Frank's Ranche; Or, My Holiday in the Rockies

A devoted father writes in a warm, conversational voice, reflecting on the age‑old question of “what shall we do with our boys?” He frames his son Frank’s restless spirit as both a source of gentle exasperation and quiet admiration, noting how Frank’s path has diverged from the tidy plans a parent might sketch. The opening pages weave personal gratitude for a steadfast travelling companion with a broader meditation on the challenges of guiding young men toward independence.

The narrative then follows Frank’s bold trek westward, from the plains of Minnesota to the towering Rockies. Along the way he confronts spectacular scenery, brushes with Indian scouts, and the gritty realities of trying his hand at farming and a fledgling creamery. Through vivid sketches of mountain walks, makeshift tools, and sudden mishaps, the author captures the mixture of hope, hardship, and humor that defines a first‑hand adventure in the untamed West.