On Saturdays I get to go on field trips most weekends. Today was no different. Today was different, though.

Usually we go to the dog park or sometimes we'll go to the woods or downtown Salem. This weekend, though, we went to what the humans and cats call a "Beach." I hadn't been to one before in my life, but at this point I'm happy to try anything, so I hopped in the car.

Next, we drove into Salem to meet Shane's friend Heather from work, her husband Stephen, and their dog Pripet. From there, we all went to the beach. Shane and Cassandra weren't sure whether I should be on my long leash or off leash all together, but once we got there I really wanted to play, and there wasn't really an easy way for me to get away from the beach because there was a huge wall and an ocean, so I talked them into letting me run around without my leash. Actually, I didn't talk so much as tangle myself up and freak out so they decided that I wasn't smart enough to handle the long leash. Suckers.

I started out by chasing other dogs around, and barking at them.

I followed them into the "Ocean." The people said the water would be cold, but I really didn't mind it that much. And since my hair is short and thin, I dried off quickly.

I also learned how fun it is to chase balls. Tennis balls, of course. Here, you see me sprinting towards the ocean after a ball. Cassandra was too slow with the camera trigger and could only get my butt. Once I got there, I romped and sprinted through the water, and it set me off on a crazy tirade of full speed sprinting all over the beach. Everyone there was so impressed at how fast I was. I did about three laps before I slowed down even a little bit. I barely noticed whether I was in the water or not.

Do you ever forget who you belong to? Me too. I walked about 500 yards with these people before realizing I had no idea who they were.

Fortunately, someone threw a ball for another dog in the other direction. No WAY is he beating me to this ball. I started about 2 miles behind him and was to here before he even took three steps. Look how happy I am!

"Did you shower this morning? I bet you will when you get home!"

Here I am, not only resting in the sand by the water, but showing off how translucent my skin is. Don't worry, kids. I'm not radioactive.

My new friend Pripet, who really likes to chase tennis balls. She was very good at running into the rocks to find them.

And at getting all of the dirt off of them once she got to them. Mmmmmmmm.

Now, I'm tired. If you need me, I'll be here the rest of the weekend...