Nicholas Clapp, 89, Dies; ‘Real-Life Indiana Jones' Pursued a Lost City
His daughter Cristina Clapp said the cause was complications of a stroke.
In 1981, Mr. Clapp wandered into a Los Angeles bookshop looking for a reason to return to the Arabian desert, where he had recently worked on a documentary in Oman about an endangered antelope species called the oryx.
Browsing, he came across a 1932 travelogue by the British explorer Bertram Thomas, 'Arabian Felix: Across the Empty Quarter of Arabia.' The book told of Bedouin guides mentioning a road to a legendary city called Ubar. (Although T.E. Lawrence, the British Army officer and archaeologist, often gets the credit, Mr. Thomas is considered by many to be the first to have referred to Ubar as Atlantis of the Sands.)
The Quran refers to a mythic place named Iram, which Mr. Clapp believed was 'one and the same' as Ubar, though there was not a scholarly consensus.
It described Iram as a 'many-columned city' whose 'like has not been built upon the entire land' — a place that was gloriously rich but sinful and had been destroyed by divine wrath. 'The Arabian Nights' also mentions the columns of Iram and the city's calamitous destruction.
For decades, Western adventurers had sought in vain to find the fabled city. It was believed to have been a trading post along camel routes that, thousands of years earlier, had been an avenue for transporting frankincense, whose resin was prized as a fragrance and a substance used in embalming.
Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Are there any castles in California? Yes, there are 20. One is right in Stockton's backyard
When you think of castles, the images that come to mind are likely of medieval and Gothic castles found in European countries. However, in the U.S., there are several European-inspired castles constructed in medieval, Gothic or Neo-Classical styles to be found. Some of these historically inspired castles can even be found here in California, serving as venues, historic landmarks and even personal residences: One is right in Stockton's backyard. Preston Castle, Ione Preston Castle, an iconic Ione building 38 miles east of Stockton, celebrated its quasquicentennial, or 125th anniversary, in 2019. Completed in 1894, the facility served as a reform-type institution for troubled youth. Prior to that, minors who were convicted of crimes were sent to San Quentin or Folsom prisons. In 1889 State Sen. Edward Preston introduced a bill that established the school, and in June 1894, the first seven wards were accepted. The castle was closed when the state opened new facilities nearby. The building stood vacant for more than 40 years until the Preston Castle Foundation received ownership. Preston Castle is a California State Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Long rumored to be haunted, the castle hosts several popular events throughout the year, including haunted walkthroughs in October and paranormal investigations throughout the year. Visit to book your visit. The castle, at 900 Palm Drive in Ione, is also available for guided and self-guided tours and other events. Visit to learn more. Haunted houses in Stockton? Here are 6 spooky spots to hunt for ghosts this Halloween There are at least 21 castles in California. Here's where to find them Castley, which is a website for castles in the U.S., and Only in Your State, a website for sights and landmarks, have provided comprehensive lists of all the castles to be found in the state of California. Castle Lionheart, Oak Glen Castle Lionheart in Oak Glen is 90 minutes from Hollywood adjacent to The San Bernardino National Forest and is modeled after an English castle dating to 1385 A.D., according to Castley. To visit: Vikingsholm, Lake Tahoe Built in the 1860s, the Scandinavian-style lakefront Vikingsholm ('Tahoe's Hidden Castle') is now part of Emerald Bay State Park in El Dorado County and is open for tours during the summer. Situated on the only island in Lake Tahoe, the castle is also a great destination for sightseeing, hiking, boating and swimming. To visit: Vikingsholm Tour Information. Albion Castle, San Francisco The landmark castle at 881 Innes Ave. in San Francisco was built in 1870 and is now registered as a historical landmark. Originally intended as a brewery until shut down during the Prohibition era, there are two stone cisterns in its underground caves that produce 8,000-10,000 gallons of natural spring water a day, according to the venue's website. Available for small private event rentals: Sam's Castle, Pacifica Built in 1908 in Pacifica south of San Francisco, Sam's Castle is now home to the Sam Mazza Foundation and offers tours of the historic property once a month. The castle has a unique history, including being used by the Coast Guard during WWII. To visit: The Pink Castle, Flintridge The Pink Castle in Flintridge is a well-known, castle-esque residence constructed in 1911 and is now a private residence. Learn more: Ledson Castle & Winery, Kenwood The chateau-like property was originally built in 1989 as a residence but now hosts winery visitors, wine-tastings and events. To visit: Chateau Montelena Winery, Calistoga Built at the end of the 19th century, tastings are available at the chateau daily. The winery is open daily. To visit: 'World's egg basket': This California river town is ranked as one of the best in US to visit Grey Castle House, Martinez Grey Castle House in Martinez is a modern castle-like home in the San Francisco Bay Area with Airbnb accommodations. To visit: Grey Castle House. Castello di Amorosa, California Completed in 2007, Castello di Amorosa ('Castle of Love') in Calistoga is an authentically styled 13th-century Tuscan castle winery in the Napa Valley. Hand-built with antique materials and furnishings imported from Europe, the castle offers tours, wine tasting and food and wine pairing experiences are offered daily. To visit: Shea's Castle, Antelope Valley Built in the 1920s in Antelope Valley, Shea's Castle is a private, castle-like residence not open for visitors, according to Castley. The Castle House Estate, Joshua Tree Featured on HGTV, the Castle House Estate is located near Joshua Tree National Park and offers modern glamping accommodations in everything from yurts, cybertents and shipping container homes to the two iconic Guard Tower Suites. To visit: More: These unique campsites near Stockton are among 15 in California ranked best in US Castle in the Forest, Lake Arrowhead With its own Bavarian-style pub, Castle in the Forest near Lake Arrowhead is available for stays on AirBNB and VRBO; a quick check shows prices start at $4,365.00 per night with a 2-night minimum. Learn more: Medieval Times, Buena Park Just a few miles from Disneyland, Medieval Times Buena Park is a medieval-themed entertainment venue with live jousting and sword-fighting, and a medieval feast fit for a king. To visit: The Castle, Los Angeles This castle-like vacation rental in Hollywood is available for bookings on AirBNB: Hollywood Hills Castle, Los Angeles This 1931 castle in the Laurel Canyon section of the Hollywood Hills is famed for hosting rock legends in the 1960s and 1970s, according to its website. It is available on Airbnb. To visit: The Hollywood Castle, Hollywood The Hollywood Hills landmark is featured in Katy Perry video 'I Kissed A Girl' and Tom Petty's 'Into the Great White Open' as well as the E! show 'Married to Rock.' Available to rent for music videos, TV shoots, photography and also as a venue for large groups: No passport, no problem: 2 Southern California towns that feel like Europe Lobo Castle, Santa Monica Mountains Agoura Hills' Lobo Castle is set in the Santa Monica Mountains between Pacific Coast Highway and the 101 Freeway and is available for charitable fundraisers, filming and photo shoots. Learn more: Castle Noland, San Luis Obispo The 9-bedroom Château Noland and adjacent Carriage House Suites sit above the Avila Valley between Shell Beach and San Luis Obispo. Minutes from several beaches, bike trails, world famous wine tasting, and the idyllic downtown San Luis Obispo, the equestrian property is available to rent on Airbnb and VRBO for stays, weddings, receptions and more. Learn more: Rubel Castle, Glendora The mid-century Rubel Castle in Glendora was built over 26 years entirely by hand from river rock and salvage and sits near historic Route 66. Attracting visitors from all over the world, the artsy site is among famed TV host Huell Howser's favorite spots and has hosted luminaries like Alfred Hitchcock, Prince Albert, Sally Rand, Dwight Eisenhower and Bob Hope, according to the Glendora Historical Society. Learn more and book a tour: This article originally appeared on The Record: Where to find historic castles in California Solve the daily Crossword
New York Times
9 hours ago
- New York Times
Under the Radar New Zealand Wines to Seek Out Now
The modern history of New Zealand wine is surprisingly short, particularly here on the South Island, home to regions like Central Otago and North Canterbury that, in just a few decades, have shown themselves capable of producing stunning wines. Only in the 1960s, at the same time Napa Valley in California was beginning its ascent, did New Zealand make it legal to drink wine in restaurants. In the 1970s, the government sponsored a program to transform vineyards, pulling out lackluster hybrid grapes that had been used to make cheap fortified wines, which accounted for the vast proportion of production, and to replace them with vinifera, the species of all the best-known wine grapes. Still, by 1998, when Napa's cult cabernets were making themselves irresistible to wealthy consumers, only about 10 vineyards existed in Central Otago, a region better known for its access to winter sports in the mountain range known as the Southern Alps. 'Vineyards were met with a degree of incredulity,' said Duncan Forsyth, the proprietor of Mount Edward Winery in Gibbston in Central Otago, who arrived in the region in 1992 to ski and never left. 'There was a disbelief you could grow grapes.' New Zealand today is best known for its sharp, pungent sauvignon blancs, particularly those from the Marlborough region in the northeastern-most part of the South Island. Those have proven wildly popular around the world, but they are most often mass-produced commodities and, to my mind, a rather limited calling card for a country capable of producing such distinctive wines. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
These unique campsites near Stockton are among 15 in California ranked best in US
A family-friendly campsite with stunning views, a tranquil spot amidst blossoming fruit trees on a working farm, these are just some of the California getaways named in this year's Hipcamp Awards − and three are just a short drive from Stockton. Hipcamp, an application for finding and booking campsites in the state and around the world, compiled booking, reviews, and ratings data from its network of more than 7 million users across more than 500,000 U.S. campsites to identify the best Hipcamps in the United States. In California, 15 campsites made the list. Located across the state from the redwood forests of Del Norte near the Oregon border to the golden hills of Ventura County, the selected campsites are as diverse and unique as the California landscape. 'Hipcamp Award winners are some of the best campsites in the world, offering unforgettable experiences, incredible natural views, and magic for our campers," said Alyssa Ravasio, CEO and Founder of Hipcamp in a media release. "Whether you're a seasoned camper or planning your first trip, the Hipcamp Awards serve as your go-to guide for discovering the most exceptional camping destinations in the world.' Top San Joaquin County-area campsites Three nearby sites were highlighted: Walden Ranch in Linden; Cosumnes River Ranch in Plymouth; and Cole Ranch in Stanislaus County's Waterford. At Walden Ranch, inspired by Henry David Thoreau's real Walden Pond, guests can enjoy canoes on the lake, bonfires and exploring the ranch's 300-head cattle, llamas, poultry and wildlife. The 100-acre Cosumnes River Ranch in Plymouth is "tucked above a pristine private swimming hole on the tranquil banks of the Cosumnes River," its website states. Cole Ranch along the Tuolumne River is "Perfect for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing," and visitors report scores of wildlife sightings, including river otters, eagles, wild turkeys and beavers. 'World's egg basket': This California river town is ranked as one of the best in US to visit The best California campsites in 2025 It is not too late to pitch a tent or rev up the RV and hit the road. The state's best campsites, according to Hipcamp users, are situated in some of California's most remarkable settings. The Hipcamp award-winners in California for 2025 are: Cuyama Badlands, Cuyama, Santa Barbara Salmon Creek Ranch, Bodega Bay, Sonoma Walden Ranch, Linden, San Joaquin Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch, Buellton, Santa Barbara Ballard Walnut Grove, Solvang, Santa Barbara SLO Country Camp, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo The Deck and Cozy Container, Albion, Mendocino Cosumnes River Ranch, Plymouth, Amador Twisted Branch, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo Finley Camp, Bodega Bay, Sonoma Fern Ridge Flats - Private Camping, Aptos, Santa Cruz Cole Ranch, Waterford, Stanislaus Mt Rancho (FKA La Montaña Ranch), Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo Mystic Forest Campground, Klamath, Del Norte Camp RainDale, Santa Paula, Ventura More people are camping now than ever before In recent years, more people have discovered the great outdoors. In 2024, about 12,160,000 people visited California's nine national parks, an increase of 7% from the previous year. While a stroll amongst the trees or along the state's coastal bluffs is wonderful for a day out, many people decide to take it to the next level and go camping. A 2024 report by KOA found that the number of active U.S. campers who have camped in the last year has grown by 68% or 21.6 million additional households. Moreover, the number of households that camp three or more times annually has increased by 98% since 2014. While camping has gained in popularity, the supply of camping sites has stagnated, with 56% of campers in 2024 reporting difficulty in booking a site, according to Dyrt. This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Going camping? These campsites near Stockton are among best in America Solve the daily Crossword
