Category: Castillo De San Marcos

10/17/2025 0 Comments

535) Day 17 - Castillo de San Marcos is closed during the federal government shutdown - St. Augustine, Florida

As we finish off day seventeen of the United States government being closed for business...

The Castillo de San Marcos in historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida continues to remain closed during the current federal government shutdown.

Recently, I went to the Castillo and did a YouTube livestream from the St. Augustine Inlet waterfront, near the fort area on Wednesday, October 8th (linked below). And, honestly, it was such a strange sight to see such a familiar and iconic place all closed up.

Normally, when I livestream the sunrise in St. Augustine, I always take note that the Castillo wakes up as early as I do. When you rise earlier than dawn, it's very easy to see who else is awake with you.

Workers arrive early, checking out the grounds and tending to the property. I'm watching the sunrise, and I hear the lawnmower already operating. I wave hello to the sun, and I see National Park Service employees diligently going about their work day. By the time I finish my sunrise livestream, it's usually almost time for the Castillo to open up to the public for the day, and the parking lots are filling up fast.

And just as quickly as the parking lots reach capacity, the line for tickets into the Castillo grows. Everyone wants to see the fort when they visit this lovely town.

I see the NPS workers communicating with and educating the public about the Castillo, as well as all the NPS workers who keep the Castillo alive physically. I can only imagine how much work and continual maintenance is required, with ocean waters splashing against it no less, to keep this amazing piece of history alive for future generations to see and learn from.

Just last month, I saw a worker patching up pieces of one of the barrier walls with what I can assume was some sort of masonry or brickwork/stonework tools. It was background noise to me - (peaceful) background noise - as I watched the sun rise above Anastasia Island. I always love to see the fort being worked on and cared for. In fact, In another life, I'd love to be a National Park Service employee. That list of dream jobs remains a mile long, including wanting to be a meteorologist, but I can dream nonetheless.

The Castillo is well taken care of every time I'm there. Visitors love the Castillo, and the National Park Service employees love the Castillo. It always seems to me that the general public, as well as all the fort caretakers, very sincerely love the Castillo, and care for the well being and survival of this historic fort, for the historical significance, and educational aspects the fort provides.

I have been live-streaming from downtown St. Augustine for a few years now, coming here regularly - once a month to stream from this very historic city. St. Augustine is one of my favorite places in the world, and I do believe the town is such a special treasure to The Sunshine State.

As I sit here planning out my schedule for next month's livestreams, it has already crossed my mind that I'm preparing to livestream from St. Augustine once again - very soon. And it's a very strange feeling to me that the Castillo may still be closed in the next couple weeks.

I wonder when this shutdown will end? I wonder when the National Park Service employees will be able to get back to taking care of the Castillo. I wonder how much maintenance is now lacking, and how much imperative maintenance work is now being delayed at the fort. I can only imagine that it all adds up, and fast. Florida weather is harsh on any structure, but one that is hundreds of years old is simply a whole different ball game. And importantly, I wonder when the next batch of visitors will be able to cross through those gates once again?

I have no idea when the federal government will open up. As I write this, I imagine that the shutdown could end directly after I hit publish. Friday night - TGIF! And, just the same, I can imagine the shutdown continuing many, many more weeks, leading into some far off date that no one can possibly even comprehend.

At 44 years of age, it feels like I've now lived through many government shut downs. And it seems that we always tend to figure things out and get moving once again. But during it - in the moment - it always feels so ominous...

I have no answers - but I do know one thing. I'll be quite happy to see that line of visitors, queuing all the way from the ticket booth, down the hill and into the parking lot, once again.~

Click here to subscribe to my YouTube Channel! I take you on all my Floridian adventures - and beyond...

Check out my entire St. Augustine playlist!

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument - National Park Service. Historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida - Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

- Some related news articles from today, October 17, 2025-

News4Jax - Visitors disappointed:
https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/10/17/dont-like-seeing-that-visitors-disappointed-to-see-historic-st-augustine-landmark-closed-amid-government-shutdown/

CBS News - Day 17 of the federal government shutdown:
https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/government-shutdown-2025-latest-senate-day-17/

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10/16/2025 0 Comments

534) October on St. George Street 2025 - St. Augustine, Florida Street By Street!

Walk through the Nation's Oldest City with me!

Join me for a walking tour of the famous St. George Street during the month of October in the historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida! Today we are walking southbound on St. George Street, facing east. We start at State Route A1A and the Old City Gates, and the walk ends at Cathedral Place. I point out the public restrooms along the way as well. Plus, Christmas is starting now…
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If you’re enjoying walking through St. Augustine with me, you can check out my entire St. Augustine playlist below. And for specific streets - check out my Street By Street playlist!

This video was filmed on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida.CP683.
#walkingtour #staugustine #florida
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Hey there fellow dreamers! March Before You Feel Like It... If you've got dreams - it's up to YOU to make them come true.

I'm Christine Pieper, and these are my Floridian dreams. I am an artist, writer, and content creator here on YouTube, living my very best life in The Sunshine State. I'm here to give you a push - I want you to have the best day of your life today, then do it all over again tomorrow. These are my dreams, and if you've got dreams - it's up to you to make them come true - and no one else.

Come with me for livestreams and videos from somewhere in The Sunshine State - as I take you along on all of my Floridian adventures - and beyond! Join me for walking tours, dining reviews, hotel and beach cottage room tours, adventure hikes, beach walks, sunrises, sunsets, as well as simply soaking in and appreciating the sights and sounds of the world around us.

So be sure to SUBSCRIBE and join a community of fellow dreamers so you don’t miss a thing! But either way, please say hello! And let me know - what step are you taking today to pursue all your dreams?

Love you,
Christine

*P.S. Share out this video with anyone you know who wants to go on an adventure!*

‘Genevieve’s Journey Through Jacksonville’
*My hardcover children’s book - FOR SALE ON AMAZON*
https://a.co/d/1TZtK69

How you can directly support the content on this YouTube Channel:
1) Subscribe, Like & Share! www.youtube.com/@christinepieper
2) Original Artwork: http://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/art-for-sale.html
3) Merch:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/all
4) Genevieve’s Journey Through Jacksonville:
https://a.co/d/1TZtK69
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https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/childrens-books.html
6) Bean’s Blog: http://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com
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Christine’s Best Hurricane Tips - Resource Guide:
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/besthurricanetips.html
8) Want to know when my next livestream is? My upcoming livestream schedule is published right here!
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/upcoming-livestream-schedule.html
9) PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/christinepieper
10) Venmo: http://venmo.com/u/beansfldreams
___
*Editorial Disclaimer:
All opinions are my very own, and are not the opinions of any paid sponsorship, affiliate/review program, or brand partnership.
___
Welcome to another day on this beautiful planet Earth. Now, let’s go on an adventure together! Subscribe. Like. Share… and Dream.

*Some of my many playlists!*
St. Augustine, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=o_Qfzdx097fcWzyL
Jacksonville, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IShaHCmZoxotV080ibgVsIr&si=jb1y1ei9SMFb2rCt
Jacksonville Beach, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQPEtmraXz0KI3AX5JZzdCF&si=nyde-EtVMAE-Zmkq
Key West, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQvk6hB2gNXj07thvqkHn-B&si=wB2CcjbYeHv7SSt2
Anna Maria Island, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQXpwCkVgcoKVId4YHBZ9Kj&si=4HoOeFP_VAjG1EXb
Amelia Island, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITkpYSdN53GaAkJfvwmviFo&si=e7MsA4Ynun9c8EVk
Walt Disney World:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQEGosRCDMbWjUIm6ZU935m&si=9Exn07ANb_niYbnY
Life Is Like A Hurricane:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITbxeOPj4Dih-BASPu7S2_Y&si=w-usqKCLabdcim28
Wake Up The Sun With Me!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITEmbujQFF7DdnfoNcPxTX2&si=TP2W2eu6LI0vZNIk
Sights & Sounds:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQ7hppxxZxSM8LpK1b5K4bC&si=WOCSokPr-2MmtiGV
Bird-Watching:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ISQID8YxVxpOfg5eoEyWNb3&si=cC05FMMPjSmUQWfU
Street To The Beach, Baby!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IRoz5DTxJ8Gkw0g2Qb2FNzt&si=4hG6Nz8muJtab-O8
Street By Street!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQJN1mSpoBKNuks5JFcYt5h&si=wnHjpNx_XTFuKuwQ
Streetcars, Trains & Automobiles:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IRgsF7GMOSi6IDoFzGJrry_&si=0PeSudxbamAZ77o9
Walking Tours:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQ14du7XgCyFbWvPrg95ElI&si=YdXtPuXxJpHqmQMl
Driving Tours:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ISKKS-uYTv3OnhQ8KPy9qPc&si=cxtN6nJohiOpcsel
Hotel Room Tours:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITvP329HFpdEIjn9ojIDjCF&si=L0TNUXtmfUWfwzI0
Vlogmas - These Are My Christmas Dreams!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQaLQ6aEOByGpkF1DLtXY1j&si=8U69QYdeWuOYxYGw
Sheltie Life - These Are My Shetland Sheepdog’s Dreams!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IT8qr3Q1t-hZwWeKxBXsDZ-&si=zOvNA3vxvM9MgzB0
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9/20/2025 0 Comments

522) Sunrise Summary - St. Augustine, Florida September 2025

Good morning from beautiful St. Augustine, Florida! This video is a compilation of clips from our recent sunrise livestream on Monday, September 15th, 2025 - along the Matanzas Bay looking outward toward the open - in The Sunshine State.

The full livestream replay is linked right here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNXPZhAqO24&t=1418s

If you are enjoying my livestreams and videos from the Nation’s Oldest City, or are looking for more St. Augustine information, definitely check out my full St. Augustine, Florida playlist below - as I film (and livestream) in St. Augustine on a regular basis!

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for joining me for another day on this beautiful planet Earth.

‘Genevieve’s Journey Through Jacksonville’
*My new hardcover children’s book - FOR SALE ON AMAZON*
https://a.co/d/1TZtK69

Christine’s Best Hurricane Tips - Resource Page:
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/besthurricanetips.html

St. Augustine, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=KfLWkPsQsFOI0FfU
Vilano Beach, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITLvAmxPazgm84eZxLgh29v&si=pNSy8cY6TpOhFJ97
Life Is Like A Hurricane:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITbxeOPj4Dih-BASPu7S2_Y&si=etc-iXtBkz464cMO
Downtown Jacksonville, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IShaHCmZoxotV080ibgVsIr&si=ssuH6t2wW0Tw_Pz0
Sights & Sounds:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQ7hppxxZxSM8LpK1b5K4bC&si=xiCirmxEHI5lvQ7W
Street By Street:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQJN1mSpoBKNuks5JFcYt5h&si=-hOCvtXLtEWu31kx
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Lady - Disney ‘Lady & The Tramp’ Mini Mix-It:
https://www.disneystore.com/lady-disney-mini-mix-its-plush-lady-and-the-tramp-70th-anniversary-7-415168164813.html?CMP=KNC-DSSGoogle&efc=179006&CMP=KNC-DSS_FY25_DCR_TRA_DOM_EVGR_ECM_GNRL_PMAX_ProductFeed_Category%7CG%7C5259201.XF.AM.SB.03%7CMF9MFIS&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22184972121&gbraid=0AAAAADlxM4dcdV5F0R7JYksKmd457qHhv&gclid=CjwKCAjwobnGBhBNEiwAu2mpFPTc0PQbNkloTZAMPLJiedFP1azKhwnV6N3ElKJwa80d84zEwMzFJBoCOdoQAvD_BwE

This video was filmed LIVE on Monday, September 15, 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida.
Video 663.
#sunrise #staugustine #florida #birdwatching
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8/15/2025 0 Comments

508) Street By Street - St. Augustine, Florida Walking Tour - Waterfront A1A 2025

Let's Go For A Walk Together, Shall We?!

Join me on this beautiful summer day in historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida for a scenic walking tour!

This is the first video in a new series on the channel, and I’m calling it “Street By Street!” Let me know what you think? We have a similar series on the channel called “Street To The Beach” (linked below) so I’m excited to add this new series as well.

What “Street By Street” means is that I will be taking you on a walking tour of a specific street, in a particular town. The walk will focus on one side of the street. A separate video would focus on the other side of that street. So it means you will get a detailed view from each side of the same street. As, of course, each side of a street offers completely different vantage points, details, and scenery. So you will come away with a complete picture of a particular street in that town!

So what this series means for St. Augustine going forward is that we will be walking each street of the beautiful, historic downtown. Keep in mind I already do this LIVE on the channel (playlist linked below), but sometimes signal drops on the streets we livestream, so there’s some areas that we don’t really get to see in detail on livestream. So this new video option will allow me to offer you a very detailed picture of anything we don’t cover on a livestream.

So I hope you enjoy this new series, and I can’t wait to share with you the next Street By Street!

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for joining me for another day on this beautiful planet Earth.

*My new hardcover children’s book - FOR SALE ON AMAZON*
https://a.co/d/1TZtK69
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/books.html

Christine’s Best Hurricane Tips - Resource Page:
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/besthurricanetips.html

Street To The Beach, Baby!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IRoz5DTxJ8Gkw0g2Qb2FNzt&si=gdLQYNYsinwToG-a
St. Augustine:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=KfLWkPsQsFOI0FfU

*St. Augustine Merch*
St. Arrrrrgustine black pirate ship:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/starrrrrgustine+-+black?idea=685ebc6a31a02b63eb9c4967
St. Arrrrrgustine white pirate ship:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/starrrrrgustine+-+white?idea=685ebe888a1bb06094b0f174
St. Arrrrrgustine black pirate ship with red sun:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/starrrrrgustine+-+red?idea=685ebeb28a1bb06094b13617

This video was filmed on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida.
Video 648.
#walkingtour #streetbystreet #staugustine #florida
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7/29/2025 0 Comments

503) July in downtown St. Augustine, Florida - Sunrise LIVE 7.29.25

Join me this Tuesday morning LIVE for sunrise in historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida!

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for joining me for another day on this beautiful planet Earth.

*COMING SOON!*
‘Genevieve’s Journey Through Jacksonville’
My new hardcover children’s book will be launching on Amazon: Tuesday, August 5, 2025!
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/books.html
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Christine’s Best Hurricane Tips - Resource Page:
https://www.christinesfloridiandreams.com/besthurricanetips.html
Ranking Sunblocks Worst To Best - Florida Endless Summer Is Here, Baby!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQtWeh8zn6g&t=272s
Summer 2025 Road Trip!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IT3HKaIBlieAS2LLVHGhNh4&si=TcMbkaL2VMEtfNtb
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Life Is Like A Hurricane:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITbxeOPj4Dih-BASPu7S2_Y&si=etc-iXtBkz464cMO
Jacksonville Beach, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQPEtmraXz0KI3AX5JZzdCF&si=NHHttNq_jx6ZIv15
Jacksonville, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IShaHCmZoxotV080ibgVsIr&si=ssuH6t2wW0Tw_Pz0
Sights & Sounds:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQ7hppxxZxSM8LpK1b5K4bC&si=ZJ_7aHQByI8FoKHN
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*NEW - St. Augustine merch designs!*
St. Argggggustine - black:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/starrrrrgustine+-+black?idea=685ebc6a31a02b63eb9c4967
St. Argggggustine - white:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/starrrrrgustine+-+white?idea=685ebe888a1bb06094b0f174
St. Arrrrrgustine - black and red:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/starrrrrgustine+-+red?idea=685ebeb28a1bb06094b13617
___
If you’re planning a trip to St. Augustine, Florida - be sure to check out my entire St. Augustine playlist - right here!
St. Augustine, Florida:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=LYAZwJkkAHImGNUY
___
Plus, these are some other great online resources to help you plan your visit:
Visit St. Augustine - https://www.visitstaugustine.com/
Visitor Information Center from the City of St. Augustine - https://www.citystaug.com/618/Visitor-Information-Center
Visit Florida - https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/northeast/st-augustine/
Castillo de San Marcos (part of the National Park Service) -
https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm

This was filmed LIVE on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida.
Video 641.
Livestream 264.
#sunrise #staugustine #florida
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PUBLISHED Wednesday 7.30.25

Hey there fellow dreamers!

Thank you for joining me to watch a lovely sunrise from beautiful St. Augustine, Florida yesterday.

It was one of the hottest days this year here and I definitely felt it. This entire week seems like it will be in the 90's and full of that Florida humid extreme heat, with the feels like temps over a hundred. It's that deep and wet humidity that really gets to you after just a minute or two lol. You wouldn't know that humidity by looking at these sunrise photos though. The always picturesque St. Augustine - is always warm and inviting.

Love you,
Christine

P.S. In case you missed July in St. Augustine LIVE, the replay is linked above!

Also, as predicted, I saw many more crabs, and a stingray, right after the stream ended of course.

#sunrise #staugustine #florida

~ Before & After ~

Which do you choose?

This week's before and after - in downtown St. Augustine, Florida.

#sunrise #staugustine #florida

Before Sunrise.

After Sunrise.

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5/29/2025 0 Comments

483) Sunrise Summary - St. Augustine, Florida - May 2025

Good morning from beautiful St. Augustine, Florida! Did you know that St. Augustine is known as The Ancient City? I do a LIVE walking tour of St. Augustine on my channel - each month!

This video is a compilation of clips from our May 2025 livestream in downtown St. Augustine, as we enjoyed a sunrise walk along the St. Augustine Inlet and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Be sure to check out the full livestream replay, which is linked below, as well as my entire St. Augustine playlist.

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for joining me for another day on this beautiful planet Earth.
___
Here’s our May 2025 St. Augustine Walking Tour! (we see a Bonnethead Shark toward the end of the livestream):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR3gujZDlEA&t=2796s
Also, check out my full St. Augustine, Florida playlist!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=LYAZwJkkAHImGNUY
Plus, here’s my full Jacksonville Beach, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQPEtmraXz0KI3AX5JZzdCF&si=NHHttNq_jx6ZIv15
And, here’s my Jacksonville, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IShaHCmZoxotV080ibgVsIr&si=ssuH6t2wW0Tw_Pz0
Sights & Sounds playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQ7hppxxZxSM8LpK1b5K4bC&si=ZJ_7aHQByI8FoKHN
And, check out my Ponte Vedra Beach playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITDVUj3DL2G7sstOzpkdxUn&si=VgFXgZqskBC6w3R9
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Visit St. Augustine:
https://www.visitstaugustine.com/
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument - National Park Service:
https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm
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This video was filmed LIVE on Monday, May 19, 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida.
Video 617.
#walkingtour #staugustine #florida
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5/20/2025 0 Comments

479) Guana River SAVED - for now...

Sometimes we need to listen to the bonnethead sharks of the world.

Hey there fellow dreamers. This channel is all about our dreams in this world. And one of my dreams has always been to see a sea turtle - out in nature, in the wild. We've seen plenty of nests, but never the actual turtle. I never knew if it would ever actually happen or not. But thanks to you all, it finally happened. I don't know if I'll ever be the same, or if I'll ever live it down lol.

Anyways, thanks for joining me on a walking tour of beautiful downtown St. Augustine, Florida for our motivational Monday livestream! The sun rising over Matanzas Bay is quite a sight to behold, and I must say - a great way to start the week.

We covered a lot of ground together yesterday, both literally and figuratively. And I definitely need to recap here in case you haven't caught the stream yet, because as I mentioned, we covered a lot of ground. Beyond the sunrise itself, here were some of our sights and [12] agenda items:

1) Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, and walk around the exterior of the structure.
2) Fort or Castle ??
3) Low tide birds and creatures
4) Paid Parking kiosks downtown St. Augustine
5) Avenida Menendez / State Route A1A
6) Front of the Best Western, the Hilton, plus a historical marker
7) Front of the brand new Saint Italian Restaurant
6) 'Vacation Mode: ON' = new matching family vacation tees option available in my Merch Shop
7) Discussing potential 'St. Arrrrrgustine' merch lol
8) Setting for my children's book revealed
9) The EXPLORE Act - became law on January 4, 2025. H.R. 6492 - from the 118th Congress (2023-2024). A fabulous update for filming and photography for life in the modern, digital age, and geared specifically toward content creators and social media in general. Previously, filming inside National Parks was not allowed - without a permit, fees, and quite a cumbersome process, with much advance planning.

The EXPLORE Act now allows content creators, and anyone at all of course, to bring the sights and sounds of America's beautiful National Parks to the world much more easily, through social media, without having to go through the permitting process, paying fees, and planning far in advance. Weather, for me, being my biggest concern. I can just imagine actually booking (let's say roughly a month or two in advance) a filming visit, and then a massive Florida thunderstorm ruining the outing. So this just wasn't ideal for me on a personal level to plan a visit to bring this content to my channel in the past.

Personally, I am so excited and happy this law was passed, and I love the law as much as its name. EXPLORE is what we do on this channel. We go on adventures - together.

And now we can add national parks into our content. I believe showcasing the natural beauty of our planet Earth is integral to helping keep our planet safe, clean, and habitable for future generations. Visibility, seeing the sights, hearing the sounds, and learning about the creatures who call that particular place home, helps others appreciate how amazing our natural world really is. And in today's day and age, we do need content creators who are willing to film or photograph National Parks and publish to social media so everyone can continually see, and learn about, the natural world and history around us. And I do think the EXPLORE Act will help us all do just that.

And believe it or not, the greater Jacksonville area has many National Parks to visit! So, we will be adding those into our content library in the near future - another video series. And I can't wait to take you to our first National Park visit.

I will be putting out a Community Poll, and YOU will be deciding what site we visit first together.

10) The final subject was about the Guana River in St. Johns County - and I saved that for the end of the stream after we concluded our walk, because you know I like to talk. If you haven't watched the replay yet, I covered the fact that this Wednesday, May 21st, about 600 acres of state owned land along the beautiful Guana River and in a preserve land trust, was potentially going to be approved as a land swap with a company named Upland LLC, for other land scattered throughout the entire state of Florida.

The good news is that in the middle of the night, again, last night I found out the agenda item was set aside - for now. So the people of St. Johns County, and from much farther away, helped save the Guana River Reserve - for now. I say 'for now' because I am learning, and I remember, that last year when a similar instance (not necessarily a swap, but a potential development) was very close to being allowed to proceed at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine Beach. I then learned that state preserves are not as preserved as I always thought they always would be. And that instance led me to find there was a similar instance 5 years ago, where Guana River was in need of saving. This means, in my opinion, it will need to be saved in the future, once again.

I did go out to the property in question yesterday, and was able to grab some film (from vantage point of the road paralleling the land parcel). I'll definitely get it posted on the channel, just for whatever the future holds for this preserve.

I do not believe this is the last of this matter, and I believe the people of this Earth will need to continually help advocate and protect what remains of our state preserves. This was not private property. This is state owned land in trust to be preserved. And just personally, I do find it ironic that this all happened right when I learned about the EXPLORE Act, as a measure to help bring our beautiful National Parks to more people through the eyes and lenses of content creators. And also ironic as I had planned to tell you yesterday that the setting of my children's book takes place in what I like to call 'Wild Florida' - all the natural wonders of the state's landscape, from the ocean and the beach, to the salt marsh, the intracoastal, the swamps, the creeks and waterways, the St. Johns River, and into downtown Jacksonville.

11) Lastly, as we were discussing our beautiful planet Earth, and the potential habitat loss for alligators, turtles, snakes, birds, and many more creatures... We were then greeted by more creatures. And yes, it was a shark who came to say hello to us as I was ending our stream. I firmly believe this shark wanted to add his input on the subject matter at hand.

Sometimes, I've learned, Earth's wild creatures are much smarter than we tend to give them credit. And sometimes, we need to listen more to the bonnethead sharks, the egrets, the pigeons, the amazing alligators, and the magical sea turtles of this world.

12) And yes, a precious sea turtle came right up to me and said hello after our stream ended yesterday. I'd dreamed of such a moment sincerely for eight years. And this one, I did catch on film.

Love you,
Christine

#walkingtour #staugustine #florida

SHORT - Castillo de San Marcos - bird watching in St. Augustine 5.19.25
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR3gujZDlEA&t=2794s

This video was filmed LIVE on Monday, May 19, 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida.
Video 610.
#birdwatching #staugustine #florida

0 Comments

5/19/2025 0 Comments

478) Save Guana River in St. Johns County / Sunrise walk in St. Augustine, FL 5.19.25

Join me on this motivational Monday morning for a sunrise walk in St. Augustine - LIVE!

Today we will be watching the sunrise over the Matanzas Bay in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida. Plus, we’ll check on the Castillo de San Marco, and maybe we can see any construction updates visible to us outside the Fort as we walk.

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for joining me for another day on this beautiful planet Earth.
___
Here’s my full St. Augustine, Florida playlist!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=LYAZwJkkAHImGNUY
Also, here’s my Jacksonville, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IShaHCmZoxotV080ibgVsIr&si=ssuH6t2wW0Tw_Pz0
Sights & Sounds playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQ7hppxxZxSM8LpK1b5K4bC&si=ZJ_7aHQByI8FoKHN
Florida Keys Winter 2025 playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ISRqEVeLn6hI7xEsoQuHnEh&si=GSQuoloLiWj7rOd9
Check out my Ponte Vedra Beach playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITDVUj3DL2G7sstOzpkdxUn&si=VgFXgZqskBC6w3R9
Also, here’s my Jacksonville Beach, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IQPEtmraXz0KI3AX5JZzdCF&si=NHHttNq_jx6ZIv15
___
*Matching family vacation tees! My newest merch in my shop for summer VACAY*
Vacation Mode: ON - purple and green:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/vacation+mode+on+-+purple+and+green?idea=6824f3b9b5898862be634071
Vacation Mode: ON - white and green:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/vacation+mode+on+-+white+and+green?idea=6824f1d8925a11349a2c4a8b
*Flowers & Gardens & Shelties*
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/flowers+and+gardens+and+shelties?idea=67d73d285d18d61c400fb22d
___
Castillo de San Marco National Monument - National Park Service:
https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm
Visit St. Augustine:
https://www.visitstaugustine.com/
Check out SundaysOnMain Etsy Shop for the friendship bracelet I purchased - right here!
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SundaysOnMain
Jeven Dovey YouTube Channel - HUGE NEWS Filming In National Parks Is ALLOWED For YouTubers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4eZouItmO0
H.R. 6492 EXPLORE Act - from the 118th Congress (2023-2024), became law 1.04.2025:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6492/text

*Save Guana!*
Stop the Swap - Florida Land Swap - Audubon Florida - petition:
https://act.audubon.org/a/arclandswap
May 2025 State of Florida ARC Meeting (Acquisition and Restoration Council) re: Guana River Wildlife Management Area - Exchange:
https://floridadep.gov/sites/default/files/2025-05/Item04_Guana_River_WMA_Exchange.pdf?emci=562d8a06-1c31-f011-8b3d-6045bded8cca&emdi=6fd539b7-2031-f011-8b3d-6045bded8cca&ceid=3224832
JaxTrib - The Tributary - controversial northeast Florida land deal:
https://jaxtrib.org/2025/05/18/susie-wiles-trumps-chief-of-staff-slams-controversial-northeast-florida-land-deal/
Action News Jax - Stop the Swap:
https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/stop-swap-st-johns-county-residents-leaders-protest-against-guana-land-swap-saturday/Q6OPRP4NPZAFZN3RUO4ORXPTSI/
First Coast News - Residents rally against proposed Guana Preserve land swap:
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/politics/residents-rally-against-proposed-guana-preserve-land-swap/77-186debba-fa48-4183-8644-d4e2a6b90c1a
___
This was filmed LIVE on Monday, May 19, 2025 in St. Augustine, Florida.
Video 609.
Livestream 247.
#walkingtour #staugustine #florida
___

0 Comments

11/24/2024 0 Comments

376) Walking Tour of Spanish Street and Treasury Street in St. Augustine, Florida

We certainly were treated with a surprise toward the very end of yesterday's live stream in St. Augustine, Florida! In case you missed Thursday's walking tour, definitely go ahead and check this one out. And share out the stream with others who may want to go on an adventure together.

A lot of ground was covered yesterday, and we had a fabulous time doing it. Christmas has officially arrived in historic downtown St. Augustine, and it was so lovely to see it. This town really knows how to go all out for the holidays and I am here for it lol.

All the lights, garland, wreaths, and ornaments are being displayed throughout the town. The tree is up in the Plaza. And we even saw the main man himself hanging out at various locations throughout town. It's important to keep your wish list handy when in St. Augustine, because you never know where and when Santa Claus will appear there.

Plus, the 31st Annual St. Augustine Nights of Lights officially begins tomorrow! (Saturday, November 23, 2024 through January 26, 2025) And you can see the lights by boat, or you can see them by trolley. Ding, Ding! And lastly, you can see the lights by simply walking around town and soaking in all the magic on foot.

Do let me know if you've ever been to the St. Augustine Nights of Lights? Are you planning on attending this year?

On this walk we started with sunrise on the Matanzas River, walked the lower level of the Castillo de San Marco exterior, made our way over to the Perky Pelican Christmas Shoppe - to show the distance between the Christmas store and the rest of the downtown. And then we walked down the entirety of Spanish Street and Treasury Street, adding two streets to our list of walking tours on this day! Some parts of both those streets were new to me as well so it was really exciting to see some of the inns and beautiful old homes along the way.

But at the end of our walk there was an unanticipated and special surprise, so definitely go check it out if you haven't caught the replay yet. I must say there's always something special, or wild, going on in Florida, and this day was no exception. You never know when you may run into a pirate ship either!

Love ya,
Christine

P.S. See you tomorrow for Saturday in St. Marys, Georgia! St. Marys is a beautiful coastal river town on the border of Florida and Georgia, and we'll be checking out the riverfront together. Maybe Santa will be there too, who knows?

#walkingtour #staugustine #florida
___

0 Comments

11/21/2024 0 Comments

374) November in Historic St. Augustine, Florida - Walking Tour 11.21.2024

Good morning fellow dreamers. Join me this morning in beautiful and historic St. Augustine, Florida - known as The Ancient City!

We have been exploring this fascinating town together, street by street, block by block - LIVE - for quite some time now. And today, we’ll be checking out some more new areas that we haven’t seen yet together on the channel.

So thanks for joining me today in St. Augustine, Florida! Have you ever been here? What’s your favorite area, and what do I need to see and do next?

If you’re new to the channel, welcome to a community of dreamers. Either way, definitely be sure to say hello! And many thanks for walking alongside me today.

Love you,
Christine

P.S. Like. Share. Subscribe… and Dream.

Be sure to check out this adorable little bird's morning routine in Jacksonville Beach, Florida!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKRRBHFok7c&t=99s
Hey! Did you know I livestream in Jacksonville, Florida on a regular basis? Check out my Jax playlist right here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IShaHCmZoxotV080ibgVsIr&si=VjVQKbWOfsSlnsxw
Also, here’s my St. Augustine playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=8tzoLWMwIlzuh04W

*Thanksgiving Merch is here! New designs for 2024:*
I Came In Like A Butterball 1.0:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/butterball1?idea=6716f685031199471ee35eee
I Came In Like A Butterball 2.0:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/butterball2?idea=67170923031199471eed4b68
Whatever Floats Your Gravy Boat:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/gravyboat?idea=6717bc74031199471e596ff2
Thankful 2.0:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/thankful?idea=6717b6836852e61ff92d2136
*More Thanksgiving Merch:*
Thankful red:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/thankful?idea=5dbafb4ff9376439614a63f3
Thankful white:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/thankful?idea=5dbaffe420517624c577071f
Gobble ‘Til You Wobble:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/thanksgivingtshirtdesigns?idea=65456a42c49e936fda71000c
Edelen’s Braidwood Inn:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/edelens?idea=65456e8b60522920d7a4c224
Contrack Getting Nowhere Fast:
https://christines-floridian-dreams.myspreadshop.com/contrack?idea=65457055c49e936fda75accc

Visit St. Augustine:
https://www.visitstaugustine.com/
St. Augustine Nights of Lights:
https://www.visitstaugustine.com/topics/nights-lights
Perky Pelican Christmas Shoppe:
https://www.perkypelican.com/
Castillo de San Marcos - National Park Service:
https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm

This was filmed LIVE on Thursday, November 21, 2024 in St. Augustine, Florida.

Video 515.
Livestream 213.

#walkingtour #staugustine #florida
___

'Perky Pelican Christmas Shoppe' 2024. 6x8 watercolor on cold press watercolor paper.

0 Comments

8/21/2024 0 Comments

312) St. Augustine, Florida - Historic Downtown Walking Tour 8.21.2024

Happy Wednesday fellow dreamers! Today we are continuing with our series of walking tours in the fabulous historic downtown St. Augustine, Florida. Join me as we explore the Nation’s Oldest City - together.

Have you ever been to St. Augustine, Florida? Are you planning a trip here to The Sunshine State? Let me know!

But either way, if this is your first time finding my YouTube Channel, or you’ve already been on many travels and Floridian adventures with me, definitely be sure to say hello! And I’ll see you somewhere under that beautiful sun.

Love ya,
Christine

P.S. Be sure to share out my YouTube Channel with anyone who wants to go on an adventure!

*Please note the start time for this live stream is approximate due to travel. Keep your notification bell ON if you’d like to catch this stream while LIVE! I will start early if I am able.*

Hey! Did you know I livestream in St. Augustine on a regular basis? Check out my St. Augustine playlist right here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=-lah6qUud5Qp6EeK

Also, here’s my Vilano Beach playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITLvAmxPazgm84eZxLgh29v&si=pExDipxyIKWK5CNE

Check out my recent walking tour of St. Augustine Beach:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p-wevrjHvQ&t=121s

Be sure to join our fabulous evening together exploring downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iecq5mWCumU&t=1124s

Let’s take a summer road trip together!
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITN8kLbt84W9-7tqYXWwRlK&si=hdI_Av0SXPn3y0SN

Florida Endless Summer is here, baby! Protecting your skin from the sun is so important. Check out this video where I rank seven different sunblocks - from worst to best:
https://youtu.be/GQtWeh8zn6g?si=dKGHorMlJbhdFZvX
___

Mr. Weatherman late August forecast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAQPhPy0ZaE
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument:
https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm
Tolomato Cemetery:
http://www.tolomatocemetery.com/
Southern Wind Inn:
https://www.southernwindinn.com/
Casa de Suenos Bed & Breakfast:
https://casadesuenos.com/
Carriage Way - Centennial Bed & Breakfast:
https://www.centennialhouse.com/
Carriage Way Inn Bed & Breakfast:
https://www.carriageway.com/
The Old Powder House Inn:
https://www.oldpowderhouse.com/
___
This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 in St. Augustine, Florida.

Video 466.
Livestream 171.

#walkingtour #staugustine #florida
___

'Casa de Suenos 2024' 6x8 watercolor on cold press watercolor paper [NOT FOR SALE].

0 Comments

7/10/2024 0 Comments

285) St. Augustine, Florida - Historic Downtown Walking Tour 7.10.24

Join me in fabulous St. Augustine, Florida for a LIVE walking tour! This amazing town, loaded with history and overflowing with charm, was founded in 1565 and is known as The Ancient City. Today we’ll be exploring along the shining, beautiful waterfront, as well as the historic downtown and old buildings. We’ll have some fun together for sure, and maybe we’ll even learn a little something along the way.

Have you ever been to St. Augustine? Are you planning a future trip here to the Nation’s Oldest City? Let me know!

But either way, if this is your first time finding my Channel, or you’ve already been on many Floridian adventures with me, definitely be sure to say hello! And I’ll see you somewhere under that beautiful sun.

Love ya,
Christine

P.S. Be sure to share out my YouTube Channel with anyone who wants to go on an adventure!

*Please note the start time for this live stream is approximate due to travel. Keep your notification bell ON if you’d like to catch this stream while LIVE! I will start early if I am able.

Hey! Did you know I livestream regularly in St. Augustine, Florida? Check out my playlist of the Nation’s Oldest City right here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IR1_dRr5VSHL0-RVtvKNDSV&si=M4Y4wg2oc8DKV5EK

Also, be sure to check out my downtown Jacksonville, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7IShaHCmZoxotV080ibgVsIr&si=iAtLEO3FFfomwTCV

Plus - located just over the intracoastal bridge - here’s my Vilano Beach, Florida playlist:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLa7nooQvf7ITLvAmxPazgm84eZxLgh29v&si=syajK0jTXIQEAQl6

Florida Endless Summer is here, baby! Protecting your skin from the sun is so important. Check out this video where I rank seven different sunblocks (from worst to best) for 2024:
https://youtu.be/GQtWeh8zn6g?si=dKGHorMlJbhdFZvX

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
11 South Castillo Drive
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm

Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront
32 Avenida Menendez
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/usthdhf-hilton-st-augustine-historic-bayfront/?SEO_id=GMB-AMER-HH-USTHDHF&y_source=1_MTIyMDg3MS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%253D%253D

Best Western Historic Bayfront
16 Avenida Menendez
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.10373.html?iata=00171880&ssob=BLBWI0004G&cid=BLBWI0004G:google:gmb:10373

Kookaburra Coffee
The Kookaburra Downtown
24 Cathedral Place
St. Augustine, Florida 32084
https://thekookaburracoffee.com/

This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 in St. Augustine, Florida.

Video 442.
Livestream 147.

#walkingtour #staugustine #florida

___

0 Comments

2/21/2024 0 Comments

210) Walk With Me: Morning in Historic Downtown St. Augustine! St. George Street & Castillo de San Marcos

Hey Dreamers!!

I may go LIVE before the 9:00 am scheduled start time. Please have your notification bell set if you’d like to go for a morning walk in spectacular downtown St. Augustine with me LIVE! We're going to check out the lovely St. George Street, then walk a lap around the exterior of the Castillo de San Marcos. Thanks so much for joining me on this gorgeous winter morning in Florida!

And if you’re watching the replay, let me know how you are doing? And, what step are you taking today to help make all your dreams come true?

Love you,
Christine

P.S. Did you know that St. Augustine, Florida is known as the Nation’s Oldest City?

For more information on the Castillo de San Marcos, visit the National Park Service at:
https://www.nps.gov/casa/index.htm

This was filmed LIVE on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 in St. Augustine, Florida?

Video 303.
Livestream 85.

#walkwithme #staugustine #florida
___

'Winter at the Castillo' 11x14 Acrylic on Canvas Wrap, 2024.

Hey Dreamers! Have you ever been to St. Augustine, Florida?

I had a phenomenal time with y'all this morning as we took a lovely walking tour of St. George Street, saw the shining and glistening waterfront, and experienced fabulous views of the massive Castillo de San Marcos! This fort is part of the National Park Service and is a National Monument in the United States. And, gosh by golly.... the sight of it never gets old. It truly is something special to look at.

And while St. Augustine itself is the nation's oldest city, it never gets old coming to visit here either. I do sincerely love coming to St. Augustine - whether for an hour, a dinner out, or an entire day of fun in the Florida sun, I have so many special memories that are housed in this here special little town along the First Coast.

So, thank you so much for joining me this morning as we got to experience St. Augustine - together! It means the world to me that you and I go walking with each other, hand in hand.

Love you, Christine

P.S. If you didn't catch the stream while LIVE, definitely check out the replay. Either way, I would love to know your thoughts, and if you've ever been to this very old, and very special, little town?

#nationalparkservice #staugustine #florida

___

0 Comments

YOUR CART

535) Day 17 - Castillo de San Marcos is closed during the federal government shutdown - St. Augustine, Florida

534) October on St. George Street 2025 - St. Augustine, Florida Street By Street!

YouTube Test & Compare:

522) Sunrise Summary - St. Augustine, Florida September 2025

508) Street By Street - St. Augustine, Florida Walking Tour - Waterfront A1A 2025

503) July in downtown St. Augustine, Florida - Sunrise LIVE 7.29.25

~ Before & After ~

483) Sunrise Summary - St. Augustine, Florida - May 2025

479) Guana River SAVED - for now...

Sometimes we need to listen to the bonnethead sharks of the world.

478) Save Guana River in St. Johns County / Sunrise walk in St. Augustine, FL 5.19.25

376) Walking Tour of Spanish Street and Treasury Street in St. Augustine, Florida

374) November in Historic St. Augustine, Florida - Walking Tour 11.21.2024

312) St. Augustine, Florida - Historic Downtown Walking Tour 8.21.2024

285) St. Augustine, Florida - Historic Downtown Walking Tour 7.10.24

210) Walk With Me: Morning in Historic Downtown St. Augustine! St. George Street & Castillo de San Marcos

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