Original plan was adapted due to closed cable car.
Instead planned to take cable car from vallorcine to the top which enabled us to walk the route around col de balme.
Kept a steady pace as we moved around the paths towards col du balme, here I pointed out significant landscapes and areas of interest including some roche moutenee and discussed how they came about. On route up to col du balme saw plenty of cows parsnip, in the carrot family and similar to wild carrot, as wel as lots of wild mountain leek and a mountain alpine blue bell so spoke about how bluebells suggest ancient woodland.
From col du balme can look across to MB and Brevent / Lac Chesery. The significant difference run scenery I spoke about how the changes in geology and nature reserve showed how significantly the landscape differed. At the col du balme the area was similar to Brecons and lower snowdonia hills, increased grazing from animals like sheep and cattle. This is significant as areas where there was less grazing the heather was prevalent, showing how sheep / cows significantly reduce the ability to outperform grasses.
Whilst on the walk I also learnt about Timothy grass (cats tail) and fake oat grass and wispy hair grass.
We took a smaller path towards a ridge line but on ridge decided for group it was too much for the day so turned and headed back towards L’Arolette. Steep scree path led me to move into coaching steps to help Elaine up the final section to the top where they were both jubilant. On way down Elaine needed some help so used the ML technique of hands and head rested on my bag and stepping down in unison. This took some of the senses away and leant itself well to the process. Moved to tete balme before walking down to Le Tour.
