After more than a decade of planning, setbacks, fundraising and permitting, the “Close the Gap” project opening a key segment of the Eastern Trail is finished, 15 months ahead of schedule. It was a long-awaited step to fully connecting the Eastern Trail, a 65-mile off-road trail from South Portland to Kittery. Scarborough residents Dan Bouchard and Norman Gallant walked together, chatting about their favorite memories on the Eastern Trail. Bouchard’s children have grown up on the Eastern Trail. When they do, they always make a point to take a walk along the Eastern Trail.