Located in northeastern Pensylvania in the Pocono Mountains, the quaint town of Jim Thorpe has made a name for itself. Known as the “Little Switzerland of America,” the town is ranked as one of the most picturesque places in the country. The town is two hours drive from Baqar, my son’s residence and as he badly needed a break from his busy schedule, on Pooja, his wife’s, suggestion, he drove us to this beautiful place. We took another half an hour longer, as Eshan, my elder grandson had to be picked up from his room near his college. The drive to the town was pleasant and so was the weather.
During the better part of the drive, a heated arguement embroiled between Eshan and Ayan, my younger grandson, over the pronunciation of ‘Ajax,’ the Netherland soccer club . While Eshan firmly believed that, both eɪdʒaks and aɪ. əs are right pronunciations because AJAX is referred to the mythological Greek hero. However, Ayaan insisted that the people in Netherland called them ai.es only. Ultimately to cool down the heat, Shakespear came to to our rescue, ‘A rose, called by any other name, smells the same!’ The issue remained unresolved, both sticking to their opinion!
The densely wooded hills provided a fresh vision as we approached the Town.
We halted at the Jim Thorpe Memorial; Wikepedia will give you the details of this outstanding American. Sharing the overview of his achievements obtained from the internet.
Jim Thorpe is a famous Native American athlete and Olympian who the town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania is named after:
- Athlete: Thorpe was a star in football, baseball, track and field, and lacrosse. He won gold medals in the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden, and set a world record in the decathlon. The Associated Press named him the “greatest athlete” of the first 50 years of the 20th century.
- Actor: Thorpe appeared in films such as Battling with Buffalo Bill and Wagon Master. Burt Lancaster portrayed him in the 1951 film Jim Thorpe – All-American.
- Burial: Thorpe’s remains are interred in a mausoleum in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania. His widow, Patricia, signed a contract with two Pennsylvania towns to consolidate and build a memorial in exchange for Thorpe’s body.
- Town: The town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania was created in 1954 when the boroughs of Mauch Chunk and East Mauch Chunk merged. The town’s legacy is honored annually with the Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration in May.
A leisurely walk through the town. It is famous for its ancient architecture.
The Boat Rafting area encountered en route to the railway platform
Taking you through our pleasant journey. The train arrives; Thrilled to note the number 270; my Regiment!
Boarding the train in the larger bogey compartment, lesser crowd.
Settling down to enjoy the journey.
Returning!
During Summer visitors to the town come here for hiking, cycling and boat rafting. In Autumn, the splash of colors in the forest, by the changes in tree leaves, is a visual treat to the eyes. In Winter, as all the slopes are covered with ice, it ushers in sports such as, Snowboard, Snowshoe, Skis both Cross Country and Shuttle to Areas.
A wall painting in Phillidelphia captured while returning home.
Try it out, in case you are in the neighborhood.
Impressions, Perceptions and Views. 