Self-portraits.

Sandi and I have visited the Cape fifteen times: twice in March, once in May, once in October, and eleven times in September. Our favorite time to go is, obviously, September, and our favorite day to arrive is Labor Day; we love to drive onto the Cape as literally thousands are driving off. And September is just the best. It's still warm but usually dry, the water is warm enough for wading, the grasses are turning to oranges and yellows and reds, our favorite restaurants are still open, and, best of all, the kids are back in school.

Much of the upper outer half of Cape Cod is designated National Seashore and, as such, is blessed with bike and hike trails, lighthouses, two major visitor centers, parks and picnic tables, and protected beaches and dunes. We know all the trails and walk them constantly. Note: the more you walk, the more fish you can eat.

The first picture was taken on a cool and damp day in October, the second on a bright-cloudy day in May, and the third on a sunny day in September. Two and three were taken at the exact same spot overlooking Nauset marsh on the Nauset Marsh Trail, which starts at the Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham.