+1 for the Park Tools chain cleaner. I use the Park Citrus Chain brite to clean, then let the chain dry on the bike overnight.

In the morning I use Purple Extreme lube. It's pretty popular at my lbs in AZ where it's very dry.

I ride 7000+ miles per year and the Purple Extreme doesn't leave a lot of gunky residue on the cassette either.

Chains normally last me 3500-4500 miles (Dura-Ace or Ultegra depending on which road bike).