February 27, 2015
We’re underway, making our way about 100 miles south to Yamba. This morning, in the cockpit, I found this guy hanging around…
I thought we’d added a arch and bimini, but I guess it’s a belfry!
He doesn’t seem too bothered by our presence in the cockpit. What a nice guest.
More of the story…
OK, he has a name. Levi.
Here’s how his name came about. I’m sure you’ll agree it’s logical.
One night in Southport, we went to our favorite pizza place: Lambar Pizza.
There were lots of bats flying around – hundreds – when we arrived.
Our favorite pizza there is the Levi (garlic and lots of prawns).
See? Logical.
We might have been a little extreme in our behavior. This is how we’d keep watch so as not to disturb him.
I’ll never cross a river bar without a bat onboard!
Levi rode with us all the way into Yamba including a rough river bar crossing.
So why “never cross a river bar without a bat”?
I figured if he didn’t fly off, things couldn’t be too bad! If he wasn’t concerned, I needn’t be.
OK, a long day, a bat, a river bar and then, this was the opening into Iluka Bay where we’d hoped to anchor. The high water slack tide never happened and the current was still running two knots. I turned to shove Legacy through this narrow opening but the current had other plans. No worries – Levi wasn’t concerned. Why should I be? I shoved the throttle forward and slipped Legacy through mostly sideways.
When dusk came, Levi got more active and flew off. We were both sitting in the cockpit when he did. We were so sad to see him go and so happy that he was alright. We saw other bats (flying foxes, I guess, to be more correct) that evening so we’re sure Levi will have company in his new home.
We’ll miss you Levi. Thanks for visiting – a visit we’ll always remember. -Rich
(Our love of bats is nothing new for us. Check out this previous post with video.)
