Lesser-Known Virginia City

Six Mile Canyon Virginia City Nevada — Six Mile Canyon, Virginia City

I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather. The Three Stooges were supposed to have their last outing before Larry, or is it Mo, moves. Insert sad, crying face. Shonna was, needless to say, overwhelmed preparing for her new adventure, so Austin, Nevada Expeditions, and I decided the weekend was too beautiful to not get out.

Silver City Nevada Ghost Town flying drones — Silver City

Austin and I explored the lesser-known locations of the Comstock Lode. Mines, mills, and structures of unknown background. We have twin drones and had fun learning to fly together. The number one takeaway was that with identical drones, you need to identify which is yours. It was disconcerting seeing a drone drop as you tell yours to go higher, like sitting at a stoplight thinking you are rolling back when the person next to you starts moving forward. So we decided I should paint mine green, Austin’s blue, and Jared…we decided yours will be hot pink.

Butters Mill from Above Ghost Town Virginia City Nevada — Butters Mill

We spent the most time at Butters Mill. Even though I have been to the site multiple times I had no idea of the scope of the facilities.

Virginia City Nevada Ghost Town unknown building

Austin is looking into the history of these unusual structures

Mine Virginia City Nevada Ghost Town — Union Shaft

We had a fantastic lunch at one hundred sixty-year-old The Cider Factory, one of my new favorite restaurants. Their sandwiches look amazing, but I couldn’t pass up a salad with pork-belly, grilled shrimp, and topped with a deviled egg. The building was originally a cider factory and the dynamic mother and son have maintained the history and charm. We met and left a car at the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory, so of course, we had to pick up goodies on the way home.

Cider Factory: A little gem on B Street

Our final stop was Silver City.

Silver City Nevada Mill Ghost Town — Higgins Mill, Silver City

Up I Go

I have always been afraid of heights. I only have one balance nerve in my brain, so I generally avoid anything taller than a step ladder. Sunday, we attended the dedication of a climbing wall at a community center. At the ceremony, the presenter spoke of overcoming fears using climbing walls. I decided I needed to try, even if I only got a few feet off the ground. I went a respectable way up. Climbing was easy, coming back down, not so much. Letting go and dropping the first few feet before the auto-belay kicks in is very unsettling, but I did it several times. The director told me she would set aside a time to come back and climb more. I’ll probably take her up on the offer, but I won’t be climbing any headframes at mines anytime soon.