The annual automotive occasion within the southern Colorado city is a gathering showcasing classic, traditional, and customized automobiles. It offers a chance for lovers to show their prized possessions and for the general public to understand automotive historical past and craftsmanship. For instance, attendees may witness meticulously restored fashions from the Nineteen Fifties alongside trendy, modified machines.
Such an occasion contributes to the native economic system by attracting vacationers and members. It additionally fosters a way of neighborhood amongst automotive lovers. Traditionally, these kinds of occasions have served as platforms for sharing information about automotive know-how and restoration strategies, whereas additionally offering a nostalgic glimpse into the previous. They’ll function fundraisers for native charities and organizations.
The next dialogue will delve into particular facets, together with the forms of automobiles sometimes exhibited, the associated actions and distributors current, and sensible info for these contemplating attending or collaborating in future iterations of this annual occasion.
1. Classic cars
The guts of the gathering beats with the rhythmic pulse of engines gone their prime, but meticulously preserved. The presence of classic cars just isn’t merely a characteristic; it’s the foundational factor. With out these relics of automotive historical past, the occasion would lose its defining attribute. Think about the Nineteen Thirties Ford Mannequin A, its easy class a stark distinction to trendy engineering, drawing crowds desirous to witness a tangible connection to a bygone period. Every dent, every authentic part tells a narrative of innovation and resilience, echoing by way of the generations.
These classic machines are sometimes painstakingly restored, a labor of affection undertaken by people devoted to preserving automotive heritage. The gathering offers a platform for these restorers to showcase their work, sharing their experience and galvanizing others. The impact is twofold: it educates the general public concerning the evolution of automotive know-how and it fosters a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship of earlier generations. The visible impression of a wonderfully restored 1967 Mustang, its gleaming paint reflecting the Colorado solar, underscores the significance of classic automobiles in attracting attendees and producing curiosity.
In essence, the classic cars displayed should not simply vehicles; they’re embodiments of historical past, artwork, and human ingenuity. The occasion owes its success to the dedication of the homeowners and restorers who deliver these automobiles to life, sharing their tales and preserving a vital a part of our collective previous. The problem lies in persevering with to draw each classic cars and a brand new technology of lovers, making certain the continued vitality of this necessary factor.
2. Customized builds
Past the gleam of factory-original restorations, a distinct breed of automotive artistry finds its place. Customized builds, representing a daring departure from standard design, inject an important factor of non-public expression and mechanical ingenuity into the gathering.
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Radical Modifications
Customized builds on the Pagosa Springs occasion usually defy expectations. Think about a traditional pickup truck, its cab seemingly untouched from the outside, but concealing a contemporary, high-performance engine able to leaving sports activities vehicles in its mud. Such transformations showcase not solely mechanical talent, but additionally a daring imaginative and prescient that pushes the boundaries of what a car might be. These radical modifications develop into speaking factors, drawing crowds and sparking debate concerning the very definition of “automotive.”
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Inventive Expression
Extra than simply mechanical upgrades, customized builds steadily embody inventive visions. Intricate paint jobs, hand-fabricated physique panels, and customized interiors remodel cars into rolling sculptures. One may encounter a lowrider with elaborate airbrushing depicting scenes of southwestern landscapes, or a rat rod, a intentionally unfinished creation showcasing uncooked steel and repurposed elements. These automobiles are statements of individuality, including a layer of cultural richness to the occasion. These customized automobiles function a testomony to the proprietor’s creativity.
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Engineering Prowess
Beneath the aesthetic thrives, customized builds reveal critical engineering prowess. Swapping engines, modifying suspensions, and integrating superior applied sciences require a deep understanding of automotive mechanics. The ingenuity and talent required to tug these modifications off are all the time attention-grabbing to guests. It is what makes the “automotive present” so partaking.
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The Spirit of Innovation
Customized builds are a tangible illustration of automotive innovation. The builders are pushing the envelope of what’s attainable to be achieved and innovate within the current. This pushes them to suppose outdoors the field, use new and/or experimental methods to make use of the equipment.
Customized builds inject a essential dose of the sudden, demonstrating that automotive enthusiasm extends far past strict adherence to historic accuracy. They’re a reminder that the love of vehicles is a dynamic and evolving power, consistently searching for new avenues for expression and innovation. These one-of-a-kind creations contribute considerably to the occasions attract, attracting a wider viewers and making certain that the gathering stays a celebration of automotive creativity in all its types.
3. Neighborhood gathering
The annual convergence of chrome and camaraderie just isn’t solely about inner combustion engines and polished paint. It is a story woven into the very material of the city itself. The Pagosa Springs occasion, at its core, features as a big social nexus, a gathering that transcends mere automotive appreciation and turns into an integral a part of the neighborhood’s identification.
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Financial Engine
The inflow of holiday makers drawn to the occasion offers a tangible increase to native companies. Eating places, accommodations, and retailers expertise a surge in exercise. It injects an important financial stimulus into the city, supporting livelihoods and contributing to its total prosperity. The hum of exercise extends past the present grounds, resonating all through the neighborhood.
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Shared Ardour
The occasion provides a platform for residents and guests alike to attach over a shared ardour. Mechanics, restorers, and informal lovers discover widespread floor, exchanging tales, ideas, and admiration for the showcased automobiles. It’s a second of shared pleasure and social interplay, strengthening bonds and fostering a way of belonging.
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Intergenerational Connection
The automotive present bridges generational gaps, sparking conversations between younger and previous. Grandfathers share recollections of driving traditional vehicles with their grandchildren. Youngsters marvel at automobiles they’ve solely seen in books or motion pictures. It offers a chance for the transmission of automotive information and appreciation throughout generations, making certain that the legacy of automotive historical past continues.
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Civic Satisfaction
The occasion showcases the sweetness and allure of Pagosa Springs, attracting constructive consideration and fostering civic pleasure. Volunteers from the neighborhood work tirelessly to make sure the success of the occasion. They’re demonstrating their dedication to the city and its popularity. The well-organized and welcoming ambiance enhances the expertise for guests. It leaves a long-lasting impression and encourages them to return sooner or later.
In essence, this annual occasion is greater than only a show of automobiles; it’s a celebration of neighborhood spirit. Its a testomony to the ability of shared pursuits to deliver individuals collectively, foster financial progress, and strengthen the social material of a small mountain city. The echoes of engines and laughter linger lengthy after the occasion concludes, a reminder of the enduring connection between the auto and the neighborhood it serves.
4. Native economic system
The story of Pagosa Springs is intrinsically linked to the annual automotive occasion, an occasion which serves as greater than a mere spectacle. It’s a monetary catalyst, injecting important sources into the neighborhood’s financial veins. Its existence has develop into an integral side of the city’s annual monetary narrative.
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Lodging Revenues
Because the roar of engines approaches, the inns and accommodations of Pagosa Springs brace for impression. Rooms which may in any other case stay vacant discover themselves occupied by lovers desirous to witness the automotive spectacle. This surge in occupancy interprets immediately into income. It sustains native companies and offers employment for a lot of residents. The transient injection of wealth is without doubt one of the most necessary facets.
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Restaurant and Retail Spending
Past lodging, guests require sustenance and infrequently search mementos of their expertise. Native eating places, cafes, and retail institutions expertise a surge in patronage. From hearty breakfasts to gas a day of automotive admiration to memento t-shirts and native crafts, the inflow of spending helps companies and helps preserve the distinctive character of Pagosa Springs.
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Gasoline and Automotive Providers
A congregation of cars requires gas. Gasoline stations expertise a surge in demand. Among the guests may require repairs to their valuable machines. Native automotive restore retailers stand prepared to offer help. The guests assist the enterprise hold updated with know-how and abilities of the restore crew.
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Tax Income Technology
The cumulative impact of lodging, eating, and retail spending interprets into elevated tax revenues for the city. These funds present important sources for native authorities, supporting infrastructure enhancements, public companies, and neighborhood applications. The occasions monetary footprint extends far past the pockets of particular person enterprise homeowners, impacting the complete city’s well-being.
In essence, the gathering serves as an financial engine, propelling the native economic system ahead every year. The occasion is a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between tourism and neighborhood prosperity. The city’s monetary well being is partially, tied to the success of this annual automotive celebration. This underlines the significance of continued neighborhood assist and funding in making certain its continued viability.
5. Automotive artistry
The annual occasion, within the coronary heart of the San Juan Mountains, transcends a mere show of automobiles; it serves as a canvas the place automotive artistry unfolds. This artistry, removed from being a superficial gloss, permeates each aspect of the occasion, imbuing it with a significance that resonates deeply with members and observers alike. The connection between the automobiles and this setting isn’t just one in every of location, it is one in every of trigger and impact, of inspiration and show. The city offers the stage, however it’s the artistry that transforms it right into a spectacle.
One want solely observe the painstakingly restored classic fashions to know the essence of this artistry. The dedication required to resurrect these relics of automotive historical past speaks volumes. Think about, for instance, a meticulously restored Nineteen Thirties Duesenberg, its chrome gleaming underneath the Colorado solar. Every part, every line, is a testomony to the craftsmanship of a bygone period. Equally, the customized builds on show exemplify a distinct aspect of automotive artistry, one in every of daring experimentation and particular person expression. The significance of this mix of preservation and innovation can’t be overstated. It ensures the occasion appeals to a broad spectrum of lovers.
The sensible significance of recognizing the artistry on show lies in understanding the occasion’s true worth. It’s not only a gathering of vehicles, however a celebration of human ingenuity and creativity. The true price, effort, and power that the artists, engineers, mechanics, and builders have contributed is much larger than simply the sum of the elements that make the automobiles. Appreciating this artistry fosters a deeper reference to the automobiles, with the people who create them, and with the occasion itself. Challenges stay in making certain that the inventive side of the occasion continues to be emphasised and supported, thus making certain that the annual prevalence stays a vibrant and significant celebration of automotive excellence.
6. Mountain backdrop
The imposing San Juan Mountains kind greater than a scenic body for the annual gathering; they’re a participant, a silent however ever-present character shaping the occasion’s very essence. Their jagged peaks and verdant slopes present a dramatic counterpoint to the polished steel and roaring engines, remodeling the automotive present from a easy exhibition into an immersive expertise.
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Visible Concord
The juxtaposition of traditional cars towards the rugged mountain panorama creates a visible symphony that’s distinctive to this location. The graceful strains of a classic Mustang, as an illustration, stand in stark distinction to the rough-hewn texture of the mountains, emphasizing the great thing about each. This visible concord elevates the occasion past a mere automotive present, remodeling it into an aesthetic expertise. The mountains function a pure gallery, enhancing the attraction of every car on show.
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Atmospheric Affect
The mountain local weather, with its crisp air and intense daylight, provides one other layer to the expertise. The altitude impacts engine efficiency. The intense daylight catches each curve and element of the automobiles. The encompassing mountains change from second to second to offer an ethereal show.
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Elevated Expertise
The mountain backdrop helps to make the occasion greater than only a automotive present, the attractive panorama turns it into an expertise. The ambiance transforms the occasion, making it extra interesting and including extra worth for attendance.
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Distinctive Attraction
Many automotive reveals exist, but none are nestled in the identical atmosphere. The mountain backdrop is what separates this occasion from the opposite automotive reveals. Individuals flock to this automotive present due to the mountain backdrop and its distinctive attraction that can’t be discovered elsewhere.
Due to this fact, the mountain backdrop just isn’t merely a scenic accent; it’s an integral part of the expertise. It elevates the occasion to an expertise past a easy present. Because the automotive artwork stands in stark distinction towards the inflexible panorama, the mixture creates a brand new, and engaging type of artwork.
7. Household enjoyable
The rumble of engines and gleam of chrome function the preliminary draw, but beneath this veneer of automotive spectacle lies a deeper present: the creation of household recollections. This occasion just isn’t merely a show of equipment; it’s a rigorously constructed panorama designed for intergenerational bonding. It’s a place the place grandfathers share tales of youthful indiscretions behind the wheel, whereas youngsters, wide-eyed, take up the historical past and artistry on show. The aroma of exhaust fumes mixes with the scent of popcorn, a sensory cocktail that turns into inextricably linked to household custom.
Think about, as an illustration, the Thompson household, who’ve attended the occasion for 3 generations. Their annual pilgrimage is marked not solely by their appreciation for traditional vehicles but additionally by the shared experiences it fosters. The elder Thompson recounts tales of his first automotive, a beat-up Ford pickup, whereas his granddaughter sketches designs for her dream car. This passing down of data and keenness strengthens familial ties, making a shared narrative that extends past the occasion itself. The presence of meals distributors, reside music, and youngsters’s actions additional solidifies this concentrate on household enjoyment. The very structure of the occasion, with its open areas and accessible shows, encourages interplay and exploration, making it conducive to creating lasting recollections.
Understanding the significance of “household enjoyable” is virtually vital for making certain the occasion’s continued success and progress. By consciously incorporating components that cater to all age teams, organizers can domesticate a loyal following and set up it as a cherished neighborhood custom. The problem lies in balancing the wants of great automotive lovers with these of households searching for a day of leisure. Efficiently navigating this delicate steadiness ensures that the annual prevalence stays not solely a celebration of automotive historical past but additionally a cornerstone of household life within the Pagosa Springs neighborhood.
8. Engines roar
The phrase “Engines roar” encapsulates a visceral factor important to understanding the entire expertise. It’s not mere noise, however a symphony of mechanical power, a declaration of automotive energy and heritage that permeates the ambiance and resonates inside the soul.
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The Voice of Historical past
Every growl, rumble, and high-pitched whine tells a narrative. A throaty V8 evokes photographs of traditional American muscle vehicles tearing down Route 66, whereas the exact hum of a finely tuned European engine speaks of subtle engineering and racing pedigree. These sounds should not simply byproducts of combustion; they’re auditory hyperlinks to the previous, connecting listeners to generations of automotive innovation. Think about the deep rumble of a classic Packard, a sound that after signaled luxurious and status, or the high-revving shriek of a Shelby Cobra, a sound synonymous with uncooked energy and unbridled pace. These should not simply noises; they’re historic narratives articulated by way of mechanical voices.
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A Symphony of Modification
Past the echoes of the previous, “Engines roar” additionally encompasses the sounds of contemporary customization. The whine of a turbocharger, the bark of a modified exhaust, the aggressive cam lope of a high-performance engine these are the sounds of particular person expression, of pushing the boundaries of automotive efficiency. A meticulously crafted scorching rod may emit a sound in contrast to something heard earlier than, a testomony to the proprietor’s ingenuity and mechanical talent. The very air vibrates with this progressive noise.
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Sensory Overload
The collective roar of engines creates a palpable power, a sensory overload that heightens the joy of the occasion. As engines hearth to life, the air crackles with anticipation. The vibrations course by way of the bottom, felt as a lot as heard. This sensory expertise just isn’t merely concerning the sounds; it is concerning the feelings they evoke pleasure, nostalgia, awe, and a primal connection to mechanical energy. The air is energized and palpable.
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Neighborhood Anthem
The unified roar turns into one thing extra, a collective anthem of automotive lovers, the occasion transforms right into a shared auditory expertise. The engines sing and hum, bonding people and unifying them with shared pursuits. They have a good time the artwork of automotive design and engineering. The mixed voices of the engines turns into a collective anthem of automotive lovers, it encapsulates their shared ardour and appreciation of every automotive.
These “Engines roar” create an auditory backdrop is as integral to the occasion. It provides layers to the visible and tactile expertise and completes the occasion. This mix of sights, sounds, and shared ardour makes the annual prevalence in Pagosa Springs a robust and unforgettable expertise.
9. Summer time custom
For a lot of households residing in or close to Pagosa Springs, the annual automotive exhibition marks the unofficial graduation of the summer time season. The occasion, rigorously plotted on calendars months upfront, represents greater than a mere automotive present; it embodies a ritualistic return to acquainted faces, shared passions, and the sun-drenched optimism inherent in the summertime months. The vehicles themselves, gleaming underneath the extreme Colorado solar, develop into nearly secondary to the deeper significance of reconnection and celebration. The custom acts as a magnet, drawing individuals collectively from dispersed places, reinforcing the sense of neighborhood that defines Pagosa Springs.
The Johnson household, as an illustration, exemplifies this phenomenon. Three generations collect every year, not solely for the love of classic automobiles, however to keep up a cherished household customized. The grandfather, a retired mechanic, shares anecdotes of his youth whereas his grandchildren discover the intricacies of traditional engines. These shared moments, repeated yearly, weave the automotive occasion into the material of their household historical past. The presence of meals distributors providing acquainted fare, the sounds of native musicians echoing by way of the present grounds, and the grins exchanged between neighbors all contribute to this ambiance of comfy familiarity and communal celebration. This deeply rooted custom makes positive that this yearly gathering can have a continued attendance, guaranteeing its survival.
Understanding this connection between the automotive occasion and the established “summer time custom” is essential for its continued prosperity. It’s important to offer an atmosphere that nurtures these familial bonds and reinforces the sense of continuity. Whereas adapting to altering tastes and preferences is critical, preserving the core components that make the occasion a cherished summer time ritual ensures its enduring success. The problem lies in hanging a steadiness between innovation and custom, making certain that the following technology embraces the annual gathering with the identical enthusiasm as their predecessors. The enduring success of the Pagosa Springs occasion lies not simply within the automobiles on show, however in its skill to evoke a way of belonging and have a good time the arrival of summer time.
Steadily Requested Questions
Uncertainties usually cloud occasions steeped in custom. To dispel potential ambiguities surrounding the annual automotive exhibition, this part addresses generally voiced queries.
Query 1: Is pre-registration necessary for car show?
The story unfolds every year with a well-recognized rhythm: early birds safe their prime positions. Whereas spontaneous participation is typically accommodated, assured placement and inclusion in occasion supplies necessitates advance registration. Failing to pre-register dangers disappointment.
Query 2: What car classifications are sometimes showcased?
The automotive panorama displayed displays a broad spectrum, starting from meticulously restored pre-war classics to trendy, extremely modified machines. Count on to come across classic cars, customized builds, muscle vehicles, and even the occasional import tuner. Variety is a trademark of the gathering, the place every proprietor shows their ardour.
Query 3: Are pets permitted on the occasion grounds?
The narrative on pet attendance is one in every of warning. Whereas Pagosa Springs embraces animal companionship, the crowded atmosphere and potential for noise-induced stress necessitate accountable consideration. Occasion organizers usually encourage attendees to go away their furry buddies at residence, until they’re service animals.
Query 4: What eating choices can be found on-site?
The culinary side of the occasion unfolds as a mixture of native flavors and conventional truthful. Meals distributors providing quite a lot of choices, from traditional burgers and fries to regional specialties, are sometimes current. Nonetheless, the narrative usually entails lengthy queues throughout peak hours, prompting some attendees to discover the various culinary scene of downtown Pagosa Springs.
Query 5: Is there an admission payment for spectators?
The monetary side of attending varies 12 months to 12 months. Lately, the story has been one in every of free admission for spectators. This encourages broad neighborhood participation. Nonetheless, occasion organizers often implement a nominal payment. Consulting the official occasion web site or native sources is really helpful for probably the most up-to-date info.
Query 6: What lodging can be found in Pagosa Springs?
The lodging narrative is one in every of restricted availability, notably throughout peak season. Pagosa Springs provides a spread of choices, from cozy mattress and breakfasts to bigger accommodations. Reserving lodging effectively upfront is crucial, because the inflow of holiday makers to the occasion usually ends in near-capacity occupancy.
These solutions make clear the practicalities surrounding the gathering. They’ll hopefully assist potential attendees in planning a seamless and satisfying expertise. Bear in mind, the tapestry of the occasion is woven from shared experiences. Knowledgeable participation enhances the general narrative.
The following part will delve into the occasion’s historic significance, tracing its evolution over time.
Navigating the Annual Automotive Exhibition
Those that have witnessed the yearly gathering know its allure lies not merely within the automobiles, however within the nuances that elevate the expertise. Heed these observations, gleaned from years of observing the dance between machine and mountain.
Tip 1: Embrace the Daybreak Patrol: Arrive early. The mountain solar rises rapidly, illuminating the meticulously crafted automobiles in its golden mild. That is the photographer’s hour, when the crowds are skinny and the small print are sharp. It is a second to actually admire the artistry earlier than the noon warmth descends.
Tip 2: Respect the Chrome: These should not merely machines; they’re artifacts, painstakingly preserved. Preserve a respectful distance. Admire the reflection, however resist the urge to the touch. The homeowners have poured years of labor into these creations. A easy scratch can undo hours of labor.
Tip 3: Hearken to the Elders: Hunt down the seasoned lovers. They carry inside them a wealth of data, anecdotes of a bygone period. Have interaction them in dialog. Hearken to their tales of horsepower and hardship. These conversations are as worthwhile because the automobiles themselves.
Tip 4: Hydrate: The Colorado solar is unforgiving, even at altitude. Deliver water. Drink it usually. Dehydration dulls the senses, diminishing the appreciation of the encircling magnificence. A transparent thoughts is crucial for discerning the subtleties of automotive design.
Tip 5: Discover Past the Asphalt: The mountains beckon. After immersing within the mechanical world, take a second to understand the pure splendor. Hike a close-by path. Breathe the crisp mountain air. The distinction will sharpen the senses and deepen the appreciation for each machine and nature.
Tip 6: Have interaction Respectfully With Distributors: The city’s inhabitants nearly doubles on the gathering, so be conscious and courteous when coping with service members. Bear in mind to pay attention to wait instances and respect the city’s sources when requesting companies, like gasoline.
Tip 7: Put together for Surprising Climate: The saying is true, and it rains each afternoon within the mountains. Deliver a raincoat or umbrella to cope with the unpredictable climate. The present might go on, however being unprepared means shedding the expertise of the vehicles on show.
In summation, strategy the annual automotive exhibition not merely as a spectator, however as a pupil, a historian, an observer of the intricate dance between man and machine. Respect the artistry, take heed to the tales, and embrace the encircling magnificence. Solely then will the true spirit of the occasion reveal itself. Bear in mind the climate and engagement with the native sources.
With sensible information now imparted, let the narrative flip in the direction of the wealthy historic tapestry of this enduring occasion.
A Legacy Cast in Chrome and Neighborhood
This exploration of the annual occasion has unveiled its multifaceted nature: a mix of classic artistry, personalized ingenuity, and neighborhood bonding, all framed by the grandeur of the San Juan Mountains. Every factor, from the roar of engines echoing by way of the city to the financial stimulus it offers, contributes to its distinctive identification. Its significance extends past mere spectacle; it’s a custom woven into the material of Pagosa Springs itself.
Because the solar units over one other 12 months, and the engines fall silent, the affect of this celebration lingers. The recollections solid, the connections strengthened, and the financial impression skilled all through Pagosa Springs function a testomony to its enduring worth. Might its traditions proceed, its spirit of innovation endure, and its place within the coronary heart of the neighborhood stay safe for generations to return. The annual occasion is greater than a date on the calendar; it’s a image of tolerating ardour, neighborhood pleasure, and the timeless attract of the open highway.