Team Sandcastling.com's "Anchored Firm"

Finishing first place, the close to 7' high, 10x10' wide, "Anchored Firm". (Click on picture for larger image)

With hurricane Michele threatening to sweep up the east coast of Florida, the competition began. I tried to stay totally and completely focused during our 5 hour carving time. .I don't ever remember looking up at my competitors until the final "bell" of 3:00 pm rolled around. 

Because the master sculptors had finished with their sculptures at 12:00, lots (and lots) of folks gravitated to our 10x10 plot of sand. They just wanted to ask questions and see "how it was done." Fortunately my wonderful wife, Cindy, was there to field questions.

Why, even the Walsh family surprised us with their smiling faces. Who are the Walshes from Pennsylvania? You see, the night before, as I drew out ideas for "Anchored Firm" on a Bob Evan's table placemat, we'd noticed the vacationing family at the table next to us seemed to be interested in what we were talking about. So, what else could I do? I invited them to watch us carve. We gave them some directions and told them to stop on by. And that's just what they did! Hope your vacation was special! 

One thing that is always nice to fly at a sandscupting event, is your country's flag. I'd been looking for a nice, large American Flag since the September 11th tragedy.... But somehow, my hometown just couldn't seem to keep any in stock. So, imagine my surprise when Master sculptor, Rod Becklund generously offered me his American flag. "I'll just get another one," he told me. What a guy! Don't miss seeing Rod's "America, Land of the Free, Home of the Brave" sculpture over on the Master Sculptor's page

This was taken just after the contest had finished. Our completed sculpture can be seen, peeking over the top. 

Later that night during the awards ceremony, we listened as our name was called off for the first place award in the friends/family category. What a thrill it was while we were returning to our seats, to look up and see close to 15+ master sculptors all applauding and cheering us on. What a great group of folks.

Each of the team got T-shirts AND trophies. All right!. 
From L to R: Ty and Debbie Adkins, Cindy and Ron Masters. 

Since 11/7/01