Battling the Bighorn; or, The Aeroplane in the Rockies

"Battling the Bighorn; or, The Aeroplane in the Rockies" by H. L. Sayler is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows two young aeronauts, Frank Graham and Phil Ewing, who embark on an exciting journey in their homemade monoplane, the "Loon". They set out to experience the thrill of flight while simultaneously attempting to hunt the elusive Bighorn sheep in the Rockies, highlighting the blend of youthful ambition and the spirit of exploration during that era. At the start of the novel, Frank and Phil are mid-flight in a thunderstorm, demonstrating their determination and adventure-seeking nature as they navigate using a compass in low visibility. Their night flight, a novel venture for young aviators, is filled with excitement and danger as they come close to crashing but manage to land safely in a muddy wheatfield. This gripping opening establishes their character and underscores the innovative spirit of early aviation, setting the stage for their subsequent adventures amidst the challenges of wilderness and wildlife in the Rocky Mountains.