Michael & Elizabeth Fagin Freelance Writers

We have been writing for over twenty-five years, primarily focusing on the Northwest. Our outdoor writing covers kayaking, hiking, and biking. In the winter, we enjoy cross-country skiing while still getting out on the water for kayaking. To fuel these activities, we love dining out, often paired with wine, but we also make a point to explore local microbrews. Michael, who is a meteorologist, specifically examines microclimates, particularly when we write about wine.

These are our major outlets: Northwest Travel & Life, Foodista, and Wander With Wonder. Our Weather and Wine articles can be found at Northwest Wine Report.

Washington Journeys

Discover Vancouver, WA. – The best places to paddle, hike, dine, and sip wine.

Kitsap Water Trails – Follow our kayak trips on the stunning Olympic Peninsula.

Bellingham in The Summer – Biking, kayaking, and hiking. So many activities, so little time.

Tri-Cites WA – Wine tasting at the Red Mt AVA, paired with outstanding cuisine.

Exploring Washington Wine Country on Amtrak – Take the train, disembark, and have easy access to tasting rooms.

Camano and Whidbey Islands – Island hiking, paddling, and cuisine are an easy drive away.

Yellowhawk Sparkling Wine – Nestled in Walla Walla, this destination offers excellent wine, delicious food, and comfortable lodging.

Semiahmoo Resort and Beyond – Enjoy the amenities at this resort located on the water and all the fun activities in Whatcom County.

Oregon Journeys

Hood River – Spring in the Columbia Gorge: food, brews, & kayaking. Also relaxing at a beautiful bed & breakfast.

East Oregon Food Trail – Exploring the food trail along the Columbia Gorge.

24 Hours in Salem – Enjoying the many excellent food options in town and walking and biking in the city park.

Oregon Wine Country – We explore four different wine regions in Southern Oregon.

British Columbia Journeys

Sunshine Coast – Located northwest of Vancouver, this remote location, accessible only by ferry, offers unparalleled beauty.

A River Retreat: Rafting, Yoga, and Relaxation – The resort is secluded in the rugged Fraser Canyon, which is in the vast wilderness of British Columbia. An easy and scenic 2.5-hour drive from Vancouver or 4.5 hours from Seattle.

West Coast Wilderness Lodge – This off-the-beaten-path lodge offers gourmet cuisine and is located on the water. Many water adventures to explore.

Gems Along Kootenay Lake – Enjoy the picturesque mountain towns of Nelson and Kaslo. Many spots to launch a kayak or paddleboard. Also, biking, hiking, and plenty of food options.

Vernon and SilverStar – This is an outdoor and foodie paradise to enjoy during the summer. See page 100- getaway #42

Autumn Fun at Kootenay Lake, British Columbia– Surrounded by a glacier-fed lake and bright fall colors, Nelson and Kaslo are the places to go to relax and enjoy the outdoors. 

Montana Journeys

Big Sky– Springtime fun near Yellowstone National Park, whitewater rafting, and hiking. Great cuisine options.

3 Epic Whitewater Rafting Trips – Gallatin River in Big Sky, Kicking Horse River in Golden, BC, and the Skykomish River in Washington.


Other Stories:

All our weather and wine stories.

Around the World in 80 Harvests 

A Meteorologist’s Perspective on Madeira Wine and Its Climate

Weather Trends & Climate Change in Walla Walla

Montepulciano = Great Wine

Washington Sparkling Wines

More Articles on Foodista

Climate Change and Wine: Impact of Warming Temps


Wine  Conference Presentations – Meteorologist Michael Fagin:

2021 Northwest Weather Workshop (American Meteorological Society, Puget Sound Chapter & NOAA), May 2, 2021, Online; Topic: Wildfires and the Impacts on the Wine Regions of Napa and Sonoma Valleys

Vancouver International Wine Festival, Feb. 26, 2020, Vancouver BC; Participant – Climate Change Symposium

Wine Media Conference, Oct. 3, 2018, Walla Walla WA; Topic: 2018 Wildfires & Impacts on the Wine Industry

2016 Wine Bloggers Conference, Aug. 11 – 13, 2016, Lodi California; Topic: United States Wine Regions & Climate Change

Photo courtesy of Visit Tri-Cities