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It's Bill, 7/6/25: Whale of a Surprise

  • Writer: Desmond Haskell
    Desmond Haskell
  • Jul 7
  • 3 min read

A Call from Birgitte

I spent most of last week decorating and furnishing my new lodging, Clark’s Folly Lighthouse. Didn’t get out much, just trying to pay attention to details and what was needed.

On Wednesday, I got a call from my friend Birgitte who let me know about a new charter boat for whale watching, boat tours, custom trips for special occasions. Her husband, John, is going to be the naturalist on board. John is a knowledgeable professional about marine mammals and birds.


Booking the Trip

Thursday morning, I phoned Captain Kinny Corthell in Eastport of eastportcharter.com for details. He is offering custom charters for up to 6 guests on his 29’ Parker. There are options for whale watches, a tour of Passamaquoddy Bay, sunset cruises (BYO and food options). He offers pickups at the town dock in Lubec with John the naturalist. It’s a comfortable, less crowded boat with pickup in Lubec, focusing on what I’d like to do. Sounded good to me.

A white 29-foot Parker boat docked in Lubec’s harbor with calm water and fishing boats in the background.
The Parker, sleek and ready, tied up in Lubec’s harbor before departure.

Spontaneity Wins

Capt Kinny said he wasn’t sure about what he was doing later Thursday afternoon. I agreed, I didn’t know what I was doing either. So, when I got to the Lubec boat ramp at 2, Birgitte was just dropping John off. She yelled to John, “It’s Bill!” John and I ambled down the boat ramp where the Parker was tied up — couldn’t miss her. Carolyn, his mate, was there to welcome us on board.

About 10-15 minutes later, 3 guests arrived. They had been out to Seal Island on a morning puffin trip out of Cutler to Seal Island. They were ready to find some whales and seals.

With twin 300 Yamahas, we set off along the bay side (north shore) of Campobello. About 4-5 miles out, we slowed down to photograph a pair of eagles in some spruces overhanging the water.

Several people prepare to board a 29’ Parker boat at the dock in Lubec for a whale watching tour.
Boarding the Parker at Lubec’s dock, ready for a wildlife-filled afternoon at sea.

Spotting Nick the Finback

We passed East Quoddy (Head Harbor) Lighthouse when a pair of whale watch boats radioed they thought they had seen a finback. About 10 minutes later, we saw, heard, and smelled the spout of the finback whale. John confirmed it was Nick, the finback, with his telltale scar on his fin. We circled for about 15 minutes, shutters clicking. First finback of the season.


Seals, Gulls, and More

Seals were next. We found about 50+ further north of us on rocks and shore. Resting, basking with total indifference, they slid and swam randomly. More photos than seals. John informed us of the species and their characteristics.

In between eagles, whales, and seals, he pointed out various gulls and seabirds. I had never seen so many seals in one place — I was impressed.


Wrapping Up at The Old Sow

We continued on toward Eastport to The Old Sow, the second-largest whirlpool in the world. Tide was fairly slack, wasn’t doing much; however, we could see its large scope. Carolyn passed around packets of snacks and soft drinks as we headed back to Lubec.

Handshakes and photos all around when we docked. I’m looking forward to my next trip.

A smiling man stands beside the docked Parker charter boat after a wildlife tour in Lubec.
Post-trip smiles: Bill, dockside with the Parker after a successful day spotting whales and seals.

2 Comments


John Caban
John Caban
Aug 17

Can't wait to spend this upcoming weekend at your property. This would be the fourth time going to lubec and the first time spending it at your property.. I also contacted the captain of the boat to set up some type of chatter. Thank you

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Sarah Dooley
Sarah Dooley
Jul 07

Wow! What a fabulous adventure! Sure hope we get to do this later this month! Sarahjane

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