My AC wasn’t working still wasn’t working to its fullest potential. It was miserable and yucky. I considered turning around and going back to Reno, even though the Chollar Mine sounded intriguing to me.
Good thing I ignored that impulse; I found I actually quite liked the mine.
Instead of turning right out of the parking lot down the main street, I turned left onto a side street. To get to the Chollar Mine, you have to take a sharp turn onto another short road. I missed this turn off at first- hello, illegal u-turn!- Moments later, then, I found my way to the mine entrance. Or, rather, the road that would take me there.
I parked my car; there were a couple other vehicles, but no signs of anyone else. It seemed to be warmer here than up on the main drag. I went into the one building (again, no signs of life of fellow tourists- I assumed they were on a tour)- it bore resemblance to an old garage, the kind that might serve as a car mechanic shop.
In this one-room garage were three people: a couple guys, one on a ladder changing a light fixture, and an older lady behind a desk. I was told that the next tour would be in twenty minutes. I was also told that the tour would cost fifteen dollars.
A bit much? Maybe.
But I had a hunch it would be worth it, so I paid the amount and, since I had to use the restroom, I inquired as to where it was. Turns out, the restroom was a nice, rustic (and clean!!) outhouse.