A Different Location

Positano, Italy, May 1984. The "Cortina d'Ampezzo Butcher Shop" is nowhere near the Alps.

The Perfect Spot

Isarhorn, Germany, August 1948. My Dad's twin sister, Jonė, has found the place for her pillow.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Swiss Drive

When we traveled to Europe in 1971, we realized we preferred the wild scenery of the American West. In Switzerland, by contrast, even "remote" spots had been touched by civilization.

Earlier today, I mentioned the seasonal opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road. The drive along that road isn't for the meek, but it's breathtaking.

How does this drive through the Swiss Alps compare?

Sunday Summit

Isarhorn, Germany, August 1948. My Dad's friend Casey reaches his hiking destination.

Before the Hike

Isarhorn, Germany, August 1948. My Dad's friend Casey is ready to head up into the mountains.

Alpine Hiker

Casey reaches the summit.

Chaperoning

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2 to 14, 1948. When my Dad traveled to the third National Scouting Jamboree, he was a young adult. Many young scouts also made the trip.

An Organized Arrival

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2, 1948. Lithuanian scouts from the Displaced Persons camp arrive at the third National Scouting Jamboree.

A Rocky Spot to Rest

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2 to 14, 1948. My Dad's twin sister, Jonė—on the right—relaxes while hiking with a fellow scout during the third National Scouting Jamboree.

Entry, from a Different Angle

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2 to 14, 1948. Here's another image of the Lithuanian scouts from the Displaced Persons camps as they march in the third National Scouting Jamboree.

They've made it to the top.

Near Isarhorn, Germany, August 2 to 14, 1948. Lithuanian scouts attending the third Scouting Jamboree have climbed to the summit of a mountain to visit the wooden cross.

Alpine View

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2 to 14, 1948. A group of Lithuanian scouts—all Displaced Persons—enjoys the alpine views during a trip to the National Scouting Jamboree.

Alpine Tour

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2 to 14, 1948. A group of Lithuanian scouts—all Displaced Persons—tours the Bavarian countryside during the scouts' trip to the National Scouting Jamboree.

Vista

Isarhorn, Germany, August 1948. A young scout considers the Bavarian Alps during his visit to the Scouting Jamboree.

Alpine Outing

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2 to 14, 1948. A group of Lithuanian scouts, all Displaced Persons, gathers for a snapshot near the Alps.

Collect your thoughts.

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2 to 14, 1948. My Dad looks out onto the Bavarian Alps during his trip to the Scouting Jamboree.

Settling into Camp

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2 to 14, 1948. My Dad's twin sister, Jonė, looks ready to settle into her tent at the Scouting Jamboree. Her shoes are off, and she's carrying a pillow and blanket. Ah! Check out the guy with the accordion.

Thanks to my Toronto Cousin for making this photo available to us.

Scouting Parade

In August 1948, my Dad and other Lithuanian Displaced Persons traveled from the various DP camps to Isarhorn, Germany. They arrived in the Bavarian town to participate in the National Scouting Jamboree, a celebration of three decades of Lithuanian scouting.

To read more about the Jamboree, click on the "Isarhorn" label below.

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2 to 14, 1948. My Dad—on the far left, wearing the dark shorts and hat—leads other Lithuanian scouts as they enter Isarhorn.

Opening Dedication

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2, 1948. I believe this is the dedication of the opening ceremonies for the National Scouting Jamboree. The Jamboree celebrated thirty years of scouting in an independent Lithuania.

The tablecloth and folkdress are very familiar.

It's good to get away and get together.

During the late summer of 1948, Lithuanian Displaced Persons living in some of the DP camps attended the Scouting Jamboree. The Jamboree was a big event: it took place over twelve days in Isarhorn, Germany.

I'm reading The Long Road Home, by Ben Shephard. There is an excellent section, beginning on page 288 of the hardcover edition, about how the Baltic DPs—scouts and others—preserved their cultures and national identities.

Isarhorn, Germany, August 2 to 14, 1948. For many of the DP scouts, the opportunity to reconnect with fellow exiles was priceless.