August 2022
Guided game drive
Only half an hour’s drive from where we currently live is Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. Instead of doing our weekly shopping on a Saturday morning, we decided it would be much more fun to go on a guided game drive – I’m sure you’ll agree it is indeed much better than shopping.
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve:
You’ll find this private game reserve just 50km (31 miles) from East London Airport. It is in the heart of the Wild Coast and has 4 of the Big 5 animals (apparently the elephants have caused too many problems for the farms that surround this reserve). The reserve is a malaria-free zone and because it’s on the Wild Coast, beautiful beaches are also close by.
Inkwenkwezi offers different types of guided game drives. There is a choice between early morning, afternoon or sunset game drives. Besides the game drives, there are also many other activities, such as quad bike tours and guided forest walks. You can also stay in their wonderful accommodation if you prefer to be in the reserve.
We chose the early morning game drive of 3 hours. As we drove into the reserve, we spotted some zebras near the road.
Before we left on the game drive, we walked around Inkwenkwezi’s garden to take pictures. The staff were busy preparing for a wedding that would take place later in the morning and they were busy decorating their lovely restaurant with white linen and flowers. I think you must be very lucky to have your wedding here on Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. Can you imagine how beautiful such photos would be?
We enjoyed complimentary hot drinks while Gareth, our guide, prepared the vehicle for us. At 8:30 we departed from the main building for a very relaxing 3-hour drive through the picturesque landscape of Inkwenwezi. It was just the two of us on the game drive with Gareth, which was great. He stopped at our requests to take some photos and answered our many questions effortlessly.
The first part of the drive goes through a very dense area and we didn’t see any animals (although I’m sure they were there among the dense bushes and tall trees). Once we got to the open area of ββthe reserve, we started seeing wild animals.
The first animals we encountered were two ostriches. And we were very privileged to see the ‘male mating dance’. The male ‘dances’ low to the ground to signal to the female that he is ready to mate. Even the female showed brooding behaviour and it was quite a sight to watch these two for some time!
Gareth mentioned that they are experiencing a βgreen droughtβ at the moment. This means there is just enough rain to make the reserve look lush, but not enough to relieve dry conditions. (β )
Our next sight was of a herd of impalas. This is a medium-sized antelope that are mostly found in eastern and southern Africa. They were widespread in the reserve and we saw them often.
And then we saw some giraffes. It’s always great to see them in the wild. Of course, this is not the same group we saw three weeks ago on our houseboat trip in Port Alfred, but they felt like old friends.
At one of the highest points of the reserve we could see the Indian Ocean in the distance. It is a reminder that we are only a short distance from the sea and that the beautiful beaches are very accessible.
We have now approached the highlight of the game drive – a drive through the lion camp. When we drove into the camp, we got the smell of dead animals. The lions had been fed the previous day and Gareth had warned that we might not see them as they were full and probably sleeping in the dense bush.
We drove around for some time. Gareth said the scary thought is that they know about us and can see us, while we can’t see them. Every now and then we heard a light roar. Finally we saw a male and female who were β¦ well, you know β¦ doing their thing. When they saw us, they relaxed and lay down next to each other.
After a while we left these two and drove around one more time to see if we could spot any more lions. And we were lucky with the sight of another male and female. They lay in the sun and we were able to take a few more pictures.
We spent at least half an hour in the lion camp. Gareth went out of his way to find the lions so we could see them up close. It was, well, it was just amazing.
After we drove out of the lion camp, Gareth parked the 4×4 on a high hill. He offered us cold drinks and water while we could stretch our legs a bit. After all the excitement of seeing the lions, I said I had to ‘wee’. We had a good laugh when Gareth said: βWell, any tree is a lava-treeβ!
From here it took another 45 minutes to drive back to the main building. We saw more impalas and zebras, but the other larger animals (such as the rhinoceros, kudus and wildebeest) were nowhere to be found. It didn’t really matter because for us it was fun just being out in nature (and we saw the lions)!
On our way back, near a river, we spotted a leguaan (βlikkewaanβ in Afrikaans) basking in the hot sun.
Just before leaving the dense area, we drove through a river. Gareth stopped here so we could take some photos and just enjoy the tranquility.
Now, that was wayyy better than a shopping trip, wouldn’t you agree? We would like to visit Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve again sometime to see if we can find other animals as well. But we left more than happy after a lovely morning in nature. And Gareth was not only a very knowledgeable guide but also a great 4×4 driver – he took us on a very rough road with ease!
After the game drive we decided to drive to the sea which we had seen earlier from Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve. We drove to Cintsa Beach and then walked to The Jolly Roger Pub where we enjoyed hot drinks β the perfect way to end a great morning.
(β ) The good news is that since we left Inkwenkwezi, it started to rain that very same afternoon β¦ and it rained continuously for 2 days. Hopefully this will bring some welcome relieve.
What an incredible experience, and itβs only 30 minutes from your home!? I think Iβd want to go back every week, and go hungry in the process! π When theTravelsketcher was in SA on business back in the mid 90s, he visited a similar park and got some great photos. I was quite jealous. I love your guideβs comment, βlave-treeβ. Great post!
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Haha Tricia, yes I’m thinking the same thing … I anyway have some winter fat that I need to get rid of π. It was such an amazing way of seeing nature and wildlife – and getting so close to them was just wonderful. I’m happy to hear theTravelsketcher also got the opportunity to visit one of our beautiful parks – I’m sure he still have great memories of that trip. I can’t go past a tree now without thinking “lave-tree” π . Thank you for reading about our game drive and your lovely comments.
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Oh my, me too! I do love a good lunch, and then a nap. π΄ It sounds like an amazing place to visit; maybe someday. He does have some great stories from his time there. I hope to visit someday too!
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You’re retired Tricia…it’s mandatory to take a nap after lunch π. I really hope you get to see wildlife in nature one day – it is almost as wonderful as seeing all those lovely chΓ’teaux in France!
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Oui, a nap is mandatory! I hope so too. Iβll take wildlife over chΓ’teaux any day. π
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Wow, what a fun way to spend Saturday morning. There’s nothing quite as exciting as getting close to the animals or learning about ecology, flora and fauna. It certainly classifies as an unparalleled wildlife viewing experience. Thanks for sharing. I hope all is well π Aiva xx
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I agree Aiva, this is how I would like to spent a Saturday morning! And you’re absolutely right, one learn so much from nature (and even better when the guide is so knowledgeable). Thank you for reading about our game drive and thanks for asking – all is well on this side of the world. Hope the same there with you guys, take care πΈ.
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Wat ‘n pragtige versameling foto’s – asof mens self deur die natuur ry.
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Baie dankie Elsabe πΈ. Ek wens ek kon ook die reuk van die natuur hier byvoeg … wanneer ons deur die riviere gery het, was daar so ‘n heerlike “nat natuur reuk” en dan weer ‘n “vars winddroog reuk” bo-op die plato. Dis mooi wereld hierdie – dis verseker!
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I love your wild & reckless decision to ditch the grocery shopping for the Reserve! Kudos! How incredible to live that close to this amazing variety of wild animals. I love the shot of the lion on her back. So nice that your guide helped make your visit even more enjoyable. Have a great week, Corna! π
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Ha π, who wants to do shopping when you can see this out in nature? Yes, we could not believe our eyes when we read that this private nature reserve is on our doorstep! I was ‘oohing and aahing’ a lot when that lion turned on her back – she was almost playing model for us! And you’re right, having a great guide definitely made this a memorable game drive. Thanks for popping in Lisa, hope your week is a good one too!
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Good news about the rain. It is so much nicer to see animals in their wild habitat. What a bonus having a park like that so easily in reach and having your own private tour..it doesn’t get much better!
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Oh yes, we’re all very happy for the rain these last couple of days (it’s been very dry on this side of the coast for the last couple of years and they are in need of much more rain), but every drop counts. Yes, you’re right … it was like a private tour and really special!
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Thank you for taking us along. I enjoyed showing the animals to Dian.
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Oh, I’m so happy you could join us Carl (and that you shared it with Dian as well). It’s amazing that this beautiful place is so close to us … I’m sure this will not be the last trip π.
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Dit is wonderlik dat julle so naby aan julle huis by n natuur reservaat kan wees! Om die leeus te kon sien is beslis ook n bonus! Ek hou ook so baie van die kameelperde en zebras! Dis beslis beter as om inkopies te gaan doen. Bly julle het reen gehad.
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Ons was regtig verbaas om te sien hoe naby dit is (en dit lyk my daar is nog) … baie bevoorreg! In die Weskus Nasionale Park sien ‘n mens mos baie zebras (die berg zebra as ek nou reg onthou) – hulle is tog so mooi! Ag, en die leeus – dit was nou lekker om hulle dop te hou (sommer net hier by ons voertuig). Jip, inkopies kom nie naby hierdie lekkerte nie! Dit het eers gisteraand opgehou reen – hoop regtig dit het ‘n verskil gemaak. Geniet Vrouedag πΈ.
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Ja, dis berg Zebras hier naby ons! Ons het nog steeds nie juis reen gekry nie, hulle voorspel wel reen vir more! Lekker Vrouedag vir jou ook!
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Your nature drive was an exciting way to start the day. You are lucky to live in a part of the world that is home to magnificent wildlife and scenery.
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I wouldn’t mind to start every day like this! That’s true, we are very fortunate indeed to see these beautiful wildlife so close to home – such a privilege.
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Well written
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Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed it.
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Ek gaan die laaste een wees om julle kwalik te neem dat julle gaan wild kyk het in plaas van om mall toe te gaan! Lyk of julle n heerlike tyd gehad het. En bly om te lees dat daar wel later bietjie reen geval het.
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O ja, ek’s seker jy sou nie vir ‘n oomblik in ‘n mall wou wees nie π. Ek het nogal aan julle gedink toe ons die wildrit gedoen het – dis maar ons tweede een en ons was so vasgevang in die ongelooflike mooiheid … toe wonder ek of dit elke keer so vir julle is (al het julle seker al 100de sulke ritte gedoen). Baie bly oor die reen (en ons bid dat daar nog heelwat sulke dae sal wees).
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Tussen my en jou moet ek erken dat ek eintlik dit baie meer geniet om myself rond te ry so deur ons parke en reservate as saam met n drywer – ek raak sommer skuins geirriteerd wanneer hulle nie afdraai by sypaadjies wat vir my belowend lyk nie! π
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Ek verstaan dit heeltemal! Ons hou ook van die self-ry opsies, maar as dit by wildtuine en natuur reservate kom, is ons nie so gekonfyt om te weet wanneer ons die olifant eerder moet los of nader moet gaan nie π. Maar as ons op ons 4×4 ritte daar in die Richtersveld gaan, is dit heerlik om self te ry en elke hoekie en draaitjie in te ry en op ons tyd te besoek.
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If you want elephants go and visit Addo, it’s not far from you. We stayed in a rondavel there on 2008 and had the most wonderful time. Even saw lions, though it was quite a scary experience as we were on our way out of the park.
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Oh yes, Addo Elephant Park … another one we have not visited yet! And like you said, it’s not that far from us – it seems we will have to plan another outing π. We felt quite safe with the guide in the lion camp, but I’m not sure it would have been the same if we were on our own.
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Looks amazing. Beats shopping any day!
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Much, much better than shopping π. It was a wonderful morning … but I presume you will know all about it (when I’m thinking back to your wonderful trips where you visited national parks and saw so many wild animals).
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Yes, indeed – nothing like a game reserve visit
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Wow ππ to have the opportunity to see all those animals in person!! The female lion rolling around is the cutest thing. I never thought I would use the word cute to describe a lion π
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It was such a privilege to see the wildlife from so close by (I had to pinch myself several times to make sure I’m not dreaming π). Yes, that female lion was definitely cuteness in overload … but I’m saying that from the safety of the 4×4 vehicle!
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Hahaha…predators do look cuter from a distance ππ
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Looks like a fun experience! Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you Vanessa! It was indeed a wonderful morning out in nature … thank you for reading, it’s much appreciated πΈ.
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What a fabulous alternative to Saturday shopping! Amazing to see the ostrich mating dance! But the lions are the stars of course. That shot of the second male with his mane back-lit is very special π
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I know one must eat … but shopping had to move to another day π. Oh yes, we found the ostrich mating dance fascinating. They really have put out a performance for us. As for the shot of the male lion with his mane back-lit … that is Berto’s favourite photo … that was a great moment.
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Corna, daardie leeus! Wat Γ± voorreg om 10m van hulle af te kon wees. Die foto van die besonderse boom is absoluut pragtig.
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Og, die leeus … inderdaad ‘n groot voorreg om hulle van so naby te sien! Dink net watter stories kan daardie boom alles vertel! Dis naby aan die buitelug kapel en ek dink daar het al hoeveel bruidspare gestaan vir pragtige foto’s!
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Aha, so youβve got there. This is the place where my son spent a 3-month working stay whilst he was travelling the world. His job was helping to raise the lion cubs. I still remember it so well. βDad, I need to tell you something. Iβve quit my job. My next job is raising lion cubs in South Africaβ. Wow. And (you may remember) he met Kristy there, on Inkwenkwezi. They are now happily married with a beautiful daughter, my third granddaughter. So Inkwenkwezi, so far from my home and so close to yoursβ¦plays a massive part in my family history. Isnβt it a small world, full of coincidences!?
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Oh yes, it was actually your comment about Inkwenkwezi that made us look for this reserve… and we were so surprised to find it literally on our doorstep! Your son must have had such a wonderful stay here (and what wonderful memories)! I got goosebumps and a tear in my eye while reading your comment (it’s a girl thing π), but I just love this story and how it unfolded in your son and his wife’s lives. A small world indeed…
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A fantastic experience Corna. An African safari is truly something missing from my travel resume. I like that this place has plenty of options in terms of tours, how wonderful that you had the morning trip all to yourselves. I bet that wouldn’t be possible at sunset. Love all the animal shots, particularly the lions. I now find myself Googling their accommodation and associated prices. Not too bad if you don’t take a room in the actual reserve. Otherwise pricy, but very very nice.
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You will have to add an African safari to your travels at some point – it really is a unique experience. Yes Leighton, you are right that it is a bit expensive to stay inside the reserve… however it was fully booked when we visited (mostly by overseas tourists – it helps if you earn in Euros and US Dollars π). But there are many other accommodation options just outside the reserve and we would love to stay there (for another game drive)! Thank you for taking a virtual safari with us – this is just a taste of what you can expect on a real safari π.
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Fabulous captures. I couldnβt agree more about how going to the Private Game Reserve was a much better choice than grocery shopping!! Seems like you managed to see a lot of wildlife on your morning tour. How neat to see the male ostrich doing his mating dance and to see the lions!
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Thank you so much Linda. We were indeed happy to see all the wildlife (of course one would always like to see more … but we won’t be greedy βΊοΈ). We spent at least 15 minutes with the ostriches and it was fascinating to see them ‘perform’ – nature is wondrous! As for the lions … just amazing to watch them from so close by. I was a very happy person when we left the reserve π.
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Definitely better than doing the shopping – wow, what a place to have on your doorstep. It is actually amazing how much you saw in just a morning π
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Thanks Hannah πΈ. Yes, it’s actually quite unbelievable that it’s only half an hour’s drive from us … I begin to think we’re living in the wild π (but I’m not complaining of course)!
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How wonderful to live so close to this wild place with its fascinating inhabitants. You can’t see them all in one day – I’m sure you’ll be back!
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That’s true Ruth … one must have another reason to go back to such a beautiful place! We are really surrounded by wildlife – that’s quite amazing!
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I could skip grocery shopping for a whole month just to be part of such an absolutely amazing trip. All these fascinating animals, magnificent lions and majestic giraffes and not far from where you live.
I have had the privilege of seeing some of these animals in real life, but that was a long time ago, in Kenya in the early nineties!!! At that time I didn’t even have a camera, my then future husband took all the pictures. Back then, film rolls with a maximum of 36 images were used. Memories….
Thanks for sharing your adventures.
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I’m so happy you also enjoyed this game drive with us Anita. And what wonderful memories you have of a similar trip many years ago … back then film rolls were so valuable and one only took a photo when you were pretty sure you’ve got the perfect shot. Imagine today – I think we easily take around 100 photos (or more) on such a trip to then choose the best 20/30 pictures.
This was a wonderful morning in nature (who anyway needs to have a cupboard stocked with groceries – bread from the local corner shop is just as good after such an amazing trip) π!
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Absolutely amazing! Thank you Corna for taking me along with you on the game driveππΈ stunning photos and most definitely better than a shopping trip.
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Thank you so much Henrietta. Shopping = 0, Game drive = 1 π. I’m happy that you once again enjoyed the morning with us – thank you for your kind comments π.
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Wow, you guys really do have the best adventures!
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I must admit, this was a great morning … out in nature seeing all those wildlife! Thanks for popping in πΈ.
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This would be a great way to start on this Safari. So much wildlife to see in the morning. These Ostrich would catch my attention.
Anita
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Thanks Anita πΈ. Yes, it was a wonderful morning out in nature and seeing all the wildlife. We loved the performance of the ostriches – nature is just amazing!
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What a great way to start the day and definitely better than shopping!
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That’s true Diane! I would love to start every morning like this … and get someone else to do the shopping π.
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Sounds like a fabulous experience to see those lions in the wild. Jealous!
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It was quite THE experience Jo! My heart was missing a few beats while we were so close to them (although I knew we were in good hands with the guide) π.
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π€£π¦π
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Wow you are so lucky to be that close to a game reserve like that with all those absolutely fantastic animals! Definitely a dream of mine to get to Africa one day and South Africa just looks so amazing with the ocean and the parks. Love the zebra shot and the lions! I would definitely have to see elephants too. I would say your trip beats doing grocery shopping any day of the week!!
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Yes, we are privileged … I think to see wild animals in their natural habitat is quite amazing! We have done another game trip back in 2011 at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and there we were fortunate to see a BIG elephant – they are such wonderful animals to watch. If you just want to check out the photo, you can click here (https://wetanddustyroads.com/2021/02/04/hluhluwe-imfolozi-park/) … the elephant is right at the bottom of the post.
I’m not a big fan of shopping any way, so going on a game drive beats this by far π.
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Wow! soooo impressive to be able to see all those animals in one area. That wildebeest is really something and those giraffes! so splendid. Hope you are able to check off that elusive rhino on a future trip!
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That was our first game drive ever and we were really treated that day! I agree, the wildebeest is a special animal to see and I always love seeing giraffes (they’re so majestic when they’re on the move)! Thanks for checking out this (throw back) post π.
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