard to navigate (there is a google map with the new layout that works well, but I played it alone for the first time and definitely had to do some hunting for tee pads)
-Vandalism: Lots of graffiti, missing basket on hole one (I assume stolen)
-Layout: the walk from 18 and between some of the holes is pretty long. Play doesn't really flow all that well when you have a 5 min walk between holes.

Other Thoughts:

I liked this course for the most part. Definitely had to mix up the shot types to reach the baskets.
THIS COURSE IS A HIKE! I read some reviews that said there would be elevation changes and long walks and man were they right! Not a course that can be played quickly!
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3 0
Strongbow
Experience: 27 played 4 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Great course, could use a few improvements 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 28, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Variety of shots
Elevation changes (uphill, downhill)
Signature holes - #3, #18

Cons:

Vandalism to tee signs
Some tee-boxes small or in poor shape
Hard to follow
Park goers in fairways

Other Thoughts:

This is a challenging course with a lot of variety on each hole. This course could be fantastic with a few improvements such as better tee-boxes, and new signs and maybe a slight layout change on a couple of holes so it flows better. Although I'm not sure how long the tee-signs would last due to vandalism.
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1 1
northwestblazinfire
Experience: 14.2 years 13 played 10 reviews
4.00 star(s)

TERRACE CREEK!!! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 28, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

great basket placement
exceptional teepads, concrete
solid baskets not chinsey
great use of land and course layout
variety of looks and challeges with OB and mandos coming into heavey play
Great discgolfing community good vibes
18 is one of those holes you remember
Lowell who designed the course often is selling discs out of his disc van, super cool guy and local disc golf legend. Guy gives good deals on plastic

Cons:

no practice baskets
in a crowded park with occasional oblivious kids around baskets
lack of water features
muddy at 7 and 8, thats not a big deal to me but is mentionable

Other Thoughts:

Terrace creek is sweet, the group of golfers there can really put down some rounds, super cool guys i would suggest playing a dubbs tourney if your close.
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0 3
Tromavilcitizen
Experience: 18.4 years 15 played 6 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Lost my favorite disc 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 22, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Nice layout. Holes have some challenging elevation shots. Course skirted a park and walking trail but never had an issue with a park goer in the way

Cons:

Lots of undergrowth. easy to lose a disc. Lots of elevation changes. shoot uphill to said basket then turn around and throw right back down the hill you walked up.

Other Thoughts:

I lost my favorite disc here. A transparent Orange Discraft Surge SS with a Blue ring and writing. I also learned to start writing my number on my disc. Can't wait for the Disc Beeper to come out.
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1 0
medikated
Experience: 25.4 years 32 played 5 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Could be great 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 22, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-good variety, in terms of layout almost every hole is unique, only a few holes seem similar, distance wise there may be a few ace runs but due to trees an ace run can't be a guarantee

Cons:

-hardly any signs, not many palces to sit, hardly any trash cans, last few holes can be confusing to navigate
-I really don't care for the walk to hole 12 or the walk back after the 18th
-course seems dirty and like a place where "no-goodniks" might go to hide from the public eye to do unsavory activites

Other Thoughts:

Overall this course is fun and a good challenge. I feel like the course is somewhat neglected or under appreciated. If the resources where available and this course put through a major renovation it could be championship level. The area of the park is 60 acres, if more holes could be in the woods that could cool, and it'd be nice to see dual tee pads and multiple basket placements.
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4 0
TheSinator
Experience: 14.7 years 28 played 18 reviews
3.50 star(s)

SPOTTERS ARE A MUST--very challenging (but fun) 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 6, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

As someone that first played this course as a beginner two years ago, it has definitely changed. The course contains a ton of thick brush, which makes it very challenging to find discs on at least half of the holes. However, compared to when I last visited Seattle (summer of 2010), the brush is greatly trampled down, which really helped us find our discs.

My favorite thing about the course is the challenge. Also, it has, in my opinion, two signature holes: #3 and #18 (See below). Other than that, it has a cool variety of holes, almost all of which are highly wooded. There is good use of elevation and foliage windows.

Cons:

There are a decent number of cons to this course:
- It is very easy to lose a disc, so spotters are a must. If you play this course alone, be prepared to lose a disc.
- The signage is pretty poor.
- The course flow is not good, and a map is essential.
- The walk back to your car after 18 is annoying.

Other Thoughts:

#3 is a cool shot from hillside to hillside, across a valley that is *highly* wooded. It's a hole that will keep you coming back, as it's pretty tough to get it across the valley without hitting a tree, especially given the limited tee space. I had daydreams of coming back to Seattle to play this hole.

#18 is a 500+ footer, with a huge elevation drop. Very cool shot. The first time I played the course (as a beginner), I didn't play the hole because I was scared (wisely) I'd lose a disc. This time, my buddy and I spotted each other and he helped me find mine. The guys playing in front of us were not so lucky, as they lost one of theirs. We helped look for a little bit, but to no avail.

#14 is an example of the importance of pin position. The hole has a lot of open space and is ideal for a RHFH shot. What makes it a great hole, though, is that the basket is just a couple feet from a ledge, so you could easily go from birdie to bogey. More course designers should guard/protect the pins with difficult hole locations like this course.
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3 1
marx
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Wish There Was Better Signage 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 17, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

I generally love this course after just the one time of playing it. It's like going on a hike and playing a little disc golf at the same time. Beautiful park!

Cons:

I would love to see better signage, or at the very least an updated map on here.

After hole 13 it became terribly difficult to navigate, and I'm sure we skipped a few holes.

My buddy lost a disc on 18, which is not a difficult task. I'd toss a cheap disc on that last hole, just in case.

Other Thoughts:

With better signage or a map, this would easily be a 4.5-5 for me. I had a fantastic time playing this course.
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1 3
MrNiceFella
Experience: 17 played 15 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Put On Your Hiking Shoes 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 21, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Tons of elevation changes, heavily wooded, challenging, 18 holes, creative design with diverse assortment of throws. Fun fun fun.

Cons:

Very poorly marked. Bring someone who is familiar with the course your first time, then return again and again to play.
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7 0
b-mart
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.3 years 66 played 61 reviews
4.00 star(s)

I love this course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 15, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Concrete teepads. Creative use of the terrain. Wide variety of shots. Friendly locals (for the most part). Hole 18!

Cons:

Can be overcrowded when the weather is nice. The underbrush on holes like 10, 17, and 18 is absolutely brutal if it isn't wintertime. Or so I hear. I've only played it in the winter, and 18 is the only one that has been a challenge to find a disc. No signage to speak of, and it's tough to navigate after 7 if you don't know what you're doing.

Other Thoughts:

In case you missed it in the title, I love this course. It's close to home and so challenging that it makes every other course I play (with the obvious exception of Seatac) seem easy. Just walk up to the first teepad and you'll know that you're in for a beast of a day. If the first hole is that long with such a tight window between the road and the trees, you know that it's only going to get crazier... And it does. I love the variety of shots, and holes like 3, 17, and 18 can make your day all by themselves if you hit your line... They can also ruin your day if you miss it. Bring spotters and discs you could care less about. I've only officially lost one on this course, but I've been lucky enough to receive phone calls on all of the other discs I've buried in the forest. If you don't want to be challenged, don't go here. If you absolutely have to keep your score below par, don't go here. But if you want to have a blast? Go. It's free. Just make sure you bring a local or ask me for advice on here, because there's no signage and the map on here is horribly outdated.
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3 0
bbobsuek
Experience: 32.3 years 88 played 18 reviews
3.50 star(s)

nice wooded track 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 21, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

I wanted to give it 4 because it is just plain fun to play
lots of different shots and angles
strategy and luck come in to play
you can make a 2 or a 5 pretty easily
great feeling to be in the woods in the middle of a burb

Cons:

tees a little inconsistent
can get sloppy pretty easily
not easy to navigate at first
find a tour guide

Other Thoughts:

with a little work this course could easily become a 4 or 4+
18 is really fun..throw 2 just to watch em fly
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2 4
S3R14L_K1LL4
Experience: 15 years 16 played 8 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Challenging! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 1, 2010 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very challenging. A big course, with a lot of variety. Each hole has it's own uniqueness to it! Friendly LOCALS/REGULARS.

Cons:

Long course involving a lot of walking...almost hiking. Not marked well, and first timers can get confused. Not restroom or garbage can friendly.

Other Thoughts:

I love this course. It brings a lot of variety and a great challenge to any player!
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1 3
hyrulehero96
Experience: 14.4 years 11 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

every rose has its thorn 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 25, 2010 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

hard and easy holes all around, good range of difficulty. Tee's and baskets are all in good shape. A lot of room to work with!

Cons:

Back 9 gets confusing, some holes coverd with thorn bushes on both sides. could use a map @ start kiosk.

Other Thoughts:

Everyone here is really friendly and always willing to help your fellow golfers. If you cant find the next tee there are always an abundance of locals around to point you in the right direction!
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