New to p1999, looking for advice

[nocookiesforme]

So I just installed this the other day, and I'm COMPLETELY hooked. It's even worse than when I first played Live back in like 1999/2000. Wow. Anyway, I'm at work right now and we're having a really slow day, so what better way to fuel my addiction than by talking about the things I can't stop thinking about? So here it is.

I've got a level 9 barbarian shammy (named Rhent, for those who care) and I've been having a blast so far. I'm trying to decide where to hunt next. The guides I've been able to find (the Wiki is awesome by the way, thanks to everyone who's contributed to it) all pretty much recommend Blackburrow, but I find it hard to consistently find mobs my level that respawn quickly. Are there any good camp-able spots there for a level 9, completely untwinked shammy? I can generally solo an even-level mob but it takes like 70% mana to do so; I can handle 2 blues, but only if I'm REALLY lucky.

I also remember from back in the day that around this level, I spent some time in west karana killing bandits in a group. Will I be able to find anybody who wants to do that now? Or am I better off sticking to Blackburrow?

Lastly, should I instead try to find a group for mammoth calfs or something? Or is it time for me to make the run to the Commonlands if I'm looking for grouping at this level?

Thanks in advance!