A reprieve....

Happy Monday Everyone!

Scott, maybe the tide is turning. I won last night at cribbage, and they are letting us stay until Wednesday. Their cousin from Fata Hiva will have to wait. Hopefully, the part will be here by then. Checking this morning, it is still in Auckland.

As Raita said this morning, "....look around maybe there is some reason you're here...". She's a lovely Marquisean whose lovely family owns this pension/restaurant. She makes the best sorbet with fresh fruit. She is recovering from breast cancer & has taken a leave from teaching English in the high school.

Change is always an chance to pause and reflect....and what always is of primary importance is family and friends. A special gift we have. Love, Leslie & Paul

Where is Tom Hanks when you need him...

Tom would have found the right island...FedEx tracking shows our little package's route San Diego, Oakland, LA, Honolulu, New Zealand....wonder which of many islands it will go to next before Hiva Oa? Anyone venture a guess?

And, life on Hiva Oa continues...day 23. It's Mother's Day here. The family is off to the cemetery with flowers and wearing flower head wreaths...such a sweet family. George ( pizza chef son) made croissants today...so flaky better than the bakery.

Off to the boat to retrieve the Solarcaine ( not for sunburn -we're still a bit pale) for a rash. Dad, so glad we brought some.

Yesterday, we enjoyed an E ticket ride( for those of you not old enough that's the most adventurous rides at Disneyland and you only got 2 in the pack). In our Make Make rent a jeep, we saw wild goats, historical tikis, swam at a nice beach(not clear but less muddy)and drove (on the edge of the hillsides with ocean below)through dense terrain of palm trees and pines among other beautiful vegetation. When near an old palm plantation (copra production ) the roads were paved. Paul was an expert driver but we could have used one of your kidney belts( right, Guy, Scott & Kelly) used on dirt bikes).

Happy Memorial Day! And, so summer begins for you. Sunny here at the moment. Hugs to you all. Love, Leslie

Photo Missing from Day 18

Special service for children....

Day 18, Hiva Oa

Hi Everyone,  While walking early today, I saw families coming to church,  Church of immaculate Conception( a picturesque  shortcut to the bakery).  Most dressed in white or colorful more traditional look.  I think it is first communion, however, one person told me it was fete l'enfants.  Mothers were presented with flowers and children crosses( made out of mother of pearl??)

My favorite part of being here is observing community happenings.  Today was a special treat....

More delays....FedEx still has yet to make delivery...and so the cruise plans continues to be stalled.   

May rent a car this weekend and take an island tour of our own.  There appears to be a car rental.  Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  Love Leslie & Paul

Sent from my iPhone

Day 14....at Hiva Oa

Bonjour, a very nice day off...lovely weather, read, did some anchorage planning, and Paul took his first swim in the SP( after the tide went out). It looked too rough for me.

Met a couple today who sailed here from Chicago in a 35' Beneteau ...figure that one out.

Hope you had a nice Sunday, too. Love, Leslie



If you've been keeping track, you've probably noticed that I was off by a few days...only 14 days here not 18...

Voila....sun & clearing....

Day 17 at Hiva Oa....

Bonjour,
Sun and clearing skies after 3 months of rain....
Airport is now open.....hopefully our parts will come on schedule 27th
Maybe even a flour delivery for baguettes et pastries....
Going to boat to do some cleaning/organizing & to get clean clothes...
Hopefully, will see John about a tour while it's sunny.
Scott, I'm still losing at cribbage...help! Love, Leslie