Day 4 - Seattle, WA to Belfair, WA - 18.58 miles

Go Mariners! We bought seats in right field to be near Ichiro, and he didn't let us down. He showed off his range in the outfield and was 3 for 3 by the time we left in the 4th (we HAD to leave ample time to catch the ~*#$*^ ferry). He even hit a homeroom that was caught by someone three seats away from us - too bad we showed up a few batters too late in the bottom of the first. The hotel amenities, the Pike Fish and Craft Market, and checking out Safeco Field were a great way to wrap up our quick stint in Seattle, but the memorable part of the day was undoubtedly the generosity of a couple we met in Belfair as we stopped for pizza three miles from camp. Since they live on the bike route, they immediately recognized our kind. Without even checking with each other, they quickly offered us a "warm shower" and a place to stay. After sharing stories about their own biking adventures and run-ins with other nomadic west coast bikers, Dave and Michelle Hunt (and children) welcomed us into their home for the night. We put our bikes in the large garage (which, no joke, even had a kitchen sink), and checked out the maps over tea. Dave gave us the lay of the land - what to expect, big hills, places where Adventure Cycling probably picked a bad route - he knew the local roads exceptionally well as a local truck driver and retired firefighter. Dave invited his brother John to come over as well and got out the coffee beans to grind in the morning - "for special occasions." We were flattered by the red carpet treatment and, although we don't drink coffee, enjoyed a great bowl of oatmeal before heading on our way in the morning. We learned of all sorts of news during our stay with the Hunts, including how the analogue-digital cable switch has greatly affected some parts of the country - Brother John referred to it as "D-Day" - and a couple celebrity deaths. Now we'll always remember where we were when Michael Jackson died. It's always easy to focus on the negative, but it was truly refreshing to meet the Hunt's and be reminded of how great some people are.