Step 3. Dig a hole

I had already selected where I want the pier a while ago.  I have been setting my tripod up on this spot for the past year or so and it seems to be the best balance between view of sky and shelter from nearby porch lights.

Digging was no fun.  After the top 6" of topsoil the rest of the way down was solid clay (thanks for nothing Champlain Sea!)  It took me about 2 hours of hand digging to get a hole roughly 24" across and 42" deep.  I will be sore in the morning!

Click on the images below to enlarge them.