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.

Vancouver Island: Campbell River to Port Hardy. On the east side of the island, we explore hiking and paddling. Also, there is a rich indigenous culture for a hands-on experience.

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. 

Revelstoke and Golden – The Canadian Rockies: Hiking, Paddling and Dining.

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