What we’re about
For dog lovers who are ready to go "BEYOND THE SIDEWALK" with our best friends. Our main goal is to actually spend quality time with our pups doing fun things, instead of just hurrying through the daily grind of walking around the neighborhood.
You don't need to own a dog, but you'll have to tolerate ours. There are usually other "dogless" hikers/paddlers. We stop often to water the dogs, take pictures, and play in creeks/rivers/lakes.
Usually, we have 2-3 events/week, year round.
When it's cold, we hike. Usually, we hike 6-15 miles/week in cool weather.
When it's hot, we kayak. Some easy lake paddles, some 10 mile river trips.
When it's nice weather, we camp. Campouts will include kayaking/hiking.
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In 2025, after 12 yrs of free membership, we have found it necessary to establish a $15/year membership fee. There is a 30 day free trial, but after that you will need to pay the dues to attend/participate in our events.
YOU MUST BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND EVENT. You'll need to answer our membership questions, pay the dues (after 30 day trial), RSVP like other members do, and abide by our rules if you want to hang out with us.
Leave the negative talk about family or politics at home, just bring a sense of humor and enjoy the day.
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IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A POWER HIKING/PADDLING GROUP, THIS IS NOT IT!
The pace of our hikes/paddles is more relaxed, and our groups are smaller. We take our "goof off" time seriously, especially if there's a puddle, creek, lake or river around. If you're in a hurry to burn up the trail, you won't like our group.
You do have to be reasonably fit for most of our hikes, which average 3-6 miles long.
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WE HAVE RULES & WE ENFORCE THEM! BE SURE TO READ THEM. It's no fun having to correct people on the trail. Please just read them.
Keeps our dogs and people safe and happy. By joining our group, you acknowledge that you have read these rules and agree to abide by them. You obviously hike at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety and your dog's safety.
If you don't like these rules...or think they don't apply to you...you should not join our group!
NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES, 6' max
NO INTACT MALE DOGS....THIS IS NOT OPEN FOR DISCUSSION.
KEEP YOUR SHOTS UP TO DATE. We do not check this.
Please use tick preventative on your dogs, for their safety. Trails are often wooded.
Bring water for your dog....this is important, even if you don't think so.
Stay to the right on the trail, just like driving a car. We don't own the trails.
Arrive a bit early and be ready to go, we hit the trail/launch at the scheduled time.
Please leave the political or negative talk at home, no one wants to hear it.
PACE OF HIKE is set by event hosts. New members, do not take over and lead the pack.
If your dog is mean or aggressive, you will be asked to leave.
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REQUIRED FOR MEMBERSHIP:
• A picture that clearly shows either you or your dog...prefer one of your dog!
• A real name for you and your dog
• Your dog's name, breed and age.
IF YOU DO NOT SUPPLY THESE THINGS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL BE DENIED.
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- DOG PADDLE at Creve Coeur Lake. B.Y.O.BOAT or rentCreve Coeur Lake Rentals, Maryland Heights, MO
THIS IS A GOOD PLACE FOR BEGINNERS, IF YOU HAVE A NEW KAYAK OR YOUR DOG IS NEW TO KAYAKING.
A really great lake to paddle, very popular with everyone. We'll paddle across the lake and then head up the channel and back. We will cancel and pick a new spot if winds are over 12 mph. CC Lake is brutal on a windy day.
Allow 3.0 hours, probably less. Not a power paddle, just a lazy day on a pretty lake.
NEW PEOPLE....please read entire writeup. Info is there for YOU! Our regulars already know all this stuff. Keep your RSVP updated by 8:00 a.m. on Saturday. We hate waiting around for no-shows or late arrivals. We paddle away around 10:00, with or without you. Arrive early and be ready to go by then.
If you have a new inflatable kayak, be sure you inflate it at home first, to learn how to work it. Leave it inflated for 24 hours to be sure it holds air.
Please read this before you paddle with us the first time:
Keep your dog on short leash on land.
Not many places to let dogs off to cool down, but we will stop at the little island by the channel twice. They can swim here. Muddy, but wet. Bring water for your dog to drink when it's this hot.
DOGS ARE REQUIRED TO WEAR LIFE JACKETS AT ALL TIMES.
Humans are required to have life jacket aboard. They work better if you wear them!Most of us have our own kayaks.
Intex kayaks okay here.
Foldables okay here too.RENTALS: Creve Coeur Lake does have rentals, but you're responsible for your own arrangements. It's first come, first served. Rental kayaks are not exactly dog-friendly. Just be on the water and ready to go at 10:00, or catch up. We do not coordinate rentals. We meet on the water around the second boat ramp, near the rental gazebo.
https://crevecoeurlakerentals.net/
Watch the comments on website before heading out, if weather threatens. This includes wind .... often a big factor here.
FINDING US:
The hardest thing here is finding a place to park. Allow for that! There's always spots, but you might have to look for them. It's crowded in the parking lot, and we are not all parked together. For that reason, some of us meet ON THE WATER here. The only place where we have to do this.
THERE ARE 2 BOAT LAUNCH RAMPS as you turn off Marine Ave into long parking lot that goes down to rental gazebo and waterfall. We all usually try to gather around the second concrete ramp, if possible, to avoid the sand. This is BEFORE the rental gazebo. Plenty of other room, just park in that area, launch from anywhere along sandy beach or from first ramp, and paddle yourself to the little brown gazebo where they rent kayaks.
Plan to arrive early, no later than 9:30 (earlier if you're new at this) and be on the water at 10:00-ish. We will paddle away around 10:00. If you're late, catch up. We head for the channel first. Paddle across the lake to the left corner. Everyone on the water knows where that is, just ask someone on the water.
Mapping is good here. Pointer is on rental gazebo.
- St Charles Pet ParadeBlanchette Park, Saint Charles, MO
St Charles Pet Parade at Blanchette Park
Description: Dress up your pet and join us for a morning of fun at the 6th Annual Paw Parade! All proceeds from the event benefit the City of Saint Charles Animal Shelter.
This year's event will take place in a NEW LOCATION - Blanchette Park! Guests will also have the opportunity to take shuttle to the Animal Shelter for a tour!
Vendor Fair from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
https://www.stcharlescitymo.gov/1015/PAW-Parade
Register your furry friend for the Paw Parade! Registration is $25 for adults/$20 for children and includes a T-shirt. All proceeds benefit the City of Saint Charles Animal Shelter.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-charles-paw-parade-2025-registration-1657126041599?aff=oddtdtcreator
Meet: TBA
Mileage: Unsure but generally ~ 1 mile
What to Bring:
Dress in layers to adjust
Good walking/hiking shoes
6' or less leash for pet
Water for self and pet
Poop bag for pet
