10/1/2022 Western Washington had been plagued by near consistent wildfire smoke during the exceptionally dry September and October of 2022. I had been monitoring the smoke forecasts and was cautiously optimistic about clean air in the Chelan Sawtooths. I figured the larches would be a bit early for peak color but was still excited about the chance to camp at a larchy lake and knock off another Bulger via a seldom-done route. I had heard tales of horrific bushwacking from late

9/22/2022 I'd been eyeing Robinson for years as a fun day-trip Bulger but had never gotten around to it. That would change in September 2022. After a good night's sleep in the back of the car at Ballard "campground" (really just a nice, dispersed camping zone as far as I could tell), Katie and I hit the Robinson Creek Trail at 6:30 am. I always enjoy getting out into the Pasayten, and this trip was no exception. Excitement grew as we travelled along the nice trail until we hi