So. The mountains apparently won. The snow and rain never arrived.

Although it is now supposed to be here tonight.

So, the weather being too nice for office work, the heeler sisters and I loaded up this afternoon for more radio tracking of elk. Following some hints from the pilot, who found all ten radios yesterday.

Back to the Divide country we went.

Parked at the top of a high ridge to listen for signals, and I was disgruntled to see red and purple trash strung out all along the south slope.

Who would come out here to litter?

Well, no one. Wasn't plastic trash at all...

I guess spring is here. At least on the sunny south slopes.

Then it was west towards the pass, to get triangulations on the three collar signals I picked up. Happening to run into another truck from our outfit in the process. Two gals from University Town, looking for boreal toads.

Oookay. I usually look for them up in the mountains with trees. What brings you to Jim's pass?

Seems there's an old report of boreal toads at that spot. From 1947. And seeing as how there is a lot more concern for these critters these days, and even debate over whether or not there are different subspecies, their boss decided the old site was worth a look.

Wisely, they were leaving the clay-filled country before the clouds and rain came.

We did likewise, heading up a more reliable road up towards the Continental Divide itself. And got this close to making it there...

One big snow drift prevented us from cresting the top and checking for signals from the other side. But also gave us a chance to take a break and play on really big snowbanks.

Now, the masked heeler often takes bites out of the snow as she runs along, but this was the first time I'd seen her actually plow the snow with her face.

Gotta be cold on the nose.