Despite being a bit soon to stow away the snow shovel or consider a dip in Roosevelt pool, it’s not too early for contemplation of a family getaway this summer. If you fancy a trip to Montana, consider a stop just east of Billings to see Pompey’s Pillar, a location on the list of National Registry of Historic Places.

An area inhabited for 11,000 years, it is where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s Corps of Discovery camped during their journey between 1804 to 1806 to learn more about the Louisiana Purchase. Clark etched his name in a natural sandstone pillar there during this time – where it is still visible today. The Interpretive Center there also chronicles Lewis and Clark’s trials and tribulations during the trip.

Another option is the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, a picturesque gorge located in the northwest quadrant of Yellowstone National Park. The sight is remarkably beautiful. Several look-out areas permit visitors spectacular views of the colorful area said to have been carved out over the past 20,000 years. You’ll record plenty of awe-inspiring photos suitable for framing.

A different chance to explore nature came for us five years ago. We planned a guided tour of Yellowstone National Park with friends. Leaving West Yellowstone with several others in a ten-passenger van, our guide explained the interesting history of the park, including its designation as the first U.S. National Park signed into law by President Grant in 1872.

Not long after entering the park, the tour guide spotted a wolf dragging the carcass of a young elk on the distant shoreline of the creek alongside the road. He pulled off and ordered tourists to get out for a photo op of the grizzly sight. Rita, who had whittled an apple she had been munching on down to a core the size of a pack of Life Savors, dropped it alongside the road. Before closing the door, the guide stuck his head inside and asked, “Who dropped this apple core?”

Rita sheepishly admitted she had done it – precipitating an admonishment while holding up the apple core as he glared directly at her. “This is not Nature’s Way. Animals will become dependent for their sustenance which ultimately leads to their death.” Rita apologized and took the morsel then stuffed it in our bag.

Underway again, someone asked about a charred area obviously affected by forest fire. “If a fire is started by lightning,” he explained, “it is allowed to burn itself out. That’s Nature’s Way.” He went on to explain that around the next bend, a buffalo calf was near death lying beside the road during his earlier tour. “A crow was pecking its eyes out this morning,” he said. “You might want to look away if that might bother you.”

“Can’t a ranger shoot the poor calf to put it out of misery?” Rita asked.

“No. Even when you think you are helping, it’s not right to interfere with Mother Nature’s survival plan for earth’s inhabitants.”

As the van returned to West Yellowstone through the park exit, our guide changed the focus of his presentation. “Thank you for visiting Yellowstone today and for selecting ABC Tours. We hope you enjoyed your visit and will return again soon. I have enjoyed guiding you through America’s oldest National Treasure. Please remember that ABC’s tour guides appreciate and depend on the gratuities you share as you exit the vehicle.”

Back in the parking lot, we entered our car for a drive back to the hotel. Before departing, our travel companions looked at us as we looked at them. “We gave the guide a nice tip,” our friend said. “Do you think we interfered with Nature’s Way and he might perish from dependence on humans for sustenance?” he asked.

In Yellowstone, Nature’s Way may be applicable for wild animals. But, failing to leave something behind for a segment of two-legged creatures roaming the park is not. Preferably, dropping a foldable picture of President Grant is just fine.