The small island we are anchored in the lee of has a village along the western shore; no roads, no electricity, but several churches. Churches are big here, of every persuasion. The village on Ofu was a delightful surprise; almost none of the trash and litter we saw in Neiafu, the big city of 5,600. Instead of a road there is a path just ashore of the high waterline; it is lined with benches and spider lily plants and was clearly well maintained. After visiting the local school, the obligatory photos of the kids and distribution of frisbees we headed up the path.

We ran into the local women, in force, engaged in their weekly task of making the path beautiful (photo). Weeding, raking, wheelbarrows and machetes; clearly an organized and focused group. What a lovely place.