I just hit 200 Engineering and 160 mining, and I see Gold in the Charred Vale every now and then. I've seen 3 or 4 veins there in different places at different times. Also, you can find Mithril there too.
Really, as long as you're not dying every 5 min just to mine, I think you should keep on going. I'm a 30 Hunter and I fare pretty well in the areas of my level taking on 3 or 4 mobs at a time just getting one Iron Deposit, lol. Also, if push comes to shove, just buy the stuff you need off the Auction House. I bought 40 Heavy Stone and 20 Solid Stone off the AH last night fir fairly cheap, and 15 Gold Ore for 85S, and got my Engineering skill 30 points up for 2G. Of course, 20 minutes later I hit lv. 30 and couldn't afford my skills, but that's a small price to pay ...
Hope all goes well for you.