Thanksgiving Day. Just five days after the Bomb Cyclone. I returned to North Table Mountain on my way up north to visit family. Without Journey this time. One, she was with her momma. And two, I had hoped to find a way to the bottom of Flag Falls which I knew would be very difficult (if even possible).
The water was much reduced from five days prior. Much more so than I anticipated. Over ten inches of rain here but flows are already back to below normal and now we are in an extended dry period. I pray it gets much better in the last half of December. I did not have much time but I always find it impossible to bypass Ravine Falls and Phantom Falls without taking photos. I do think I got a different composition of Ravine Falls this time so that makes a quick stop more than worthwhile.
I continued past Phantom Falls. I did not notice the dead cow right at the stream crossing above the waterfall. How could I not notice this!?!? I was clearly not paying attention. I thought it was a log I was walking over, not a leg. I must have come within inches of stepping on it. On the way back I definitely did notice it. Its rib cage had been ripped open by a mountain lion or coyote. There was no smell so it must have died (been killed) very recently. On the far side of Phantom Falls I always see plenty of cow bones and today was no exception (in addition to the dead one along the stream).
I arrived at Flag Falls. I took photos from the viewpoint and thought about my options. I realized that it would take at least an hour to get down to the bottom of it, if it was even possible. I only had about 15 minutes before the sun was on the waterfall. Not worth the effort. I will have to come back another day. I retreated past the dead cow and back to Ravine and Ravine Twin Falls and took more photos there. Then I continued north to see my family for Thanksgiving. So long, Table Mountain, and thanks. Until next time.
