Olympia is filled with secret tunnels. The Capital campus is riddled with them (one connects the House and Senate office buildings-- I've walked through it myself, another connects the Gov Mansion with the Leg. Building-- I've seen it. Supposedly, a big tunnel connects the Leg. Building with Archives where the old OHS used to be, but that tunnel exists only in legend in my experience. It was allegedly built during the bomb shelter era of the late 50s, early 60s. But just because it is made up doesn't mean it isn't true, to paraphrase a character from Rubin and Ed one the greatest films ever made).

There is the tunnel under Hewitt Lake to the Deschutes River (see the OlyBlog entry, "Where the potholes are" (3/15/2006). Then there is the train tunnel under downtown Oly. A few years back the Olympian described it as "fetid," a great word that is rarely used in journalism and it was a red letter day indeed when it could be used popular print. I felt strangely proud. In fact, this comment is probably the first time the word "fetid" has ever been used in OlyBlog. Sort of makes you stop and wonder, doesn't it? How often do you get to hear that word in everyday conversation? Not much, I'd wager.

Anyway, if you are still alive and not swirling around in the belly of a giant Ken Lake caiman, we sure miss your contributions, will.