Two days later and I was back at Table Mountain once more. No Journey this time because I was planning to do some difficult scrambling.
Once again I got in between the rain storms. It was somewhat sunny when I started out, but the rain was on its way. There were quite a few cows out in the field but they left me alone this time. That is the way I like it. No stress. A relaxing and beautiful morning on Table Mountain. I even saw a coyote out in the field running amongst the cows.
I arrived at Ranch Falls (aka Long Falls). The water flow was significantly reduced from two days prior. It was only two days! This was a bit upsetting. It was almost not worth it now but my plan was to go to the bottom of Ranch Falls, something I’ve been wanting to try for a long time now.
My first attempt was a dud. I chose a path that was way too steep and cliffy. I could almost get down but it was just a bit too steep. I retreated back up the mountain. That is when I noticed a cow had come down the cliffs after me. I guess it wanted to see what the heck I was doing? What are you doing down here, cow? It scrambled back up when it saw me coming. My second attempt was much better. This route was not bad at all. Even Journey could have made it. The only problem? Poison oak. It was everywhere and it was unavoidable. Even though I washed thoroughly when I got home, I still got the itch. In my eye as well. That is the worst. My wife is like, you idiot! Why do you go hiking in these places where you know there is poison oak? Ummm, well I just can’t help it! I need more. I haven’t found what I’m looking for.
I mean, take a look at the photo. How could you not want to come here? Ranch Falls. What a beauty! 157 ft. high, a stunning tiered waterfall. I am sure people have been down here before but I do not know of anyone that has done it. It is an amazing spot. Now I just had to climb back up the mountain through all that poison oak. I arrived back at the car just as the rain was starting. It was a fantastic morning on Table Mountain.
