A harbor seal, which Karl Ramsdell affectionately calls “chubmarines.” Credit: Karl Ramsdell
Halfway Rock Lighthouse, restored and remote, as seen from the ledge where seals gather in Casco Bay. Credit: Karl Ramsdell
One of the bedrooms in the tower at Halfway Rock Lighthouse. Credit: Karl Ramsdell
A harbor seal pup sleeps on a bed of rockweed. Credit: Karl Ramsdell
An aerial view of Halfway Rock Lighthouse in Casco Bay. Credit: Karl Ramsdell
Karl Ramsdell regularly paddles the ocean to photograph wildlife. A professional, he especially enjoys capturing seals, which he affectionately calls “chubmarines.”
Recently, Ramsdell paddled about five miles on his paddleboard from Harpswell to Halfway Rock Lighthouse in Casco Bay. He had previously visited the island from East End Beach in Portland, covering roughly 22 miles round-trip.
He warns that such trips are only for experienced paddlers. “It’s no joke,” he said. “It’s extremely dangerous.”
Ramsdell, who grew up surfing, has been paddleboarding for about 10 years and photographing seals from his board for seven. He relies on his ocean knowledge from surfing, carrying all his gear in a dry bag on his back.
Halfway Rock Lighthouse, built in 1871, was automated in 1975 and fell into disrepair before being restored by its current owner, Ford Reiche, earning top honors from the American Lighthouse Foundation in 2017.
While photographing seals loafing on the 2-acre barren ledge surrounding the lighthouse, Ramsdell was invited in by Reiche. From 76 feet up, he captured a rare panoramic view of the surrounding waters. He’s even spending the weekend in the lighthouse.
Access to the island is notoriously difficult. “I got beat up getting on the island,” Ramsdell said. Reiche has a specially equipped boat to make landings easier.
Ramsdell first discovered the seals in 2022 during a boat visit, and it had long been his dream to paddle there.