So what do you call people who stroll on the beach with umbrellas and anoraks -- who are undeterred by the sort of weather that would send all Cape vacationers immediately running to the mall or a movie?

Canadians!

That's right, you guessed it, we are in Old Orchard Beach, Maine in the pouring rain, with the kids and the 'rents (mine.)

My father celebrates his 67th birthday today. So we'll try to scare up some steamers and lobsters to celebrate...indoors.

We are right on the ocean, which is the approximate temperature of a melting glacier.

Even the motel staff looks like they'd like to escape somewhere sunny. Sigh.

Here's a photo of the view from our room!

How is your vacation going? Better than mine? Leave a comment above...