We had the good fortune of connecting with Tami Fandrei and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tami, how do you think about risk?
If you aren’t taking risks in life, are you truly living?
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I want most is to inspire women to get out into nature and explore. Turning fifty was a big internal shift for me. I was a newly empty nester after 26 years of raising children and being a military wife. For over half of my life, I dedicated my energy and time to my family. I recognized, in the quiet places, that this was an opportunity for me to take up space in the world and find my myself. What I want other women my age to know is that there is so much out there waiting for you if you are willing to step outside of your comfort zone.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite restaurants in Phoenix is Snooz. Fun, with a great vibe, and awesome brunch food, We love to stop in there on trips through Phoenix for their pancake flights!
Just outside of Phoenix is the most spectacular park with awesome trails for any ability. I would share Cave Creek Regional Park. If you get the opportunity, search for the Michelin Man Saguaro!
Take a trip to Sedona and bask in the sunshine on the many trails. I loved the trail to Devil’s Bridge and the Courthouse Trail! I would also encourage anyone to take a Jeep tour with Sedona Jeep Tours!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My daughter, Paige, re-inspired my love for backpacking by inviting me on a whirlwind summer trip to Idaho and Montana in 2021. It was a trip that took me far outside of my comfort zone and in my places of self-doubt, it was her that showed me that with determination and a little help, anything was possible.. It was her encouragement that propelled me up the mountain. Once on the mountain, we survived bats swooping at us and a terrifying 4 hour thunderstorm. On our recent backpacking trip to Havasupai, I was unsure of my ability to descend into Mooney Falls and it was her that reminded me as I was getting ready to turn back that I wasn’t getting any younger. Those were exactly the words I needed to hear. I took a deep breath and began the descent. She guided me step by step down the sheer 200-foot wall into the canyon.
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Image Credits
The first 3 photos were taken by Laura Jenkins. Please credit her? The last two Mt. Whitney photos…..please credit J. Gracie Photograohy, a photographer from the Phoenix area. Thank you!!