In observation of Easter last Sunday, several of us got together to partake of a scrumptious brunch and build up enough guilt from overeating to force ourselves to go outside later for a walk and some fresh air.

Our delightful brunch was hosted by Pammi Poisson and Robert Causey, who outdid themselves serving mimosas, crepes, scrambled eggs, toast, sausage, bacon, coffee, and tea. It was a banquet fit for kings and queens. We feasted well into the early afternoon. As a matter of fact, by the time we wound up our eatfest and got around to regrouping for an outing, it was around 4 p.m.

We gathered at Gould’s Landing at Pushaw Lake and, after checking with a couple of ice fishermen to see how thick the ice was, decided we’d walk out to and around Dollar Island. Poisson’s mom, Dotti, and mutual paddling friend Karen Francoeur, who was nursing a knee injury, would remain behind to tell authorities where we fell through.

Actually, the ice was about 2 feet thick. The day’s warmth had melted the snow cover leaving a semi-slushy surface. I managed to find a couple of places where I stepped down a few inches, but otherwise the walking was good. Poisson’s two dogs, Merlyn and Pearl, came along for the exercise as well. Actually, the two are excuses lately for Causey to get out.

Our walking route was similar to the one I paddle in warmer months in my kayak. I usually go a bit farther, but there was something adventurous about walking on the water I generally paddle over. At the southern end of Dollar Island, there was a small section of open water near shore. It boosted my hopes that in fact there may be open-water paddling this year. Who knows, with the rain and warm temperatures this week, it might come sooner rather than later this month.

By walking to the southern end of Dollar, up the western side, and around the northern end, back along the eastern side, and to our starting point we covered 2.5 miles, according to my mapping program. The sun was setting and the temperature dropping as we parted company and headed home.

When I pulled into my driveway, it was dusky but not dark. If you’re keeping score, the days are coming up to being four hours longer than they were back before Christmas, and we’re into the part of the year when there’s more daylight than dark. Yes!

And don’t forget, we turn the clocks ahead an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday for Daylight Saving Time. That means it’ll be an hour later when I crawl out of bed. Thank goodness, I was finding it difficult getting up at 6:30 a.m. And on the other end of the day, it’ll be light later.

Maine Island Trail consolidation

The Maine Island Trail Association announced its office consolidation and staff changes effective April 1. The Rockland and Portland operations have been put under one roof in the Portland Yacht Services Complex, 58 Fore Street, Portland. The Rockland office had been open for 12 years. Peg Deutsch, membership manager, and Joanie Rhoda, data manager, both worked out of the Rockland office and are no longer with MITA.

Executive Director Karen Stimpson said the consolidation would save money and increase efficiency. A new computer system and database will help as well, she said.

New assignments at the Portland office include Trish O’Donnell, a former MITA trustee and vice president of sales and marketing at Taction Inc. who is the new director of operations; Dave Mention, founder of the Outdoor Discovery School at L.L. Bean and former MITA trustee, is now trail director.

Tom Franklin, a retired lawyer and loaned executive at the United Way of Greater Portland, is the director of membership and marketing. Brian Marcaurelle, who just graduated from Yale School of Forestry, has replaced Amy Kersteen as stewardship manager. Kersteen left to attend graduate school.

Stimpson will continue as executive director and focus on fundraising and strategic direction. On the fundraising front the organization has teamed up with Block Island Maritime Funding of Newport, R.I., to promote boat donations to MITA, a growing source of funds. Block Island Maritime Funding has developed methods to deal with changing federal tax laws that apply to boat donations and offers many years of experience in marketing and selling used boats to achieve maximum values for boat donors and the nonprofit boat recipients, MITA stated in a press release.

MITA will be reaching out to the cruising and sailing community of New England to spread the word and mission of the island trail group to yacht clubs and sailing organizations.

In his newsletter, Franklin said the number of islands on the trail continues to increase. Four new islands and sites will be added to the 135 already on the trail. The new handbook will contain a new section, “Excursions and Diversions,” that will describe 80 additional points of interest for trail users.

Since 1988 MITA staff and volunteers have acted as stewards for the private and public islands on the 325-mile trail, assuring fair and equitable use as well as keeping them litter free and pristine as possible through spring and fall cleanups. Membership in the organization costs $45 per year ($65 for families). MITA can be reached at 761-8225 or by e-mail at info@mita.org.

Paddle for Pine Tree Camp

If you’re looking for something fun to do June 4-5, why not join the flotilla of paddlers who will be on the water to support the Pine Tree Camp?

The Pine Tree Society for 60 years has been providing Maine children and adults with disabilities the opportunities and the means to create better lives for themselves and their families.

Over the years the Paddle for Pine Tree Camp has involved hundreds of participants, volunteers, and other contributors, raising more than $78,000 since it began in 1997. Kayakers and canoeists raise money for Pine Tree campers by collecting pledges per mile or accepting straight contributions. Sponsors and other corporate contributors donate dollars, products, and services to show their support for this statewide event.

This year’s paddle will expand in size and scope with more statewide locations featuring a postevent celebratory barbecue for all registered participants, prizes, an opportunity to create Paddle Partner teams and pre-event paddling workshops. This year’s sites include: Kennebec River with Maine Guide Darrell Buzzell, Saco River with SacoBound, Androscoggin River with Sun Valley Sports and Maine Handicapped Skiing, Swan Lake State Park in Belfast, and Sea Kayaking on June 5 in Brunswick with Seaspray Kayaking.

To register or for more information, visit the Pine Tree Society’s Web site, www.pinetreesociety.org, call (207) 934-7962, or e-mail at kdorer@pinetreesociety.org.

For more information on the Pine Tree Society call (207) 443-3341 or visit the Web site, www.pinetreesociety.org.

Clean up on Earth Day

Mike Staggs, administrative assistant for Friends of Acadia, wants your help for the sixth annual Earth Day Roadside Clean Up from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on April 30.

Last year some 400 volunteers picked up 800 bags of trash on more than 80 miles of roadside on Mount Desert Island and Trenton. This year efforts also will include Schoodic Point roadsides.

Staggs said Friends of Acadia is asking local businesses and organizations to designate a volunteer group leader who will lead recruitment efforts amongst staff, family, and friends and lead the volunteer on a mile or two stretch of road on April 30. Friends of Acadia will supply safety vests, garbage bags, snacks, and T-shirts for the volunteers.

Participating organizations will be recognized as an Earth Day sponsor in the Mount Desert Islander and the Bar Harbor Times and be listed on the Friends of Acadia Web site.

Call Staggs or Marla O’Bryne at Friends of Acadia at 288-3340 for more information or to sign up.

Pool session

In anticipation of there being open water to paddle on in the coming weeks (months?), I jumped at the opportunity Wednesday evening to join fellow guides Scott Anchors and Karen Francoeur at the Old Town High School pool for a rescue clinic Francoeur was teaching for her guide class.

I had the opportunity to practice a few rescues with Anchors and then float around the pool helping others with assisted- and self-rescues. The time in and on the water helped me freshen up my skills and remind myself, by watching others, how to make rescue as efficient as possible. It’s nice to be able to practice these skills in the comfort of a pool and not have to worry about freezing to death outside.

If paddling is your thing, check out your local YMCA, YWCA, or university to see if they offer pool time for practicing your skills. It’s well worth the time and money spent to get in some practice, and you’ll be ready when it’s time to get out on the lakes or ocean.

Jeff Strout can be reached at 990-8202 or by e-mail at jstrout@bangordailynews.net.