The Deep Creek Blog

The Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center - February Events

Saturday, February 4

11.00 a.m. Hoot of a Time Come down to the Discovery room to learn cool facts and meet one of the owls that live at the Center!

1:30 p.m. Turtle Talk Come learn about the different species of turtles found in Garrett County.  Explore the shell from the inside out and get the chance to touch these resident critters!

Sunday, February 5   

11.00 a.m. Critter Feeding!  Join the Naturalist as we feed the critters who live in the Discovery Center! Learn cool facts and find out what they eat in the wild!  

1:30 p.m. Wildlife Investigation This self guided program allows you to become a detective for the nature world.  Open your eyes and see the clues left behind by nature.  Can you tell the difference between the details and solve the puzzle? 

Saturday, February 11 11:00 a.m. Turtle Talk Come learn about the different species of turtles found in Garrett  county.  Explore the shell from the inside out and get the chance to touch these resident critters!

All Day Scavenger Hunt!   

Sunday, February 12 11.00 a.m. Critter Feeding!  Join the Naturalist as we feed the critters who live in the Discovery Center! Learn cool facts and find out what they eat in the wild!     

1:30 p.m. Wildlife Investigation This self guided program allows you to become a detective for the nature world.  Open your eyes and see the clues left behind by nature.  Can you tell the difference between the details and solve the puzzle?

Saturday, February 18 Wildlife Investigation This self guided program allows you to become a detective for the nature world.  Open your eyes and see the clues left behind by nature.  Can you tell the difference between the details and solve the puzzle?

Scavenger Hunt!   

Sunday, February 19   Aviary Encounter Come to the aviary to get up close and personal with our birds of prey. Learn some interesting facts and hear stories. Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity!

Scavenger Hunt! See the front desk to complete an indoor scavenger hunt and win a prize!       
Saturday, February 25 11:00 a.m. Lake Critters Lean about the animals that call Deep Creek Lake their home and discover the importance of watersheds.  Make a fish print to take home!

1:30 p.m. Critter Feeding!  Join the Naturalist as we feed the critters who live in the Discovery Center! Learn cool facts and find out what they eat in the wild

Sunday, February 26   Aviary Encounter Come to the aviary to get up close and personal with our birds of prey. Learn some interesting facts and hear stories. Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity!

Scavenger Hunt! See the front desk to complete an indoor scavenger hunt and win a prize!    
 
 
 
 

Northern High School JROTC Enjoy Hand-On Tour at Husky Power Dogsledding

The JROTC of Northern High School enjoyed a hands-on tour at Husky Power Dogsledding in Accident on Sunday.  Linda and Mike Herdering, owners and "mushers" of Husky Power, hosted the complementary tour for the group of  Cadets who learned to "run with the dogs."  Joining them was Senior Army Instructor, Lt.Col. Jack Riley, parent Kim Lowery, volunteer and owner of Garrett Petminders, Jay Clark and mushing intern Jessica Drain.  Plus, of course, the 20 northern-breed sleddogs who pulled hard to please the awe-struck group.  "No Snow--We Still GO" is Husky Power's motto... which is exactly what the dogs and students did.  

Everyone went mushing down the tree lined trails with twists and swerves, sharp turns, and rest stops while shouting mushing terms such as: "Gee" and "Haw" and "Ready.... Hike," (the dogsledding command to run and pull.)  Each wheeled sled hosted two Cadets, a Musher, and an 11-dog team working and pulling at least 700 pounds.  The well-trained team would exchange a few dogs as needed, while the human-team changed riders.  If the cadets had been on runnered sleds on snow that day, they would have used a much smaller team (about 7 dogs.)  The extra long 11-13 dog team on the tall wheeled-dogsled made it easier to see and appreciate the canine athletes.  Plus, the wheeled sled was stable enough for the passengers to occasionally stand up and see from a musher-eye-view. After  dogsled runs the Cadets enjoyed three hours of education about the many aspects surrounding the sport of mushing... history and racing talks; equipment briefings; presentations about commands, team positions, dangers in mushing and more.  Everyone learned what makes lead dogs have "leadership potential,"  what makes wheel dogs the strongest in the team, what the most important aspect and the most fun aspects of mushing are.  

The day's event was topped off with a visit to the working dog yard to meet each dog and learn about traits of the athletic northern "pulling breed." 

If you'd like to learn more about a tour, visit www.huskypowerdogsledding.com.  

Cadets of the JROTC (Northern High School) learn "mush" about dogsledding as Linda Herdering, owner of Husky Power Dogsledding, explains what makes the sleddogs behind her want to pull.

An 11-dog team pulls two JROTC  (Northern High School) Cadets up the hill while Musher Mike Herdering, owner of Husky Power Dogsledding, gives the command for the dogsled team to turn.  The JROTC enjoyed a tour and "runs" with Husky Power on Sunday.

Several JROTC Cadets watch as the long 11-dog team pulls their friends down the Husky Power Dogsledding trails in Accident.  Everyone yells the commands to the well-trained sleddog team

Northern High School JROTC Cadets "met and pet" the 20 sleddogs  after the same dogs pulled them on mushing tours down local trails.

Winterfest Chili Cook-Off to be Held at New Germany State Park

New Germany State Park will be hosting a Winterfest Chili Cook-off on Saturday, January 14th, 2012.  In addition to the chili cook-off, the festival will feature a snowshoe race, a cross-country ski race, and family-friendly craft activities.  

A schedule of events is as follows: 
Snowshoe 50-Yard Dash:  Registration – 11:00 AM, Race – 11:30 AM
Cross-Country Ski Race:  Registration – 12:00 PM, Race – 1:00 PM
Chili Cook-Off:  Public Tasting & Judging – 2:00 PM (Pre-registration required).Awards Ceremony:  3:30 PM
Craft Activities:  11:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
Registration for all events will be free of charge and will take place at the New Germany Lake House.

Pre-registration for the Chili Cook-off is required no later than January 13th.  Electricity will be provided.  Cross-country skis and snowshoes will be available for rent at the New Germany Lake House.  A service charge of $3/ person for Maryland residents, and $4/ person for out-of-state residents will be collected at the park entrance.   For more details or to pre-register for the Chili Cook-off, please call 301-895-5453 or email park-new-germany@dnr.state.md.us.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at Wisp Resort

Enjoy Wisp Resort's Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday December 23rd from 6-8 pm at Bear Claw Adventure Park.  Caroling will be provided by Deep Creek Lake Resort Ministries as visitors enjoy holiday characters, roasting marshmallows and hot chocolate. Standard activity fees will apply for this event. 

Take a First Day Hike in a State Park

Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hikes on January 1, 2012.  

Local State Parks will participate in America's State Parks First Day Hike Programs on New Year’s Day 2012. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a guided hike on January 1, 2012 at a state park.  

Below is a list of opportunities to participate within  Garrett County.  

Deep Creek Lake State Park First Day Hike - First Day on the Lake
Time of Event:  2 p.m.
Hike will last approximately 1 hour.
Meeting Location: Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families of all ages
Length of Trail: The length of this hike will depend upon the weather conditions of the day.
Things to Bring: It is recommended that participants bring snowshoes or ice cleats to wear for those types of conditions. Participants should come prepared to be outside for an extended period of time in possibly very cold and windy weather conditions and bring drinking water.
Cancellation Information: Call Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center at 301-387-7067.
Additional Information: Take a shoreline walk with a Ranger on the first day of the new year. Walkers will learn about lake surface ice, what happens in the water under the ice during winter, and other tidbits about lakes in winter.

New Germany State Park First Day Hike - Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Time of Event:
1 p.m. Hike will last approximately 1 hour
Meeting Location: Meet at New Germany State Park Lake House
Degree of Difficulty: Easy hike for all ages.  Minimum age for kids: Age 4
Length of Trail: 1 mile
Things to bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking, and a camera (optional).
Cancellation Information: Call New Germany State Park at 301-895-5453.
Additional Information: Dogs on a leash are welcome

Swallow Falls State Park First Day Hike - Realm of the Ice King
Time of Event: 1 p.m. Hike will last approximately 1 hour.
Meeting Location: Meet at the main parking lot.
Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate hike for families of all ages
Length of Trail: 1 mile
Things to Bring: Participants are asked to wear clothes and shoes appropriate for the weather (rain, snow or shine), and bring water for drinking, and a camera (optional).
Cancellation Information: Call Herrington Manor State Park at 301-334-9180
Additional Information: See the falls in their winter dress. Rangers will discuss what we are doing to help protect this fragile eco-system. Not many people get to see the falls this time of year, so it should be a great treat!

Youghiogheny Scenic and Wild River First Day Hike - First Day on the River
Time of Event: 10 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meet at Friendsville access point.  Parking is limited. Degree of Difficulty: Easy to moderate walk for families of all ages
Length of Trail: The length of this hike will be determined by the weather conditions that day.
Things to Bring: Participants should wear footwear for snow and ice conditions. Participants should come prepared to be outside for an extended period of time in possibly very cold and windy weather conditions and bring drinking water.
Cancellation Information: Call the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center at 301-387-7067
Additional Information: Take a riverside walk with a Ranger to celebrate the start of a new year. This walk is on a level path.

 

Deep Creek Discovery Center Holiday Schedule

Friday, December 23                            Closed State Furlough Day 

Saturday, December 24                      
11:00 a.m. Scavenger Hunt.  Meet at the front desk of the Discovery Center.                         1:30 p.m. Story n’ Craft.  Join the Park Naturalist for a seasonal story & craft. The program is $2.00 per child.

Sunday, December 25              Closed          

Monday, December 26                        
11:00a.m. Slithering Snakes.  Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the Discovery Center for an afternoon of Snakes! Hear stories, learn interesting facts, participate in a craft, and even get the chance to see and touch these resident reptiles.                                                               
1:30p.m. Turtle Talk Come learn about the different species of turtles found in Garrett County. Explore the shell from the inside out and get the chance to touch these resident reptiles!  

Tuesday, December 27                      
11:00 a.m. Resident Raptor.  Come to the Discovery Room and meet one of the hawks or owls that live at the Center! Learn some interesting facts, take pictures, and hear their stories.
1:30 p.m. Wildlife Investigation This self guided program allows you to become a detective for the natural world. Open your eyes and see the clues left behind by nature. Can you tell the difference between the details and solve the puzzle? Fill out the worksheet and win a prize! 

Wednesday December 28                
11:00 a.m. Winter Birding.  Come sit inside and learn about the birds that visit the feeder. Also, create your own bird seed treat! Experienced and Beginner birders of all ages are welcomed!                           

1:30 p.m. Story n’ Craft.  Join a Park Naturalist for a seasonal story & craft. The program is $2.00 per child 

Thursday, December 29                      
11:00 a.m. Scavenger Hunt                                                               

1:30 p.m. The Bear Essentials. Discover the life of the American Black Bear and see how it revolves around their sense of smell. Dive in, nose first and learn some interesting facts. Appropriate for all ages. 

Friday, December 30                            Closed State Furlough Day 

Saturday December 31                        
11:00 a.m. Resident Raptor.  Come to the Discovery Room and meet one of the hawks or owls that live here at the Center! Learn some  interesting facts, take pictures, and hear their stories.                  
1:30 p.m. Bullfrog, Baby! Come over to the Discovery Center for a hoppin’ good time & learn about the Bullfrog!   

Sunday, January 1                              

11:00a.m. Slithering Snakes Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the Discovery Center for an afternoon of Snakes! Hear stories, learn interesting facts, participate in a craft, and even get the chance to see and touch these resident reptiles.                                               

10:00 am First Day Hike on the Yough River Corridor.  Meet at the Friendsville access point bulletin board. If weather is inclement call the Discovery Center for hike information.

2:00p.m. First Day Hike at Deep Creek Lake State Park.  Join a Ranger for an hour walk along the shoreline of Deep Creek Lake. Walkers will learn about lake surface ice, what happens in the water under the ice during the winter and other winter lake facts. 

Santa Claus At Uno's This Evening

Santa Claus will be at Uno's this evening from 5-8 pm for photos. 

Holiday Open House at Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center

Today is the annual Holiday Open House at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center.  Enjoy crafts, cookies, hot chocolate and photos with Santa between 10am - 1pm today. 

Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center - November Events

Saturday, November 5                 

11:00am Tank Tours don’t miss this opportunity to know more about the residents of the Discovery Center. Hear stories, learn facts, and get a chance to touch different critters. Appropriate for all ages

1:00 p.m. Novelty Nose Attention, kids of all ages! Come to the Discovery Center and explore the life of a black bear. Activities and interesting facts will be presented by our park naturalist. Get the chance to touch real bear fur and see an actual skull! 

Sunday, November 6

11:00 p.m. Reading naturalist Join our Park Naturalist for a seasonal story and craft. The program is $2.00 per child.

2:00 p.m. Owls and Hawks Discover the similarities and difference between our birds of prey as they are perched outside their Mew’s for clear viewing and photography.  The park Naturalist will answer your questions and relay how the birds came to be at the Discovery Center.  1 hour.

Saturday, November 12

11:00 a.m. Feeder watch.  Join the naturalist for bird watching and identification at our feeders.  learn how to use a field guide and to identify basic field marks of our most common winter birds.  then join us as we make pinecone bird feeders for our featherd friends.  make one for the center and one to take home. 1 hour.

1:00 p.m. Happy Herps! Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the discovery center for an afternoon of reptiles and amphibians! Learn about the similarities and differences between the two. Also, get the chance to be up close and personal by helping the Naturalist feed!

Sunday, November 13

11:00 a.m. Winter Woods. Open your eyes to the changing seasons by enjoying a relaxing hike. What do plants and animals do to survive in cold weather? Learn about how nature prepares for winter! Remember to dress appropriate! 1.5 miles. on the snakeroot trail.

2:00 p.m. Owls and Hawks Discover the similarities and difference between our birds of prey as they are perched outside their Mew’s for clear viewing and photography.  The park Naturalist will answer your questions and relay how the birds came to be at the Discovery Center.  1 hour.

Saturday, November 19

11:00am Tank Tours don’t miss this opportunity to know more about the residents of the Discovery Center. Hear stories, learn facts, and get a chance to touch different critters. Appropriate for all ages

1:00 p.m. Reading naturalist Join our Park Naturalist for a seasonal story and craft. The program is $2.00 per child.

Sunday, November 20

11:00 p.m.  Hike to the Brant Mine This program is a guided hike with the Park Naturalist to the Historic Brant Mine.  You will see the remnants of a coal mine that was operated in the 1920’s. Plus, you never know what you will see on the way!

2:00 p.m. Owls and Hawks Discover the similarities and difference between our birds of prey as they are perched outside their Mew’s for clear viewing and photography.  The park Naturalist will answer your questions and relay how the birds came to be at the Discovery Center.  1 hour.

                Friday, November 25 11;00 a.m. Feeder watch.  join the naturalist for bird watching and identification at our feeders.  learn how to use a field guide and to identify basic field marks of our most common winter birds.  then join us as we make pinecone bird feeders for our featherd friends.  make one for the center and one to take home. 1 hour.

Critter Encounters 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00pm.  join us for the chance to meet a different critter each hour. Join our Naturalist to disover new facts and watch feedings! All ages are welcomed!

Saturday, November 26

11:00 am Black Bears and you!  begin in the discovery center by learning about  black bear habitat, habits and conservation.  then take a short walk in the  discovery woods investigating and searching for bear sign and habitat. 1.5 hours

1:00 p.m. A Turkey’s Tale Come to the Discovery Center for a gobbling good time! Learn about the life of the Wild Turkey. Kids of all ages can participate in the various activities!

Sunday, November 27  

11:00 a.m.. Walk off the Holiday Nature Hike Join the naturalist on a nature hike on  our snakeroot trail to enjoy the signs of early winter, and possibly see wildlife as they prepare for winter. Trails are rocky, so please wear proper hiking footwear.  Approx. 1-1/2hr.

2:00 p.m. Owls and Hawks Discover the similarities and difference

New Germany State Park to Host Autumn Jubilee Festival

New Germany State Park will host a free fall festival featuring a variety of family-friendly activities including hayrides and a spooky haunted house, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 29.

“There’s nothing like the comfort of an old-fashioned hayride to celebrate the spirit of the season,” said Ranger Crystal McCann of New Germany State Park. “Children will have a great time making corn-husk dolls, exploring the spooky haunted house and showing off their costumes.”

Other activities will include arts and crafts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a children’s costume contest at 1 p.m., and a woodsmen demonstration at 2 p.m. The festival will also feature an “Old-Time Jam” of old-fashioned Appalachian music, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

All events will take place at the New Germany Lake House and Recreation Hall. Tasty treats will be available for purchase from Lakeside Creamery and Archie’s BBQ.

For more information, please contact 301-895-5453 or park-new-germany@dnr.state.md.us

October Events at the Deep Creek Lake Discovery Center

Saturday October 15:                                                                                                                                     
11:00 a.m. Story N’ Craft -Vulture- Join our Park Naturalist for the story ‘Vultures View’. Take part in a craft to take home! The program is $2.00 per child. Appropriate for ages 2-5.

1:00 p.m. Wilderness Survival Hike If you were lost in the woods, would you survive? Join our Park Naturalist for some tips on how to stay safe. Also, learn about what should be included in a Survival Kit.

Sunday October 16                                                              
11:00 a.m. Slithering Snakes Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the Discovery Center for an afternoon of Snakes! Hear stories, learn interesting facts, participate in a craft, and even get the chance to see and touch these resident reptiles.

1:00 p.m. Avian Encounter Fly over to the new aviary to get up close and personal with our birds of prey. Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity!

                                                                                                                                                     Saturday October 22
11:00 a.m. Amazing Amphibians Come over to the Discovery Center for a hoppin’ good time! Learn about one of the resident frogs or salamanders. Life Cycles, adaptations, and other topics will be discussed.

1:00 p.m. Black Bears and You Take a hike with the Naturalist to discover the life of a Black Bear and see how it revolves around their sense of smell. Dive in, nose first and learn some interesting facts. Appropriate for all ages.

Sunday October 23                                                              
11:00 a.m. Slithering Snakes Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the Discovery Center for an afternoon of Snakes! Hear stories, learn interesting facts, participate in a craft, and even get the chance to see and touch these resident reptiles.

1:00 p.m. Avian Encounter Fly over to the new aviary to get up close and personal with our birds of prey. Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity!

Saturday October 29
11:00 a.m. Story and Craft -Spiders- Join our Park Naturalist for a Story about Spiders. Participate in a craft about these creepy critters and learn about why they are so important!

1:00 p.m. Going Batty! Join the Park Naturalist for a fun afternoon about Bats. Discover the way they survive through activities and games!

Sunday October 30                                                              
11:00 a.m. Slithering Snakes Kids of all ages! Slither your way over to the Discovery Center for an afternoon of Snakes! Hear stories, learn interesting facts, participate in a craft, and even get the chance to see and touch these resident reptiles.

1:00 p.m. Avian Encounter Fly over to the new aviary to get up close and personal with our birds of prey. Bring a camera because they will be perched for a great photo opportunity!
 
 

Harvest Sale at Pleasant Valley Community Center

Swan Meadow School PTO’s 62nd annual fundraiser, the Harvest Sale, will be held on Friday, September 23, at the Pleasant Valley Community Center, south of Oakland, MD. This auction of farm produce, handmade items, and baked goods features items provided by families and students of Swan Meadow School, many of whom are Amish and Mennonite. 

Glazed doughnuts made on the day of the sale will be available for purchase by 5:30 p.m. Caramels, taffy, cookies, fudge, and cinnamon rolls will also go on sale at 5:30 p.m. Half and whole dozens of doughnuts and cinnamon rolls and gallons of apple cider will be sold under the white tent located by the entrance of the Pleasant Valley Community Center. This way people who come to the Harvest Sale for homemade goodies have the option of purchasing them outside of the community center, then taking them to their vehicles before going inside for dinner and the auction.

Inside the center, participants can buy taco salad, fruit salad, nachos, chili dogs, sloppy joes, hot dogs tom eat, and coffee, chocolate and regular milk, lemonade, and apple cider to drink.  Swan Meadow School students will open the evening with songs at 6:45 p.m., and the auction will follow at 7:00 p.m. One of the many highlights of the auction will be the bidding on twelve dinners to be served in an Amish cabin. The felted and leaf-printed hangings pictured with this article were made by the students with their art teacher and community helpers. The leaf prints were collected during a visit to Hickory Environmental Education Center. Swan Meadow School’s first and second graders made the felted hanging during a visit with Dave and Darlene Terlizzi of nearby Sunnyside Wools Farm. 

To reach the Pleasant Valley Community Center, travel on Route 219, and turn onto Paul Friend Road.  Then turn right onto Joni Miller Road.  Finally, continue to the Pleasant Valley Community Center on the right. 

New Germany State Park - Labor Day Weekend Events

Friday, September 2nd:

Old-Time Jam, 6:30 PM 

Musicians and spectators of all ages are invited to share and enjoy traditional folk, bluegrass, and other “old-time” Appalachian music.  The “Jam” will take place at the Lake House from 6:30 – 9:30 PM.  Admission is free and refreshments and gift items will be available for purchase. 

Saturday, September 3rd:

Nature Sleuth, 11:00 AM

Put your detective skills to the test, and discover some of the many clues animals leave behind in the woods!  Following a short hike, participants can make a plaster cast of an animal track to take home.  Meet at the new Nature Center, next to the Lake House.

Salamander Scurry, 3:00 PM    

When was the last time you overturned a rock in search for critters?  Join the park ranger for some old-fashioned outdoor fun, and learn about some common salamanders found in the park.  Appropriate footwear recommended.

Bear Essentials, 7:30 PM

Join Maryland Wildlife Biologist, Harry Spiker, and learn everything you need to know about black bears in Maryland, including safety tips for hiking, camping, and exploring the outdoors in bear country.  Meet at the Lake House.  Stay for S’mores after the program!               

Sunday, September 4th:

Plant Hike, 2:00 PM                  

Join the park ranger on this leisurely walk to learn some of the plants in the park.  You can also find out what all those icky webs are in the trees!  Dress for the weather (hiking boots recommended).  Meet at the Nature Center.

Nature Center Open Daily, 10 AM – 6:00 PM.

It's Wonderful Wednesday

This is the last week for Wonderful Wednesday in Oakland, where twenty-seven different businesses in town offer specials.  Events are centered around The Market Fresh Produce Building (Farmer's Market) and Pleasant Valley Dream Rides.

New Germany State Park - Weekend Events August 27-29

Leave No Trace Hike, 11:00 AM

Leave No Trace is a program designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions about how to reduce their impacts when they hike, camp, picnic, snowshoe, run, bike, hunt, paddle, ride horses, fish, ski or climb.  Join the Park Ranger on this leisurely hike to learn these ethics.  Dress for the weather (hiking boots recommended).  Meet at the Nature Center, next to the Lake House.

Salamander Scurry, 3:00 PM    

When was the last time you overturned a rock in search for critters?  Join the park naturalist for some old-fashioned outdoor fun, and learn about some common salamanders found in the park.  Appropriate footwear recommended.

Tanzanian Culture, 7:30 PM

A presentation on the culture and traditions of East Africa will take place at the Lake House.  The program will be presented by Steria Ndaga, Chief Park Manager of Rubondo Island National Park in Tanzania, Africa.  She will discuss Tanzanian culture and traditions, and how they relate to the area’s conservation practices.  Participants will also have the opportunity to sample traditional African food.

Sunday, August 28th:

Plant Hike, 2:00 PM                  

Join the Park Ranger on this leisurely walk to learn some of the plants in the park.  You can also find out what all those icky webs are in the trees!  Dress for the weather (hiking boots recommended).  Meet at the Nature Center.

 

 

Nature Center Open Daily, 10 AM – 6:00 PM.