Getting big now

Mark and I have switched to OTT measurements, as the pumpkins are too large to lift to get the tape under them.  Today's totals were 162" for Mark and 181" for mine, ~105 lbs and 135 lbs with 5 weeks to go and decent weather on the way.  Off and on rain and steamy weather has added lbs quickly for mine, but also lots more powdery mildew.  Pics from about a week ago at mark's:

And mine (which now covers about 2/3 of the platform):

In other news, the storm last night toppled out 12' sunflower 

Weigh Off 2013

Loaded up with help from the neighbors:

Then over to Mark's for the weigh off- 

Pulley system for Mark worked well again this year-

Tipped the scales at 157 lbs, a new PR

My first attempt in the tarp blew out the rivets... A good sign for weight, but bad sign for the technical part of finding a way to weigh it...

Tried again on the pumpkin dolly, but too heavy to hoist...

So we switched over to a digital scale, tested with the other pumpkin to check accuracy; and when we were done, the scale was officially tipped at 222 pounds!  Trophy stays on Colonial one more year.  :-). Next up is pumpkin carving fun!

Cut and Run

Weather turned nasty the last few weeks, but still put on a few more pounds.  Big thanks to Dave and Pumpkin Dolly 2000 for carrying the load one more year.  Weigh off is next week!

Moment of truth flipping it up... And no slug holes on the bottom! Hooray!

180 to 215 pounds?

OTT measurement of 205 today during this wet weather, still putting on a few pounds each day.

Competition down the stretch

Mark's has a pretty awesome shape, about 76" around right now and very tall.