Come February, northern Hemisphere dwellers start longing for spring and what follows – a warm, sun-soaked summer.  In Southern California summer includes obligatory trips to the beach for fun in the sand, but not necessarily a desire to frolick in the water.  The Pacific Ocean this far north of the equator is not warm.  In fact, without a wetsuit I wouldn’t venture in past mid-calf.  Again, this is why beach day for us is reserved for sand play and maybe chasing shallow waves with the tips of our toes.

Last year, during the waning days of summer, we prepared for this summer’s sand castle building season by gaining some inspiration from a local sand sculpture competition.  These types of competitions are held throughout the country and are quite an artistic delight, even if we won’t be building something quite as extravagant this year.

To attend the U.S. Sand Sculpture challenge in 2013, check the website for updates on the date and location.  The annual American Sand Sculpting Championships are held in Florida at the beginning of winter.  Similar events are held in New Hampshire in June, Washington in July, and Virginia in September.