Hi Kevin,
I am from Trona Ca. down the road from you. You are in a great area, but I would suggest two things; Watch out for Mojave Greens, and make sure you don't Wander onto China Lake Weapons Center by accident.
If you have a spare weekend sometime, I recommend a trip out to Ballarat. Take Rocky a case of Budweiser for the store fridge or a pound of 2f or 4f Black Powder, camp for the night, and wait for Rocky to have time to talk, that man is living history.
Actually, check before you go, the road may still be washed out from Trona towards Ballarat. Good Luck.