Is there some way around the, as it seems, highway robbery aspects of
> this AT&T charging? (Although, fortunately, we aren't actually at this
> Tahoe number very often, and the two calls in question were one of a > kind events.)
To explain your question, there are several different types of "long distance" calls. In essence, there are 'short' ones that your local telephone company may carry, and 'long' ones that a long distance carrier handles. The rates can be anything the carriers want them to be.
As Mr. Levine noted, you can have a long distance carrier handle your 'short' calls (technically called INTRA-LATA as opposed to inter-lata) which may save you some money.
You could also use your cell phone as a substitute if you have extra minutes to spare. If you do a lot of calling you may benefit from a flat rate long distance; then you don't have to worry about the meter running and can talk as long and as often as you choose.
Be happy you didn't use a calling card at a pay phone, then you'd be billed $25.00 (that's twenty five DOLLARS) for a three minute call.