Curious Country
May We Recommend.... |
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COAST GHOST Paranormal Research Society has carefully investigated each of these locations and is in direct contact with the owners and caretakers. Some are heritage sites, including some pioneer cemeteries. (Please refer to: State of Oregon: Oregon Parks & Recreation Department: Heritage Programs for the definition of heritage and pioneer in Oregon.)
Notice under each listing the guidelines, including best times, for visiting, for taking a tour - including haunted tours and if there is a possibility of doing your own paranormal investigation. For more information on a particular site or about haunted places to stay or visit, contact:
uuzul@aol.com
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MAY WE RECOMMEND:
THEATRES
EGYPTIAN THEATRE
Coos Bay, OR CLICK HERE for SITE
Description of building ---
***** YOU BET IT'S HAUNTED *****
Sadly, the theatre has been closed by the city until significant structural repairs can be made. To help with the funding campaign go HERE!
We hope the many ghosts are not lonely.
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| LITTLE THEATRE ON THE BAY
North Bend, OR The original old Liberty Theatre building is much as it was when built back in 1910.
COAST GHOST has conducted several investigations and found the old building to be HAUNTED. Nothing in the carefully documented history indicates any deaths in the building - although the waterfront area around the theatre was noted for the saloons and wild activities during the late 1800's & early 1900's, up through Prohibition. We suspect the spirits and shadow folk are there to be part of the wonderful stage programs put on by Little Theatre on the Bay. Little Theatre
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 Shadows on stage
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| RESTAURANTS and PUBS |
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FOXHOLE TAVERN
Gardiner, OR
Built around 1914 as a General Store, it has been in constant use all this time having survived the great fire that took out a lot of Gardiner. Right on Hwy 101, next to the Post Office, it's easy to spot. The owners live upstairs in what was once a dance hall. There is a very real presence downstairs in the pool room, as can be seen in the photo. She says she is there to oversee and protect the place.
Stop by for a drink and you're welcome to take photos and you're almost certain to catch the lady in the pool room!
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ROGER'S ZOO North Bend, Oregon
This wonderful old building has been operating as a salon since about 1910. Originally there were stairs down the back leading directly to the docks where Simpson ship builders existed. North Bend was a busy port, full of sailing ships bringing fittings to the docks and taking raw lumber away, along with gold, silver and salmon. ROGERS' ZOO was just one of a row of salons with a second floor for the ladies of the night upstairs. Roger, the owner, has had the place for almost 40 years and you'd be hard pressed to find better pizza and good beer. He brought us in because 'someone' kept shifting the beer kegs around in the cooler. COAST GHOST did find the place had several active spirits and lots of residual stuff going on.
Probably not open for investigation again.... but stop in for great food.
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 Rogers Zoo inside
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BAR WENCH PUB
Taken in December, notice the face on the right side of the photo. At first it seems to be the waitress' hair, but it isn't. Bar Wench is the newest of many businesses in this location. Originally part of the Citizen's building, the downstairs last served as a Mexican restaurant and before that a notorious saloon and dance club, which was eventually shut down by the police. The first use of the building was as a bank. Bar Wench is also next door to the Castle/Winsor building. These two buildings have the remaining entrances to the Virginia Street Tunnels. *************** |

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BRIDGEWATER RESTAURANT Florence, Oregon Old Town Florence - Restaurants & Delis *************** |
 Bridgewater Restaurant
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HOTELS, BED & BREAKFAST, LODGES
COOS BAY MANOR B&B
955 South Fifth Street
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420
1.800.269.1224
cbmanor@charter.net
During the last few years, the new owners, Felicia and Jon Noack have done a wonderful job refurbishing the stately house. Considered one of the finest homes in Coos Bay, it was built in 1912 by Hjalte & Tonini Nerdrum who, having been employed by the paper company, gave it back to the company when they went back to Finland. After going through several owners, it was reincarnated as a bed and breakfast by Bill and Pam Bate. Long known as being haunted, Felicia & Jon seem comfortable with whoever remains and guests know what to expect. In the one back bedroom the light will go on at odd times, a woman's face has been seen in that window and there is a rocking chair in the room which moves on its own. The most distracting presence is the invisible guest who comes up the grand front steps, rings the door bell (and Felicia's French bulldog runs to the door to greet the arrival), the front door comes open and ... no one is there. ********************** |

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| HECETA LIGHTSTATION BED & BREAKFAST
Not to be mistaken for the HECETA LIGHTHOUSE, this is the iconic Keeper's House called Heceta Lightstation seen in almost every photo gallery of the Oregon coast. Stories of the ghosts in the house have been filmed for many a haunted lighthouse TV show. If you are at all sensitive, you will know there is someone near you the moment you walk into the building. COAST GHOST did not meet the supposed 'Rue'. We can say you will not be shy of spirits here though and you might want to check out the grave of the little girl or the spooky rocks at the foot of the steep walk.
Steven and Michelle Bursey have made the bed and breakfast into more than a place to stay the night. Weddings, celebrations and all with incredible dining. Visit one of the last remaining Lightkeeper’s houses on the Pacific Coast, kept historically true with antique furniture and wonderful photos. Bring a jacket, you are right above the ferocious surf and facing the ocean wind. **************** |

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OLD TOWER HOUSE Bed & Breakfast
Owned by Innkeepers:Tom & Stephanie Kramer
Phone: 541-888-6058
oldtowerhouse@yahoo.com
476 Newmark Ave Coos Bay, OR
Built in 1872 by Dr. CW Tower, the great old house overlooks what was once the center of Empire, the first settlement in the area. Dr Tower was the only medical man and surgeon in the area at that time and the house would have been right next to the original town hall (later moved to Coquille). Dr. Tower saw patients in one area of the house. He and his family moved further back into Empire and that house is also on the Historic Register.
Tom and Stephanie have carefully restored the building. Both have experienced the mischievous ghost who inhabits two of the upstairs bedrooms, especially the Rose Room. Outdoors there are spirits aplenty, probably drifting up from the once busy harbor.
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LIGHTHOUSE INN, Florence Oregon
Built as soon as the beautiful CCC steel bridge was finished over the Siuslaw River in 1938, the original part of the building, called the Regan Inn, became famous as the get-away for Boris Korloff and his friends. They would drive up the coast from Los Angeles to the wilderness of Oregon and stay in Rooms 30 and 31, lounge in the 1930's style living room downstairs and escape to the river or the dunes. Supposedly Boris took such a liking to the Regan Inn that he stuck around, especially in Room 31. A shadowy lady in '30's dress has been noticed on the stairs and there is something unusual about Room 39, which was added on many years later.
The new owners are ghost friendly and love to recount all the strange goings-on in the wonderful old place. ***************
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HISTORICAL SITES
With the increasing interest in the paranormal we are finding that more and more of our
historical locations are being inundated with requests from different paranormal investigative teams to gain access for the purpose of research.
But paranormal investigation groups have a vested interest in saving these sites. A thorough
paranormal investigation INCLUDES research into history as well as genealogies. With
continued service a paranormal investigative team can contribute much to any site. Bringing
owners/caretakers and paranormal investigators together for the common purpose of
rescuing these sites would benefit everyone involved while at the same time making sure that
these sites are still around for future generations to also enjoy. |
MUSEUMS
COQUILLE BUGGY MUSEUM
Buggy Museum
Coquille, OR
***NOTE: easy to visit when the owner has it open, very difficult to arrange a paranormal investigation because the owner always wishes to be there and his family always shows up. This is too bad because there is wonderful activity around the original horse-drawn HEARSE, which is still used on occasion and the completely intact buggy from the 1800's. This photo was caught on a first visit, using an IR filter. Can you see the horses?
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OREGON COAST HISTORICAL RAILWAY
MUSEUM
on Hwy 101 in downtown Coos Bay, OR
A dedicated bunch of rail road enthusiasts were able to bring the big 104 steam engine from North Bend to Coos Bay in 2001, put up a fence and add the cabooses to make the start of a great place to visit. Visitors can sit in the engine, walk through the cabooses and imagine they are back in the early days of railroading. There is a museum of artifacts inside the warehouse.
And now they have proof that the old 104 steam engine also has some remaining spirits. Four people are known to have died in connection with the big black engine, so no surprise a couple remain.
The photo is of a shadow 'brakeman' standing by the metal caboose from 1942.
Open times are Weds and Sats. Bring your camera! |

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PRIVATE LOCATIONS
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The DURBAN-ABBOTT AUTO CABINS
Built around 1936 as the first auto-court (motel) on this section of the new Highway 99 which was constructed at the same time as the famous steel bridges along the Oregon coast. The apartments were first used by the construction workers. There are 6 apartments and in each one we found activity. During WWII, wives and children of military families waited for their husbands to return from war and in one apartment we met a strong lady who claimed to be a 'Rosie the Riveter' doing repair work on the bridges. At present, the apartments are undergoing renovation.
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 Figure in Motel Door
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GREY HOUSE
Located in Gardiner, OR. One of many haunted houses in the tiny town of Gardiner, and one of the 'white' historical houses. Built in 1896, it survived the fire which wiped out most of the town, so is one of the oldest residences. The many bedrooms upstairs were used for boarding rooms during WWII, mostly occupied by women and children waiting return of men from the Pacific. Downstairs was used after the fire to distribute wood donated by a shipbuilder for re-building Gardiner.
We found a young disabled boy, 12, who died during WWII, upstairs, very active. And several other spirits downstairs including a 16 yr old girl.
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GG RANCH
A 62 acre horse ranch and riding stables, the GG Ranch lies five miles south of Coos Bay, OR. The owner wanted CGPRS to investigate the house and two barns as she had often been met by 'something' -- especially in the small barn. We were delighted by the sheer beauty of the place and some of the most gorgeous horses ever. And yes, both barns and the house had 'something'. The big barn seemed to retain the spirits of many contented horses who had passed years before and the small barn.... someone still helping out?
Also on the property are two 'spirit trees' which we intend to investigate further.
For a tour of the ranch, don't hesitate to call the owner:
Sylvie Riley - 541 267 4644
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VIRGINIA STREET TUNNELS
Few North Bend, OR residents realize that their downtown harbor area once boasted several long tunnels. When we began researching the tunnels (which the local historical society has no written record of) we heard many stories of them being used to shift booze from the harbor to the row of saloons along Sherman (now Hwy 101), to the Odd Fellows Hall (now the Epiphany store) and the North Bend Hotel (which was once a rippin' hot spot and is now is an apartment complex for retirees). Only a few sections of the tunnels are left. One section can be accessed from the Bar Wench pub and the other is secretly accessed through an old shop in the Castle building.
When we made contact with whoever remains in the tunnels, they were Chinese immigrants. If this is true, the tunnels are much older than the 1930's and in fact, go back to the late 1880's most likely. *************** |

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CASTLE/WINSOR BUILDING
Built in 1903 , it originally had 3 stories. The basement and first floor were the first hospital in the North Bend area and when the hospital moved to the Keesler Hospital that is now a social services building on Virginia and Mead, the large structure was divided up into shops, apartments and the Castle Restaurant. At present there are apartments, a train shop and lots of space left empty. *************** |

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WESTENDAHL HOUSE
Gardiner, Oregon
Built in the late 1800's by a ship's captain, it is a grand old sprawling house now made into two large apartments, upstairs and down. Because the house sits near the south edge of Gardiner, on the steep hill, it managed to survive the fire which took out much of Gardiner. We found several spirits remaining, including Captain Westendahl. ***************
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AMERICAN (COKE ) BUILDING
The original building was constructed of first-growth timber and an imposing structure for the late 1800's Marshfield, (now Coos Bay) Oregon. In 1908, Mr Coke, a new lawyer in town, bought the building for his office. Being in the heart of what was then China Town, rumors had it that the basement harbored an opium den. Whatever the cause, the building promptly burnt to the ground and Mr Coke was financially devastated. It took him two years to find the money to re-build, which he did. The 3 story office building retains the scorched timbers of the foundation, a sump-pump to keep the bay water out of the basement and a marvelous wood furnace, plus the hand-cranked elevator. Well investigated, the Coke building has several resident entities, one of whom seems to be a prisoner brought to see his attorney and who never left.
The American (Coke) building is for sale and empty. Please contact COAST GHOST to inquire about investigating it. *************** |
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B***** HOTEL, Coos Bay, OR
(Sadly, because of bad behavior on the part of a ghost hunting group who not only trespassed but charged a 'tour' group for entry, this wonderfully haunted site is no longer available for investigations.) ***************
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| CEMETERIES, BURIAL GROUNDS
Cemetaries:
Our Pioneer Cemeteries are disappearing at an alarming rate. Many are not being maintained,
many are being innocently lost to brush and blackberries but some are falling under the
malicious damage of vandals and (Satanic) ritualistic rites. Grave robbing and theft is
becoming more common. Some sites are suffering an incursion of homeless folk who leave piles of trash.
History is disappearing before it can be recorded. With the heightened interest in the
paranormal, more and more groups want to do outdoor investigations and cemeteries often
are first on their list. This has often brought the groups into conflict with the owners/caretakers of these sites, sadly, sometimes for good reason as not all ghost hunting groups are respectful.
For a list of Oregon Pioneer Cemeteries and also excellent advice on how to help rescue and take care of cemeteries, and the groups involved in this rescue, go to: Oregon Parks & Recreation Dept.: Heritage Programs: Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries Oregon Historic Cemeteries List ******************
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GARDINER CEMETERY
Investigated on 8/13/11.
A Pioneer Cemetery, with graves of the original family settlers dating to the beginning of Gardiner, OR. Owned by the Masons, it is now maintained by volunteers. Lots of presences, many 'watchers', though none threatening. Seemed very much at peace. There is sometimes a very dark presence up under the giant tree but rumor has it there are more graves further up the hill, lost in the brush. A real challenge to investigate as the graves are on terraces up a steep hillside and the sidewalks and pathways have shifted. Brush and grass take over quickly and no lights are anywhere near.
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LAKESIDE CEMETERY
A small cemetery with very old graves, it is highly unusual. Because it was originally a tribal burial site, the original graves have probably been lost in the madrone brush and sand dunes. Although officially owned by the Masons, the City of Lakeside, Oregon maintains the area. At least half the graves are native American and half of those are native American veterans.
Because there is no lighting and because of it's narrow, dark paths through the sand, this magical place is highly vulnerable to all sorts of critters that do damage, from thieves after brass nameplates, homeless campers, to teenagers scaring each other and falling over tombstones and real wildlife like bears and coyotes.
Yes, it is truly haunted and famous for a place to do amazing paranormal investigation work. Be considerate. Park outside the actual graves area as new graves are always going in, and share what you find with the City Hall staff people. Volunteer time to help with upkeep. ******************** |

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PACIFIC SUNSET CEMETERY,
Florence, Oregon
A large cemetery, by Oregon standards, it sits on a hillside above Florence and the ocean. Surrounded by woods, it's very quiet. Although there are many very old (late 1800's) graves, it doesn't seem to be a pioneer cemetery. Always open for visitors.
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MARSHFIELD PIONEER CEMETERY
http://cbcemetery.home.att.net/about.htm
A true pioneer cemetery! Wonderful for photos and exploring, but because of its proximity to the high school, literally in their parking lot, visitors must obtain a key from Coos Bay City Hall. Once derelict and covered in blackberries, various groups and the city are now doing excellent historical work and keeping it clean.
On July 14, 1888, C. H. Merchant sold property on the hill to the Oddfellows Cemetery Association for $350. The cemetery was officially dedicated in 1891, as a burial ground for citizens of Empire, Marshfield, and North Bend. Until about 1920, burial information was hand-recorded in a logbook kept first by the IOOF Cemetery Association, and later by the City of Marshfield (Coos Bay).
.they could tell many stories about their lives,
. . .as the first Euro-American woman to come to live in Coos Bay,
. . .as the builder of the fastest clipper ship in the world,
. . .as a victim of a tragic shipwreck,
. . .as a veteran who served our country.
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SUNSET MEMORIAL PARK
Spread over a hillside with a lovely view of the rising sun, the cemetery is well kept. This photo was caught just after a service in the mausoleum where the cremains are placed. Seems a shadow person has stayed around.
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BANDON CATHOLIC PIONEER CEMETERY
A small cemetery, very well maintained, it looks over a cliff towards the west. The founder of Bandon, who also, incidentally brought Scotch broom to Oregon, is buried here. Many graves are very old, dating back to the late 1800's. Several Civil War veterans' graves are also here.
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PARKS **************
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BOLIN ISLAND PATH & DRY DOCK
9/3/11
We had to pack our gear about 1/2 mile in and out. The path goes along the NW edge of Bolin Island, in the Umpqua River near Reedsport, OR. Probably the village site of the Umpqua Indian tribe that met Jedediah Smith's party, and killed them. At the end of the path is an old dry dock. It was originally where the Chinese workers camped while building the RR bridge from Gardiner to Reedsport. We were surrounded with spirits from the very start. One Native American lady in particular followed us out. We had figures standing in the woods. In the workers' shack, there remained a man who wanted to communicate. The Chinese workers' camp still gave off the smell of woodsmoke and dinner of fish & ginger-rice. Quite an evening.
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SIMPSON-FERRY STREET PARK
North Bend, OR
Covering the north side of North Bend, cut in two by Hwy 101 and the RR tracks, is a large park. For many years, especially during the Depression, it was a homeless camp. Even before the park was developed, there were stories of spirits roaming along the edges of the woods. The ghost in this photo was caught coming up the path from the RR tracks behind the trailers. **************
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(Photo by Chris McCollum)
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SCHOOLS
Like all hospitals, schools of every level seem to have paranormal activity in them. Wherever possible, we will give the name of the school and the location BUT that does not mean anyone can just go in and investigate or ghost hunt. Permission is ALWAYS required and it would be wise to contact COAST GHOST first.
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WINCHESTER BAY COMMUNITY CENTER
Built as a one room school in 1910, the #137 primary school served the community of Winchester Bay and Salmon Harbor until 1943. After WWII, it became the local grange and then, with the support of the new fire department next door, it became the Community Center. Recently, the empty lot behind the building was turned into a playground dedicated to a youngster killed in an accident.
We found at least 3 spirits inside the building, plus a lot of residual activity to be expected of an old school. Near the stage & piano was a teacher who claimed to be from 1940 and near the front door was the former fire chief who had watched over the place. In the park behind we contacted a one year old child from long ago.
An excellent example of an old school re-purposed and cared for.
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COOS STAN SCHOOL
Used as a primary - 8th grade school until the late '50's, this wonderful building was then occupied by families, one of which was a foster family with 10 kids. Cleaned out and painted and re-done by the last owner, it still kept, seemingly, some of the children within its walls. We investigated and found one child, a young boy of 12 who had attended school in the early 50's. He said he had drowned, that it was an accident. Since the school is high on a plateau away from the North Bay (North Bend, OR) we were surprised. There was also an older gentleman in a downstairs room. Several weeks later, we found from a former student (now in his 60's) that indeed, a boy of 12 drowned in a well nearby. He had gone to school in the early 50's.
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SOUTHWESTERN OREGON COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Located in Coos Bay, Oregon, the campus has several buildings with other than living - breathing students occupying them.
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PROSPER HALL
An old cement, two story building with the basketball court & bleachers on the second floor meaning the lower floor with the Karate & Judo dojo can be dusty and noisy. The subterranean locker rooms are damp and dark. My first contact with an entity was when a young man, so real some students thought he had come to Tai Chi class, walked through the front of the dojo.
Coast Ghost was called in by campus security guards because over and over they would hear a basketball game going on around 2 in the morning and go running upstairs only to find the place empty. Coaches complain because basketballs and equipment are left on the court floor.
After several investigations, CG has gathered sufficient evidence to back up the security guards' claims and we can say - Yep, Prosper Hall is well and truly haunted.
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 12.20.9 taken by Ann Fillmore.
In complete darkness with an IR filter on a Kodak digital camera around 8p -- the elusive basketball player.
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CHURCHES
OLD COMMUNITY CHURCH on ELM STREET
Reedsport, Oregon......
The original structure was built in 1912 by the Presbyterians. It was added onto over the years to its present vast size. Sitting high on a hill so it did not need to be built on poles like other Reedsport structures, the big white church dominates most old photos of the marshy, wild frontier town. Elm Street is now a one lane road but it was once the only route from the sea to the river harbors.
Back in the early 1900's, there was a clear divide by the Umpqua & Smith Rivers. The Presbyterians stayed on the south side of the Umpqua river in hard-living, hard-working Reedsport where the canneries, and saloons, were. The Methodists stayed on the north side of the Smith River in Gardiner where the dairy, the brewery and other businesses existed side by side with the fancy houses and sea port.
Yes, the church is haunted by several spirits, one of whom seems to be a strong male presence acting as a 'guardian' of the property. We had a lot of electrical malfunction and battery drain!
Very active place.
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