a little help from my photography friends

I need a bit of help/advice here.

First: I need to have both my camera and my lens cleaned before I go to California. I tried cleaning both of them on my own but I have realized (after an unfortunate incident with changing lenses and a wind gust) that I need to have them professionally cleaned.

I went to two different camera places in my neighborhood and got two such disparate answers about this - one said I would have to leave the camera for about a week and it would be "expensive" - without really giving me a price. The other said he could do it in a day but would not give me a price until he was done. Interesting.

So I ask you - have you ever had your camera professionally cleaned? How long did it take and how much did it cost? Bottom line is, how long will I have to live without my camera?

Second: I need a good camera bag. A traveling kind of bag to take on hikes and sight seeing and whatnot, something that can carry two additional lenses and possibly a small tripod. I prefer a backpack, or something that I could sling over my shoulder (but a backpack would give me less back/neck pain).

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated!