2023    Hiva-Oa late 2023

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	In late 2023 Helen and Neil flew to Hiva-Oa to recomission Milvina. Nothing exciting, just work. The location is beautiful, and the small boatyard very friendly.  Weather is hot.
	This map shows the Marquesas Islands with a 100 Km scale bar. (Double click to read) They are over 1000 km from Tahiti, and 5,000 km from mainland Americas. They are amongst the most remote inhabited islands in the world. Technically part of France, they benefit from French money for infrastructure, medical care and education, but with only 10,000 inhabitants, it is a very remote, rural life.
	The village of Atuona near the boatyard is basic, but very friendly.  Supermarket is limited but OK, and have fresh baguettes every morning before 0700.  When checking out we were always offerred a ride back to the boat with our purchases.  Likewise local restaurants drive customers home.
	As on all the islands, there are a number of local sculptors.  They work in both stone and wood. This traditional Tiki adorns the local soccer field.
	While working in the yard, we had to make a trip to Pape'ete, the capital of French Polynesia on Tahiti, 700 miles away. It is radically different from the other islands, being more like a medium size town in France.  Traffic, traffic lights, tons of restaurants and stores. This sunset over the neighboiring island of Moorea is from a rooftop bar in our hotel in Pape'ete.
	After launching, we sailed the hundred miles or so to Nuku-Hiva, in time for the Matavaa festival. The Midgeleys, on their Ovni 39, Zig Zag sailed with us.  Seen here passing Hiva Oa
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