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Sunrise on the first full day of summer
It was just one of those days when I felt that I had caught up to where I should be. Up just after the birds at 4:50, on the road to Hampton Beach at 5AM. The lake was draped in mist as warm water touched the overnight cooler air. Awaken to another day in early summer paradise. So much is missed as we rest during the early lit hours. Turkeys were crossing the road, other birds were chirping to the new day and some deer were seen in hay fields. Everything felt new and fresh. On arrival at the shore I easily found a spot to park close to my photo focus of the day. The beach had been groomed and the symmetric lines had hardly a footprint. A small group had gathered to watch the sun rise on the first full day of summer. It was also the start of the third day of working on the Sand Sculptures with the moments of judgment coming in the afternoon. One man was focused on finding treasure in the sand with a metal detector and seemed oblivious to all else around him.
Pictures and comments from the brochure
The Wizard, ‘Gandalf’
Attending early on the third of three days of work by the artists allowed pictures of art in the creation stage. The tools and some of the box frames and the hard plastic sheets used for designing round rough material to work were left where they had been used the days before. Buckets trowels brushes, shovels and other tools are used to shape the packed sand. Each contestant gets 10 tons of sand to work with over three days. They must work alone. The sand is kept moist with sprays of water and a solution of 1 gallon of Elmers Glue to 5 gallons of water is used to seal the sculpture from wind and other damage.
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It is interesting to guess how the finished work will look. Later I will publish a before and after with some surprises. I was fascinated by the creation in sand of a Giant coming out of the sand and holding a replica which holds a replica which holds a replica smaller with each reproduction.
The Sand Giant and close ups of the replicas
Hit the road early to ride the 99 miles from home to Hampton Beach. I wanted to take pictures of the Sand Sculptures before the afternoon downpours alter the art perfection. Already some wind though hot hazy and sunny as I tucked my self behind the Cycles shield for gusts. Route 4 to Route 93 to Route 101 all a good motorcycle cruise to my destination. The beach culture was just getting started with various groups and couples heading to the sand, some starting volleyball games, some swimming and exploring the shore. The Sand Sculpture is a joy which I am drawn to each year. Enjoy!
Hampton Beach N.H.
Some tools of the trade
