If you and your pooch are experienced, well mannered kayakers, plan to join Lee County Parks & Recreation for an outing Rover won’t forget on the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.

Four-pawed and two-legged participants will meet at the kayak launch across from Dog Beach on Estero Boulevard just south of Lover’s Key State Park. No dogs over 100 pounds are permitted and only one dog per kayak is OK.

Sign up in advance for the two-hour, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, event. Cost is $40 per person and includes all the necessary human gear. Dogs’ participation is free, but canine companions must supply their own life vest and wear them. Register at www.leeparks.org or call (239) 533-7440.

Paddlers with their own kayaks can join in for $20, but such boat owners must call (239) 229-0559 by Sept. 14 to make a reservation.

Can’t make it this time? Mark your calendar for repeats of the program – Oct. 21, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16.

Stay tuned. We're working on potentially making a canine-kayaking program available during our 10-day Calusa Bleuway Paddling Festival. Watch for details here or at www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com.