Tunneling: the barebone basics

Every explorer has a basic equipment outfit; exploring tunnels and abandoned places is no exception. Although safety officials would have you believe that exploring tunnels is basically a sure fire way of killing yourself, tunnel exploring with a good bit of common sense can actually be a relatively safe, cheerful, and even exhilarating experience. Hence, the most important tool to bring with you is common sense and a good head upon your shoulders. If you don't think you fulfill those requirements, grow up then come back.

When exploring the unknown and more specifically tunnels, the inherent risks of exploration are all there: no one is watching your back, you don't know who you might meet, there are obstacles and hazards you cannot see or simply don't notice... these things are all dangers. Some of them might kill you, others will just give you a really bad shock. Keeping your head on your shoulders and your mind in the clear is the best decision in most of these situations. When you hear horrific stories of people dying while exploring new places, don't panic. Thousands of people die every year in traffic accidents but I would be willing to bet most people drive without the weight of that fear on their shoulders. With that disclaimer behind me, I think I can write safely without anyone getting too angry if they are dumb enough to simply recognize danger and avoid it.

I suppose you'd like a list of what I bring when delving into the underworld. Here it goes, the long and tedious equipment list:

• Knee height rain boots
• Two flashlights (one main, one backup) -headlamps worked fine until I lost mine
• Jacket
• Camera
• ID (important for the authorities)
• Friends (at least one)
• A means of protecting myself
• A hat
• Patience, common sense, and a watchful eye
• A way of getting around (bike, you name it... walking is good too)
• Gloves
• A tolerance for awful smells and squishy things under my feet...

What I would like to bring, but don't yet have:

• A camera tripod (because most of these spots take better photos with longer exposure times)

I guess I should explain some of the more unknown aspects of this list. Two flashlights? Common sense should provide for that: if one breaks or runs out of batteries, you aren't stuck in the dark... unless you have night vision. ID? For those times when you just get caught: you want proof that you are a real person, especially if you live in Arizona and look vaguely Hispanic. Protection? Sometimes you'll meet bad guys. Don't worry, it doesn't happen often. Actually, it has never happened to me. You can't go wrong here... I have met people who brought a gun with them. I draw the line at pepper spray and a box cutter. Patience? Sometimes, finding places can get pretty frustrating, especially if you live in the boonies. Don't despair! There are always good places to explore. Just keep an eye out and you will be rewarded. Gloves and a tolerance for awful smells and unknown substances? Sometimes you can't be too picky about where your feet and hands go...

On that note, I'm signing off.

Until next time!