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ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? #260805
07/18/2021 09:54 AM
07/18/2021 09:54 AM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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I have been reading about some issues with Walgreens ID Now test, that they are not being accepted. When I look at their information online, Walgreens describes it as a Rapid Molecular Test. When I try to google a rapid molecular test, to see if it is a PCR test, I am not finding an answer. I have zero level of scientific knowledge about this kind of stuff, but it seems to be a different kind of a test altogether. I know someone posted that they got a response from EHAS, saying it is a PCR test, but I wonder, is that true?

Anyone that has taken it, have you gotten a report that said it is a PCR test??

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 07/18/2021 09:56 AM.

Carol Hill
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Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260806
07/18/2021 10:02 AM
07/18/2021 10:02 AM
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Auburn, WA
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I've seen countless posts on various SXM Facebook sites including Jeff Berger's that that test has been widely accepted without any problems.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: SXMScubaman] #260807
07/18/2021 10:07 AM
07/18/2021 10:07 AM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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You are incorrect. There have been some posts, including one HERE by eightzerobits, that said that they had a problem, flying YESTERDAY, because the gate agent said the test result did NOT say PCR. They substituted a different test and were approved. The fact that most people are getting through OK doesn't mean that it is in fact a PCR test. If SXM wants to accept it, even though it is not a PCR test, then that's fine, but the official rules say it has to be PCR or antigen. If they are going to say it is acceptable, even though it is not a PCR test, then the rules should say that.

The question remains--is it in FACT a PCR test? Knowing my luck, I will be the one who gets denied entry for using it, even though the vast majority of people are having no problem with it.


Carol Hill
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260808
07/18/2021 10:20 AM
07/18/2021 10:20 AM
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This doesn't answer your question but if St. Maarten approved the test and granted pre-approval, why would a gate agent question it. Makes no sense to me. Reminds me of the gate agent who tried to tell me that I should have an application form saying APPROVAL......not PRE-APPROVAL duh.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260809
07/18/2021 10:20 AM
07/18/2021 10:20 AM
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I would say that if EHAS approves it it is good. Can't comment on the ill-informed gate agent.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260810
07/18/2021 10:29 AM
07/18/2021 10:29 AM
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I have been wondering about this ID Now test too.

I don't know when it first appeared in the posts, but wasn't sure what it was

I have also read the posts questioning
if it accepted or not.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: SXMScubaman] #260811
07/18/2021 10:34 AM
07/18/2021 10:34 AM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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The question is--IS IT A PCR test?? If not, according to their official rules, it should not be accepted. If it is not a PCR test and they are accepting it anyway, then the official rules should say that test is acceptable. I don't blame the gate agent at all. The airlines are supposed to double-check people's paperwork, I guess. So, perhaps there should be an official pronouncement that says, if someone has their EHAS approval, then that's all the airline can check for. As I said, the fact that most people are having no problems does not give me a warm fuzzy. I would be the one they would deny entry to, or make me pay $150 each, or whatever it is on island, to get another test.


Carol Hill
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260813
07/18/2021 11:09 AM
07/18/2021 11:09 AM
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From the Abbot MD info sheet it sounds like it is a rapid PCR test that is a tad lass accurate than the RT-PCR but it does sound like a PCR

Quote
IDNow Rapid COVID-19 PCR test will display on the Banner Bar, in the COVID field.
o A positive rapid test will display as Detected
July 8, 2021
o A presumptive negative rapid test will display as Not Detected
o An invalid rapid test will display as Invalid
o Once ordered and in progress, rapid test will display as Ordered


https://www.kaleidahealth.org/coron...-IDNow-Logistics-and-Appropriate-Use.pdf

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260814
07/18/2021 11:11 AM
07/18/2021 11:11 AM
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Yes it is. I used it and it’s fine. It’s airline people not understanding that a NAAT test is a PCR test. EHAS accepts it no problem. Airline personnel are the issue. Search the net and there are many mentions of it and on the Abbott page.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: kim] #260817
07/18/2021 11:38 AM
07/18/2021 11:38 AM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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kim---I had not seen it referred to as a NAAT test before. The problem is, if someone can't get on the plane. I have heard of several reports where people were questioned about it, but not sure if anyone has actually been denied boarding.

Again, has anyone who has taken the test, had a print-out that says it is a PCR test? And in fact, the official rules say an RT PCR test, not just a PCR test.

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 07/18/2021 11:38 AM.

Carol Hill
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260819
07/18/2021 11:46 AM
07/18/2021 11:46 AM
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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/pdf/Airline_Testing_Order_Checklist-p.pdf

This is for return to the US, but says “In addition to NAAT, phrases indicating a NAAT† could include, but are not limited to:
• Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)”

In our experience, preapproval and the check at SXM where 100% question free. The checkin agent at PVD was just skimming the computer screen and then looking for bolder works on the test. Our papers were not checked again in CLT where we boarded for SXM.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260820
07/18/2021 11:50 AM
07/18/2021 11:50 AM
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Carol--I have a copy of an e-mail from EHAS to ProfLangue that was posted on travel talk awhile ago. (6-21-21 #258937) I kept a copy to bring with me to SXM in case someone questioned it.
I thought it couldn't hurt to have it with me.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260821
07/18/2021 11:53 AM
07/18/2021 11:53 AM
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Yes. Just looked at mine and it describes what the NAAT is and also states it is a RT-PR test. Hope that helps.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260822
07/18/2021 12:10 PM
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Carol, ID Now is not a RT-PCR test but is a molecular test that is a NAAT. All Molecular tests used to identify the Covid-19 virus are NAAT tests. (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test). St Maarten EHAS seems to be using multiple forms of NAAT testing for admission to the island just as they are using multiple forms of specimen samples. Both are in direct contradiction to their published rules and allows for arbitrary interpretation of the published rules.

You are right that they can deny you entry for not following their published rules but it seems that they are liberally accepting many testing samples and testing types for people that are submitting EHAS applications.


Be Happy! Simply because you deserve to be. 😁
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260823
07/18/2021 12:38 PM
07/18/2021 12:38 PM
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This is the actual test that we uploaded and was approved. Both Delta and JetBlue have had no issues with it. Have used it three times now.

Attached Files F367734F-1BE4-4E6A-AE9E-03E02408CCAA.jpeg
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: SXMScubaman] #260825
07/18/2021 12:53 PM
07/18/2021 12:53 PM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Kim's test doesn't say that it is a PCR test, or describe what a NAAT is. I guess I just won't worry about it..


Carol Hill
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260827
07/18/2021 01:09 PM
07/18/2021 01:09 PM
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I've attached the report from an IDNOW test I took yesterday (with some details redacted). The report calls it a NAAT test, but does not mention PCR.

From a little bit of online research, it seems that these are closely related technologies. In fact I think NAAT is a broader term that would include PCR tests. It also seems that there were studies from the spring of 2020 that suggested the IDNOW test has a higher rate of false negatives than PCR. But I didn't find any info that was more recent or more definitive.

Dan cheers


Attached Files IdNowTestReport.png
Last edited by DanS; 07/18/2021 01:27 PM.
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260828
07/18/2021 01:27 PM
07/18/2021 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
I don't blame the gate agent at all. The airlines are supposed to double-check people's paperwork, I guess.


Carol......I respectfully disagree. St. Maarten should be the interpreter of their regulations....not some gate agent. If I show up with a pre-approval form from St. Maarten, it is obvious that I have submitted a covid test that is acceptable and approved by St. Maarten. The gate agent should check to make sure I have my test report as that is required, but they should not be trying to determine if it is an acceptable test (St. Maarten has already ruled on that). I DO agree that St. Maarten could eliminate this possibility by clarifying in their written regulations that an IDNOW test is an acceptable 72 hour test.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: DanS] #260831
07/18/2021 03:17 PM
07/18/2021 03:17 PM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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Dan--thanks for the picture.

CaribLee--I agree, SXM regulations should be amended, if they are going to say this test is acceptable. And it shouldn't be up to airline personnel to determine what the regulations mean. The airlines are in an impossible situation. I will say that when we went down in June, AA in Miami did not even look at our paperwork, just asked us if we had it. IF the airline would take a hands off attitude and say if visitors have the EHAS approval, that they won't even look at it, that will help everyone have more confidence.


Carol Hill
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260832
07/18/2021 03:19 PM
07/18/2021 03:19 PM
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It doesn't have to be a PCR type test.

Quote
Alternatively, residents from the USA and Canada can also do an antigen test for the SARS-COV-2 virus obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab performed within 48 hours prior to departure to Sint Maarten. All FDA approved antigen tests using a nasopharyngeal sample including those with Emergency Use Authorization only (EUA) are accepted


So...PCR type....72 hours....Rapid antigen (any) ...48 hours...so checking by the airline for a PCR isn't appropriate

https://stmaartenehas.com/travel-requirements/


Last edited by boucharda; 07/18/2021 03:20 PM.
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260835
07/18/2021 04:35 PM
07/18/2021 04:35 PM
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Maybe a stupid question, but with the Rapid and the PCR type, we were all using for SXM,

what is the purpose of this ID Now test?

There seems to be questions whether it will be okay, and there have been so many questions, without adding more?



Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: The_Lurker] #260836
07/18/2021 04:38 PM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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The difference is that the results are almost immediate, as compared to 'regular' PCR tests, which can take 1-3 days for results. And the timeline ahead of time you can do a PCR test is 72 hours, versus 48 hours for an antigen test, which, again, many antigen tests take around 24 hours for results.


Carol Hill
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260837
07/18/2021 05:14 PM
07/18/2021 05:14 PM
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We did the CVS rt-PCR but hadn’t gotten results yet. Not only had American changed our flight to a day earlier to overnight in CLT, but it was also right when rules changed to 72 hrs. We quickly also got the ID Now at Walgreens as insurance. Used that for approval on EHAS. When we got to gate in KC, the agent was carefully reading St. Maarten rules, checking each item of paperwork. She got to ID Now results and refused them. After about 10 min. of talking with her supervisor, she approved it. Fortunately we had finally received our back up email from CVS just in case.

If time, I will probably do both again. There was no charge at either pharmacy. IMHO, If St. Maarten is going to allow ID Now, they need to change the rules they send to airlines.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260839
07/18/2021 06:04 PM
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Can the CVS rapid test be used for entry to SXM? We are scheduled for the PCR test on Tuesday but we are nervous about getting the results back in time for our flight. Our Walgreens location doesn’t offer the PCR and ID Now test. We are also flying AA and that seems to be where many others have had issues with the ID Now test.

And with the increase in positive Covid cases the work load at labs is going to slow down test results.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260840
07/18/2021 06:17 PM
07/18/2021 06:17 PM
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This is cut and pasted off my returned test result from last May.
"This nucleic acid amplification test was developed and its performance
characteristics determined by LabCorp Laboratories. Nucleic acid
amplification tests include RT-PCR and TMA. This test has not been
FDA cleared or approved. This test has been authorized by FDA under
an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). This test is only authorized
for the duration of time the declaration that circumstances exist
justifying the authorization of the emergency use of in vitro
diagnostic tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus and/or diagnosis
of COVID-19 infection under section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C.
360bbb-3(b) (1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked
sooner.
When diagnostic testing is negative, the possibility of a false
negative result should be considered in the context of a patient's
recent exposures and the presence of clinical signs and symptoms
consistent with COVID-19. An individual without symptoms of COVID-19
and who is not shedding SARS-CoV-2 virus would expect to have a
negative (not detected) result in this assay."

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: KC2SXM] #260842
07/18/2021 07:38 PM
07/18/2021 07:38 PM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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KC--that is my nightmare, that you get to the airport and the airport personnel deny you boarding. Glad they finally cleared you.


Carol Hill
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260843
07/18/2021 07:46 PM
07/18/2021 07:46 PM
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Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
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It's ridiculous that the airline personnel would decide that your approval from EHAS isn't sufficient. That should be all they're looking at.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260844
07/18/2021 07:55 PM
07/18/2021 07:55 PM
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I think it is important to note that the person in the other thread was not refused boarding when the gate agent questioned their test not having "PCR" written on it, only that since they had another test result available they used it rather than to WAIT WHILE THE AGENT GOT CLARIFICATION.

I found this on the website of another outfit offering the ID now test (the bold is mine). It clearly states that the ID NOW test IS a PCR test.

Rapid Molecular PCR Testing

While PCR tests for COVID-19 once could only be done in labs, they can now be carried out quickly on-site, producing results in a matter of minutes. Where these rapid COVID testing units are available, they are a great option for getting fast and reliable results.

At Physicians Immediate Care, we are able to offer the Abbott ID NOW COVID-19 Rapid Molecular PCR test (This is a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test – NAAT) with results in under 15 minutes. We prefer this test due to its high accuracy (less than a 0.5% chance that a negative result is inaccurate) and speed of results. Results are available in less than 15 minutes, making it the fastest rapid point of care molecular COVID-19 test. Fast, accurate results help us follow up immediately and provide the best possible care for our patients.


LeAnn

url=https://www.tickerfactory.com][Linked Image][/url]
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: GaKaye] #260845
07/18/2021 08:09 PM
07/18/2021 08:09 PM
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eightzerobits Online content
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Originally Posted by GaKaye
It's ridiculous that the airline personnel would decide that your approval from EHAS isn't sufficient. That should be all they're looking at.


Blame the St Maarten government. They are the ones that provide the orders to the airlines on what they have to check. And it wasn’t a simple two sentences either. It was a lengthy block of text that came up on the self-checkin screen for the agent.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260846
07/18/2021 08:32 PM
07/18/2021 08:32 PM
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"Airlines might require you to show a negative lab test result."

I have no idea what instructions St. Maarten gives to the airlines, but the above language is the only thing I can find in St. Maarten's posted regulations. The airlines should be checking to make sure you have a negative lab test....not trying to determine if it is the "correct" test. St. Maarten has already determined this by giving pre-approval.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: GaKaye] #260847
07/18/2021 08:42 PM
07/18/2021 08:42 PM
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Originally Posted by GaKaye
It's ridiculous that the airline personnel would decide that your approval from EHAS isn't sufficient. That should be all they're looking at.

Exactly.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260850
07/19/2021 06:22 AM
07/19/2021 06:22 AM
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...and having a document that says "PRE- approval" rather than "Approval" adds to the confusion

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: boucharda] #260851
07/19/2021 06:48 AM
07/19/2021 06:48 AM
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Originally Posted by boucharda
...and having a document that says "PRE- approval" rather than "Approval" adds to the confusion


It does confuse, but the terminology is correct, even before covid, you were never guaranteed entry to a country, even if you had all the correct visas passport etc, the final decision is always made by the immigration officer when you attempt entry.

Maybe an APPROVED TO FLY heading may make more sense

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260853
07/19/2021 08:16 AM
07/19/2021 08:16 AM
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Great point, UK!


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260855
07/19/2021 09:21 AM
07/19/2021 09:21 AM
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We used the the Walgreens ID Now for our May trip. It took a while to convince the Delta agent at DTW that she should let us through. In Atlanta, I was relieved that the agent only wanted to see the pre-approval form from EHAS because I had been super stressed that the agent was going to ask us for the test results and have the same reaction as the person at DTW.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: bluejacket] #260858
07/19/2021 09:34 AM
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Carol_Hill Offline OP
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bluejacket--so, what did you do, to convince the agent to let you through?


Carol Hill
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260859
07/19/2021 09:51 AM
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Posts: 399
Detroit
I politely referred her to the EHAS approval several times--at least 7 times. And I used my best impersonation of someone speaking with authoritative knowledge concerning covid tests--i.e. complete BS. Needless to say, if a test is still required next year, I'll be looking for a different one. The trip down was a way to stressful start for a vacation. However, the relief and excitement upon landing and getting through customs was amazing. The stress of travel and testing just melted away. Leslie had our car waiting for us, and we arrived at our studio in short order.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: bluejacket] #260860
07/19/2021 10:02 AM
07/19/2021 10:02 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,480
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,480
Central Florida!
Did you ask to speak to a supervisor, or was she the supervisor?? That sounds very stressful, yes.


Carol Hill
Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: Carol_Hill] #260862
07/19/2021 10:18 AM
07/19/2021 10:18 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 399
Detroit
bluejacket Offline
Traveler
bluejacket  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 399
Detroit
I never asked for a supervisor because the agent stated early on that she was in a difficult position because it was her responsibility to make the decision and she didn't have enough information about the various covid tests. At DTW, I was not thinking about being stranded at ATL. ATL seemed more nerve-wracking to me.

Re: ID Now test--is it a PCR test??? [Re: bluejacket] #260864
07/19/2021 10:37 AM
07/19/2021 10:37 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,480
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,480
Central Florida!
Glad you were finally able to get there. So, how's the vacation going, once you GOT to the vacation?? smile


Carol Hill
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