Maloney Ridge Lookout 4.9.06

I hadn't done a hike on a Sunday for many years and with it my only available day I thought I would give it a go. My intent was to summit Maloney Knoll and if conditions were favorable the highpoint of Maloney Ridge. I had hoped to be able to drive at least partways up the road but I was stymied at 1500ft just after the bridge crossing the Foss River. I parked just before the bridge and realized that I had left my snowpants at home. I expected some cool wet weather so I was a bit displeased with myself since I was only wearing shorts. I decided to amend my plans and stay with a road only walk to Maloney Ridge Lookout. I had been there once before on the return from Sobieski Mt. It took me about 2:30 to cover the 5 miles to the lookout. I was only able to glimpse a small portion of the valley 2000ft below. I could make out a train and could here it struggling up to Stevens Pass. I only stayed long enough to have my lunch and quickly retraced my steps back to the truck.