How to Dig a Really Big Hole

On July 7th, a large excavator arrived on the property (refer to first posting of us celebrating). It was very convenient for us that this excavator 'lives' on the west side. (lower equipment cost - no barging across the harbour required)
There is another 2 excavators in town - a smaller one, also on the west side & a larger one yet, on the east side. I doubt the larger one would have fit on our available working area!

When Tom brought the machine in he dug an 'unofficial' first hole & the shovel went in like knife into butter - a very good sign. We had to wait for 2 days while the boys went fishing.




On July 9th (Monday) Dave arrived to start digging the hole.
The building site on the property has been ready for about 12 years, already leveled out & lots of drain rock brought in & compacted down. It was a very quick job - he started just after 8 am & was done before noon.



The nice thing is, he found top soil!! I wasn't expecting any to be dug up, but Dave piled it up on the 'high' slope for use later after all the drainage is put in & is back-filled around the foundation.







While Dave was digging down in the front where the top soil was found & where the septic tank is (left side of the hole), Phil & 'the Dude' (Ken) were checking to make sure the hole was level.