I count the steel rungs as I climb below street level. I lower the grate over my head back in place. Four, five, six. My boots squish down on the muddy leafy floor. I look around.
Tunnels disappear in the murky distance in two directions.
I am standing 15 feet below ground. My heart is racing double-time. I am equipped with my trusty flashlight and waterproof boots. Two minutes ago, I stood looking down through the bars of an unlocked grating covering a hole that descended into the depths. Urban underground exploration has been around as long as cities have.