HA-HA!!! My DH used to live in Ridgecrest (20 years), and only came to his senses when we were engaged and I told him I refused to move there!!! So, now we both live in dusty Bakersfield....but at least we have green around us, and not nearly so much wind!!!
BTW, he said of your gold mine trip turning up little gold...."...that's why it's abandoned. No gold to speak of."
Also, if you come through Bakersfield, there are 3 quilt shops here that are pretty good. Quilter's Haven, right near Hwy. 99 at Stockdale Hwy exit (go east from exit - about 1 block after the freeway); Strawberry Patches at Ming Avenue & Ashe Road (west of Hwy 99 about 2 miles); and To Quilt & Sew, which is way off the freeway and I don't know the exact address...way off in the northwest part of Bakersfield.