This hole is what you can refer to as the: storm drain, storm sewer, tunnel, cave, hobo hut or p***y deflector. Ever wonder why when it rains you never see gigantic water water masses rolling down the street? Probably not but this is why, in case you didn't know. That takes me to my first safety point. DO NOT ENTER A STORM SEWER WHEN THERE IS OR MIGHT BE A STORM. The water can quickly become neck high even if it's not raining where you are, watch the clouds and be careful of rain up hill.
Unless you built your own house on top of a nature reservation, you're pretty much always going to have these. As you could infer, larger cities would have larger tunnels, yet even the boondocks must get lots of water down the line and they may have what you are looking for. If you want to find these tunnels, look for manholes that say "STORM SEWER" or follow your neighborhood creek-bed into the grated off areas (this may require special equipment to be mentioned later). The more you explore the more useful and fun these become.
When you have entered a tunnel be sure to quickly gain a bearing and, as soon as possible you want to find a second (third, fourth, fifth as well) exit or entrance. If you know only one way out, you may find yourself stuck in a dark and cramped space full of hungry zombies, or worse.... cops (this isn't the most legal or safe thing to do so be wary. You will most likely just get a slap on the wrist) Manholes are not a sure-fire way to escape, these are heavy, old, rusty and maybe even welded shut. You're going to have to try them out individually. Understand you might be under a road or highway at the time, but you'll probably hear that easy.
Can't get into the tunnels because of an obstacle? (ex: Locks or heavy manhole covers) I'll show you what I pack in my bag before heading off into the sewers and what might be good for you.
CROWBAR: One could use said crowbar to pry open manholes, tie to a rope and create a grapple, use as a bashing weapon or as a quick door lock when being chased. This is a great tool to have and if you don't have one or it's too large, try a pry-bar, they help in the same way.
SHOE-LACE: If your fingers can't fit into the holes of a manhole cover, which I'm guessing would be your situation unless you happen to be a four year old girl, these come in very handy. Either wrap it under a piece of metal and pull or find a small stick to tie it on to so you can push it through one of the holes to create a nice leash.
FLASHLIGHT: Pretty obvious, these tunnels may have imperfections and lethal flaws (jagged rips in metal), flashlights save heads and lives, you at least want one of these for every other person with you if not more. And for those of you who suck at making fire, take the shiny reflector part of these old fashion models and put your victim material where the bulb would be, point this at the sun and wait a bit. Behold, fire.
ROPE: Very useful. This is great for repelling changes in height or getting your heavy friends into one of the higher tunnels. Though to double the strength or your rope do this: fold your rope in half and run the two lengths together (Tie them at the end where they are not connected), find your anchor and tie a Prusik knot. This allows you to tie knots the entire way up as well, very easy to climb.
(The first example will be fine)SHOES: You'll need shitty shoes and or boots, you might get wet and dirty.
GLOVES: Eases the strain on your ahnds from climbing and keeps that shitty black off your hands. I personally recommend dirt bike gloves.
BOLT CUTTERS: Terrific tool. If there are locks placed on entrances you can snip those right off. Keep in mind you need something light and compact for travel.
KNIFE: Rope, encounters, quick rigging. Pretty much essential for survival.
WATER BOTTLE: Sure you might get thirsty but if you see one of these handy little fellas go ahead and pick him up. You can leave them in your path like little Mario Cart bananas and they will echo for hundreds of feet when kicked or stepped on. What I have set up are two of these with rocks inside them connected by a piece of plastic fencing fiber I found in the dirt. The trip wire idea works great because it wraps around their feet while the bottles make plenty of noise during their frantic attempts to get it off.
HOSE: You will encounter a butt-ton of water down here and if you have sediment filled tunnels like I do, water can really hamper your ability to move. Google how to siphon, pretty easy trick and it comes in handy.
That should set you up for a nice trip. Remember to always try to find out what you are under so that your travel effectiveness is practically multiplied.
Meeting other people in these tunnels isn't completely uncommon. Many stoners use them to smoke and kids also like to play in them. The most dangerous thing you are going to find are hobos, it's great shelter down there so there might be one or two. From my experience hobos aren't aggressive, treat everyone like a friend until you have reason to do otherwise. If you merely talk to these people and explain that you are mapping the region and plan on using it for survival (or zombies might interest them) they might even help you out on your way.
If you can leave a trace, name or number your paths and use some sort of spraypaint. This is not really graffiti and requires no art skill. It's a great way of communication and creates awareness of your travels so other survivalists may contact you.
Happy hunting and watch out for police. This may be added onto but I hope I have helped you out. Feel free to post suggestions.
-JD
