Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY)
| [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286332] |
Tue, 01 September 2015 12:00  |
Olly Schmidt
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
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Morning,
I am pretty sure others have visited both of these cities before us.
We plan for summer of '16 (~26th of July for three weeks) on going on a
tour from Newark International Airport to Niagara Falls to Boston to New
York City.
Is it feasible to go downtown in Boston and New York City with a 26' GMC
Motorhome?
Any notes and/or advise is greatly appreciated.
--
Best regards
Peer Oliver Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
'76a Eleganza II, VA
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Best regards
Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286336 is a reply to message #286332] |
Tue, 01 September 2015 12:24  |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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I drive to (and through) NYC quite a bit (our daughter and three grandkids live in northern Manhattan). I really wouldn't enjoy driving my GMC there - at all. The roads are utter chaos, with lots of zig-zagging taxis, double-parked delivery trucks, and way, way too many cars. The lanes tend to be very narrow, and the turns tight. Personally, I'd park at a train station parking lot on the New Jersey side somewhere and take mass transit (mainly, train and subway) from there. Same goes for Boston, basically.
If you DO decide to drive into NYC, I'd try to do it very early in the morning on the weekend, and have your parking worked out in advance. I see people circling the block literally for hours in my daughter's neighborhood, looking for a place to park a car... can't imagine trying to find a place where a GMC would fit.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286337 is a reply to message #286332] |
Tue, 01 September 2015 12:30 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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It has been some years, but I doubt he situation has improved in either town. Boston has narrow streets and is hard to negotiate even in a car. In New Yark, an auto is a liability. You can go every place in New Yark using the subway, or cabs - though cabs can get expensive. When I used to drive up there, I'd get my aunt or uncle's pass and park it in the doctor's lot at Montefiore in the Bronx and ride the subway wherever. Now, si9nce they're gon, I'd probably [park it at the Port Authority bus terminal, or out on Lon Gisland and ride the train into Manhattan.
In boston, I'd check the MTA routes, and if they didn't go where I wanted, I'd park out and rent acar for a few days. Since you're used to European cities with their older (smaller) streets, you might want to take the GMC, but I sure wouldn't.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286342 is a reply to message #286332] |
Tue, 01 September 2015 12:48 |
Tilerpep
Messages: 404
Registered: June 2013
Location: Raleigh, NC
Karma: 7
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We did NYC and Philly this summer.
If you understand what you are getting
http://www.libertyharborrv.com/
was pretty cool. Side lot of a marina, about 40 RV hookup sites in the parking lot, pretty much next door to Liberty Park - which is the New Jersey side. Lady Liberty visible out my door window, Manhattan view out the windshield. Is not cheap by campground norms, but we took trains and ferries and subways and didn't move the RV once parked. You have to take the PATH train or a ferry over to Manhattan, and then switch to subway system. For us and my teenagers, that was part of the experience. Have to walk a lot, but that is city life!
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286346 is a reply to message #286332] |
Tue, 01 September 2015 13:21 |
Sandra Price
Messages: 709
Registered: May 2006
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In 2010 Bob and I drove our GMC through NY/NJ and ended up in the lane to
take the G. Washington bridge. Toll was $40--no arguing that we didn't
have the extra axle. But we made it on to Connecticut through thick
traffic.
Before that, we stayed south of Boston in an RV park, where they told us to
take mass transit into the city. Being Texans, who want their car, we
drove to Bunker Hill, found Old Ironsides, and tried to eat on the
waterfront near the Marriott. As Bob drove into the parking garage--no
spaces on the street--I noticed the sign that read, $28 first hour, I said
"turn around. We're not paying that much to park."
But we enjoyed every minute of the trip and have stories to tell.
Thinking/planning may prevent some difficult situations.
Sandra Price
On Sep 1, 2015 10:00 AM, "Peer Oliver Schmidt" wrote:
> Morning,
>
> I am pretty sure others have visited both of these cities before us.
>
> We plan for summer of '16 (~26th of July for three weeks) on going on a
> tour from Newark International Airport to Niagara Falls to Boston to New
> York City.
>
> Is it feasible to go downtown in Boston and New York City with a 26' GMC
> Motorhome?
>
> Any notes and/or advise is greatly appreciated.
> --
> Best regards
>
> Peer Oliver Schmidt
> PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
>
> '76a Eleganza II, VA
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286351 is a reply to message #286332] |
Tue, 01 September 2015 14:00 |
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SeanKidd
Messages: 747
Registered: June 2012
Location: Northern Neck Virginia
Karma: 4
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Peer, we just stayed at Boston Minuteman CG, nice place, clean lots of trees. it is about an hour from Boston but only a few miles from the Train station...we spent a day in Boston via train, did the Freedom Trail walking tour and a ghost tour at night..lots of fun. Boston Minuteman National Historic Park in Concord,MA is nearby too, this is the famous north bridge and the beginning of the Revolutionary War/ride of Paul Revere.
As for traveling in NYC or Boston, it's fun in my Mini Cooper S....probably not so much in a 26' GMC
Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
[Updated on: Tue, 01 September 2015 14:12] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286354 is a reply to message #286352] |
Tue, 01 September 2015 14:20 |
Olly Schmidt
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
Karma: 8
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Mark,
> IMHO, if you don't have relatives, there is nothing there worth visiting. I can't tell you how much I hate big cities. Go West (or South) young man,
> if you want to see the USA.
see, I love big cities, and my kids want to see the places their
favorite TV shows take place in.
I've already spend 25k miles touring the US, so I am very aware of the
awesome nature the USA has to offer. And I am sure, the GMC we allow my
family to see some of that as well.
--
Best regards
Peer Oliver Schmidt
the internet company
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
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Best regards
Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286357 is a reply to message #286332] |
Tue, 01 September 2015 14:37 |
jknezek
Messages: 1057
Registered: December 2007
Karma: 5
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New York and Boston have amazing things to see. I lived in Manhattan for 18 months and couldn't stand living there anymore, but I still love visiting. Even after 18 months living there going to everything I could, there are still things I'd love to do. Boston is a glorious old city. The history, by American standards, is incredible. It's hardly history by European standards, but we are still a young country!
That being said, I wouldn't drive my GMC through either city. Both have excellent mass transit systems. The NYC subway is a marvel and, in just about every area you'd go to, incredibly safe. One small fair will take you from Coney Island to the Bronx Zoo. Not the fastest way to cover those miles, but certainly the cheapest and most entertaining. Boston's T is a great system as well. Park outside the cities, take mass transit in, and use mass transit to get around. You won't regret it.
Thanks,
Jeremy Knezek
1976 Glenbrook
Birmingham, AL
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286377 is a reply to message #286338] |
Tue, 01 September 2015 16:29 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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James Hupy wrote on Tue, 01 September 2015 10:31I only know of two crazy guys that went downtown Manhattan with GMC 's and
out the Holland tunnel. That was Dwayne Jacobson and Glen Gregory from
Canada. Really NOT a good idea. Transit police just shook their heads in
disbelief. As I understood my PO my coach went through the underground
tunnels in the greater Boston area. The whip antenna on the roof drug on
the tunnel and made a terrible noise according to him. So, NO to Boston as
well.
Jim Hupy
On Sep 1, 2015 7:13 PM, "David H. Jarvis" wrote:
> I would not want to drive a motorhome in either city.
> There may be a problem with the propane tank going through some tunnels.
> Check for warning signs. You may have to detour.
>
>
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In Dwayne's defense, (to hear him tell it) he was innocently following the directions that were coming out of his GPS and would otherwise NOT have driven through NYC!!
I have a daughter in the Boston area and have visited there (and NYC) a few times. I found it stressful just driving a rental car there. The drivers are terrible, lanes end or become turn lanes without notice, and the crowding is awful. I would NOT want to drive my GMC in either place.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286398 is a reply to message #286332] |
Tue, 01 September 2015 23:04 |
cbryan
Messages: 451
Registered: May 2012
Location: Ennis, Texas
Karma: 3
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Peer,
I have driven in NYC within the past two years and surely wouldn't advise trying it in a 26' motorhome. Not recently mentioned is the condition of the roads. Atrocious. Sounds like you need a toad, if you insist. It just isn't fun, and parking is really not very available. Really. I think the best advice you received is to use the campground in New Jersey, the Liberty Harbor RV Park. Jump on the bus that stops right next to the campground. $80 per night with full hookups, they advertise. Stay 6 nights, 7th is free. Propane prohibition in tunnels could give you loads of trouble, also. Just not worth it unless you will collect a very large bet. I haven't stayed there, I must add, but it looks like a convenient way to see NYC with minimum problems. You still will get a snoot full of traffic when you try to go to Boston by some convenient way. Uh, there isn't any convenient way. Toll roads, potholes, and traffic. You have to consider the comfort you will have in knowing your RV is safe and sound and you can use public transit relatively cheaply and hassle-free, never having to worry about finding parking. It will be enough of an adventure trying to pick up at Newark airport.
So far as Boston is concerned I found this, one park already mentioned:
Here are three RV campsites with parking near commuter rail service to Boston to consider:
- Winter Park in Salem (Rockport Line of the Commuter Rail) - near the water, plus all of Salem's historic sites
- Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover (Haverhill Line) - gorgeous forested area north of Boston
- Boston Minuteman in Littletown (Fitchburg Line) - west of Boston not far from Concord and Lexington
Of these, Salem is the closest to Boston. To get more information and maps for the RV parks, a good source is http://www.rvparkreviews.com. For Boston commuter rail information, go to http://www.mbta.com, and click on the Commuter Rail links. You can use these sources to figure out which RV campsite best meets your needs.
You will need a way to get from the RV campsite to the commuter rail station, such as a bike or a taxi.
There is no RV parking within Boston itself because it's a city and even parking places for cars are at a premium. Also, subway station parking lots do not include RV parking spaces - again, because of space issues. - See more at: http://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/rv-parking-near-boston.html#sthash.z3JjFuYn.dpuf
There was some mention of a Days Inn or two that does take RV/truck parking for their customers, but security must be considered. Maybe try slipping the desk clerk a $20 per day, but that is not such a great idea if you are towed and your vehicle is damaged. I wouldn't chance it. But, you could rent a room at one of them, and they might provide van transport to rail stations. Just a long shot. Maybe there's one in walking distance of mass transit.
Best,
Carey
Carey from Ennis, Texas
78 Royale, 500 Cadillac, Rance Baxter EFI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286410 is a reply to message #286354] |
Wed, 02 September 2015 07:45 |
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thesmith
Messages: 589
Registered: February 2015
Location: Cary, NC
Karma: 6
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Peer, dont do it. I've not been to Boston, but NYC has excellent public transit system and there really is no need for a vehicle.
Park at a transit station and ride the train into the city. Thats what we do rather than take even a Minivan. I've driven in Philly with the Minivan and that was OK but parking is a big hassle even for a car, it would be a nightmare with a GMC.
Only time I'd take a GMC into a big city would be very early on a sunday morning to get that cool picture of the Coach next to some famous building.......and i'd likely end up regretting doing that!
But hey you didn't listen when I warned you about turning off the blue ridge parkway........... 
Pete
Peer Oliver Schmidt wrote on Tue, 01 September 2015 15:20Mark,
> IMHO, if you don't have relatives, there is nothing there worth visiting. I can't tell you how much I hate big cities. Go West (or South) young man,
> if you want to see the USA.
see, I love big cities, and my kids want to see the places their
favorite TV shows take place in.
I've already spend 25k miles touring the US, so I am very aware of the
awesome nature the USA has to offer. And I am sure, the GMC we allow my
family to see some of that as well.
--
Best regards
Peer Oliver Schmidt
the internet company
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
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Cary, NC
1978 Center Kitchen Royale.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286412 is a reply to message #286410] |
Wed, 02 September 2015 08:06 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
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I've driven through NYC and Boston. It never was a destination but since my in-laws have a summer home in Maine, driving through both is the shortest shot. Never really had a problem in NYC since I stayed on the Turnpike(s). I'm not always sure I'm in the right place but have negotiated it several times successfully.
Boston is worse, in my opinion. About 10 years ago I was prompted to drive through the "big dig". My wife had flown to Boston and I was picking her up enroute to her parents'. I found myself traveling in circles and when I paid the toll 3 times at the same booth - I recognized the beautiful (not) young (not) lady (?) in the toll booth. On each occasion I asked her how to get to the Airport. She closed her window and "shooed" me on. On the fourth stop. I rolled down the window, turned off the ignition on my old Suburban Diesel and jangled the keys out the window. She opened the booth and told me to move on. I told her in my best "drippy" southmouth that I was an ignorant soul - out of my element and that I had decided I would stay right there until she helped me get to Logan. When first she refused, I tossed the keys over on the curb and shrugged my shoulders and smiled. It wasn't long before a policeman arrived on the scene and, grudgingly, escorted me to the airport exit.
I know there are ways around New York, but the most direct way to New England is straigh through the heart of The Bronx. I don't know what I'd do if I had to get a motorhome through there.
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND -SORRY) [message #286415 is a reply to message #286332] |
Wed, 02 September 2015 08:36 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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G'day,
It is ILLEGAL to drive a motorhome with an LPG tank through the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, and lower deck of the George
Washington Bridge. The only LEGAL way to drive across the Hudson River into New York City is on the upper deck of the George
Washington Bridge.
I got into an argument with someone here years ago about this and despite posting the rules he disagreed with me so I found the
number of the New York Port Authority and called them up. I told the guy I was speaking to that I was calling from Australia and
that I was going to be taking a tour of the east coast in my motorhome and wanted to make sure I didn't break any laws. He confirmed
that it IS AGAINST THE LAW to drive a motorhome with an LPG tank through the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, and lower deck of the
George Washington Bridge. I wrote down his name and told the guy I was having an argument with on the GMCnet to call the number and
he could talk to the guy HIMSELF. Never heard from him again.
Where to stay.
In the NYC area Helen and I stayed at the Liberty Harbor RV Park; click on the link below to see the info regarding Travel on the
GMCES website:
http://www.libertyharborrv.com/
You can walk to the PATH subway which will take you to NYC or the Marin Street Station of the light rail which you can take to visit
Hoboken, the birthplace of that Infamous GMCer Rob Mueller. You can see the modest home he grew up in at 226 Hudson Street. Take a
walk down to Steven's Park where he used to play baseball as a kid. Meander down to Frank Sinatra Park which is former site of the
Holland America Line. It was where his Dad parked his food truck and Rob watched On the Waterfront with Marlon Brando filmed in the
1950's. Don't get to close to Hudson as you might fall in like he did when he was a kid and almost drown! Then there's Carlos Bakery
of The Cake Boss TV show fame.
NYC is a sightseeing and gastronomic extravaganza! Get off the PATH subway at the World Trade Center and visit the 9-11 Memorial
(very touching). I'm not going to list all the things to see and do as this email would grow to an overwhelming length.
You MUST have a Sabrett Hot Dog from a street cart with mustard and onions and a hot pastrami on Jewish rye at Katz's Delicatessen -
205 E Houston St (at Ludlow) make sure they give you a BIG Kosher dill pickle! Little Italy and Chinatown have heaps of little
bistros that are outstanding as well!
Boston
In the Boston area Helen and I stayed at the Wompatuck State Park.
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-south/wompatuck-state-park.html
We didn't have a towd so we drove 6 miles from Wompatuck State Park in Hingham, MA to the MBTA Ferry on Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA
where we parked the GMC in their lot and took the ferry to Boston.
http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/boats/lines/?route=F1
Note that there is NO FERRY on weekends! So plan your trip accordingly.
If one is a US history buff Boston is an extremely interesting city!
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
-----Original Message-----
From: Peer Oliver Schmidt
Morning,
I am pretty sure others have visited both of these cities before us.
We plan for summer of '16 (~26th of July for three weeks) on going on a
tour from Newark International Airport to Niagara Falls to Boston to New
York City.
Is it feasible to go downtown in Boston and New York City with a 26' GMC
Motorhome?
Any notes and/or advise is greatly appreciated.
--
Best regards
Peer Oliver Schmidt
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Boston and New York City and a GMC Motorhome (RESEND - SORRY) [message #286418 is a reply to message #286410] |
Wed, 02 September 2015 09:15 |
Olly Schmidt
Messages: 1265
Registered: February 2014
Location: Germany and Scottsville, ...
Karma: 8
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Senior Member |
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Hello Pete,
> [..]Only time I'd take a GMC into a big city would be very early on a sunday morning to get that cool picture of the Coach next to some famous
> building.......and i'd likely end up regretting doing that!
That's definitely on my list of dares to take :D
> But hey you didn't listen when I warned you about turning off the blue ridge parkway........... :)
And I learned a lot, and lost a lot of fear with regards to small tiny
roads. Might come handy, if/when we take the GMC to Europe :)
--
Best regards
Peer Oliver Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x83E1C2EA
'76a Eleganza II, VA
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Best regards
Olly Schmidt
PGP Key ID: 0x18a9 3a1f 4196 bf22
'76a Eleganza II, VA
'73 Sequoia, SH, Germany
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