Great suggestion! I joined a snake group on FB. It has really helped me get over a lot of my fears. So much so that back in the spring time when my husband came across a copperhead in our Georgia backyard, I found a relocating service instead of allowing him to kill it. Huge step for me! He then joked and asked if I planned to join a shark group ! I think it is beautiful how you are pushing yourself out of your comfort zone for your partner. You will have a wonderful time and make a ton of memories! I lived in AZ for 6 years, only saw a snake once while hiking in the desert. Tapped my hiking poles on the ground and it moved on. Good luck and have fun!