A holiday on the Cape.

For two straight weeks I have seen nothing but rain and gloom from sea to fruited plain. Rather than crawl under the covers and hibernate, I prefer to recharge with photo reminders of this past summer.

On Labor Day weekend Kate, Liz, and I made our maiden voyage to Cape Cod. We spent a night on the Dennis shore and one by a pond in Chatham. While not the most action-packed vacation we had ever taken, we certainly snapped enough pictures to prove otherwise.

Back seat warriors like myself must head into battle fully prepared. I suited up for the drive in my favorite Nantucket Reds. The ancient, faded L.L. Bean Boat 'n Tote carried necessities (water, makeup, sand, and Gatsby) and, later, the crown.

My souvenirs must tell stories, and this crown is no exception. It began its journey in the back of an Altima and now hangs in my closet, patiently awaiting its next adventure.

This sticker was affixed to the Altima's rear right passenger window. I spent a lot of time staring at that flag between New York and Providence, R.I., where I took this photo, and, finally, the Cape.

On Saturday afternoon we walked along Route 6, the Cape's main drag, to Captain Frosty's for their famous lobster rolls and ice cream.

As we unpacked our duffels in Dennis, Liz said, "Cary, how many pairs of khakis do you have?"

"Did I pack or do I own?"

"Do you own."

I thought about it for a minute and then replied, "I really can't say."

You can never own too many khakis. I swear by J. Crew's Boyfriend and Original fits.

On Saturday evening we took the boat for some water-skiing and a tour of the Bay. I was allowed to drive until I plowed into a lobster buoy.

We spent nearly an hour strolling the beach, hoping to catch the sun as it sunk below the horizon. Our iPhones were poised and ready to capture it.

On Sunday morning we drove to a nature preserve on Nauset Bay to hike and hunt for shells. This nautilus now sits on my windowsill.

The nail polish is, as usual, "Kennebunk-Port" by OPI.

Our cottage in Chatham boasted enough bunk beds to fill a college dorm room and a hammock and this pretty view.

Our last Cape adventure before heading home was a long boozy brunch at Spanky's Clam Shack on the Hyannis harbor. The waitress praised this cerulean sip as Spanky's special recipe, but I'm pretty sure it was just a Bay Breeze. Paired with slaw, fried clams, and quahogs, it tasted like a dream.

In just 48 hours we snacked on some of the best eats of the New England shore while admiring its prettiest sunsets. Scargo Cafe and Wildgoose Tavern also hosted our hungry little crew.

My stash of khaki pants thanks our hosts for the wonderful vacation.