A god among men

I would like to bring to your attention a story about a man who is actually the inspiration for this blog. A 22 year old construction worker from Toronto and whom I am endeavoring to get an interview with one day.

Maybe you have heard the story but maybe not, so I would like to share with you something that made massive news in Canada and was covered briefly elsewhere in the world about one Elton Mcdonald. Word got out earlier this year that a mysterious tunnel had been found out in the woods with very well made reinforcements and electricity supplied by a generator nearby. The alarm bells went off as police and public speculated about the intention behind this, not helped by the fact that a crucifix and rosary beads were found down there as well. Could it be terrorist activity aimed at the approaching Pan American games?  Oh what could it be!!!

It took a while before Elton eventually  fessed up with his reason. “ I just wanted to make a Mancave..”

When I first read that I laughed but then I thought about it and it struck such a nerve with me that I am still reeling. This guy did what I have wanted to do since I was a child! You see this blog celebrates the Mancave in all its forms but digging a tunnel underground that leads to a TV room…..that’s a whole new level, and all with his own hands. I have personally always been fascinated with tunnels since reading about former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley having a tunnel that led to his personal studio.

Ace Frehley in his studio/mancave. Might’ve been a bit tricky navigating the tunnel with the boots dude

5 years ago Elton decided to dig a hole in the backwoods not far from his house. What started as a simple digging exercise became an obsession to keep digging and make a tunnel that led to one or two recreational rooms. “It was going to be my underground cottage” he said after the police discovery. It was going to be meaning past tense in that as soon as the fuzz got wind of it, they filled it in. Now I don’t want to resort to potty language on this blog but FOR FUCK SAKE!!!. He spent 5 years digging that thing, sometimes staying overnight with the rain pissing down on him and he even had very well made reinforcements  installed along the way!. It seems that the authorities were spooked by the crucifix and the rosary beads that Elton kept down there to “feel safe”.  This led to speculation about some wacko terrorist activity that might be afoot. Even after Elton came forward and confessed, they filled it in, all in under one day and that was that. After all of this he said he had just wanted somewhere to disappear and get away from it all……..(excuse me while my eyes well up).

He has said that he will definitely make another one but when he has his own property.

Still smiling after “the man” took away his dream

This was a very summarised version of Eltons story. If you want to read a more thorough version, check this out

The incredible true story behind the Toronto mystery tunnel

A lost city and what could have been

In 1963, a man in Cappadocia, Turkey was doing some renovations in his house when  he took  swing at a wall with his sledgehammer and inadvertently opened a tunnel, one of many that led to the ancient city of Derinkuyu. This was an entire city carved underground that was  utilized in the 12^th century and periodically up until early 19^th century. It had 18 levels in all and had churches, residences, a school and pretty much anything else that contributed to the running of a city. It was designed to house 20,000 people as well as livestock. It had vents to the surface and a number of other discreet tunnel entrances so it’s quite amazing that it remained a secret for so long. The man doing the renovating was probably so gobsmacked that he made a critical error in announcing his discovery to the powers that be as it became a well known attraction and these days a large portion of the city is open to the public. What he should have done was keep it to himself and tell his mates about it and set up the mancave to end all mancaves.  It is clear from the photos that there is massive potential that isn’t being expoited properly.

An ancient scan of the city in its prime. The bloke who discovered this should have been tight lipped about it and started subletting space for fellow men, thus creating a “Mancave city” if you will.

Nice long tunnels devoid of stressfull noise and distracting elements that melt your senses into that of a blissful and excited state of awareness in preparation for your quality alone time ahead. Have a great time bro, you earned it.

Men walking in every direction to their respective sanctuaries giving a friendly and knowing nod of the head towards each other. “Don’t forget the general meeting on wednesday about updating the WIFI hub, also Room 52 said to let you know that the new batch is ready”

“Ok thanks mate”

A basic plot package before all the kit and accessories have been installed. Note the relaxing lighting though candles are a definite option.

A slight problem could arise when navigating your way back up if you had a few too many cans……