The action is really starting to heat up as the carvers are allowed to start the " pound up " for their creations.  The " pound up " as it is affectionately known is when the carvers, without any help, position their wooden forms ontheir designated plot of sand.  The sand is native to Fort Myers Beach and considered to be some of the best inthe world.

Each wooden form is filled by shovel with sand for 3-4 inches.  Then water is poured in the form and the carver then " tamps " the mixture with a 15 pound tamper !  This is brutal, back breaking work which goes on for several hours.  As each form is filled to the top the carver then positions another on top of the first.  At this point shoveling sand and hoisting buckets of water become even more difficult as some of them are 3 or 4 forms high !

Men and women compete against each other for top honors.  No helpers allowed !

The weather has taken a turn for the cooler and some dark menacing clouds threatened to risrupt the hard work of the carvers.  The event goes on regardless of the weather !

Crowds are building for the final presentation and judging on Sunday.  I'll be there!  Hope your enjoying the 2009 Fort Myers Beach Sand Sculpting contest as much as I am !