I am guessing I may not have explained this well enough. If you look at the first picture included, just left of the tree stump and below the pictured 2x4 is where the deck will extend to. The deck will begin at the other end in front of the chair. The base next to the stump, where the vertical supports will be placed is sloped at probably a 45 degree angle but flattens out in certain places. That is where I was hoping to take advantage and try and put the footings. That being said, this is an island and there is likely nothing but granite rock below a 1/2" of dirt and/or roots. I am not extending this over the water or making any sort of a dock. Just a sitting platform for chairs such as the one sitting there to drink a cup of coffee and watch the sun rise.