Egilsstadir

Hello!

We had a lovely drive over to Egilsstadir. We stopped to explore Studlagil Canyon and it was incredible! The basalt columns lining the canyon walls were super tall in some places, stacked like firewood in others and bent like noodles in hard to explain formations.

We actually hiked on both sides of the canyon to get all the views. One side had 400+ stairs and lots of nice platforms, the other side was a 3.5 mile round-trip hike. We had a lot of steps!

Our next stop was at Vok Baths. This was a lovely thermal spa area set beside a lake. You could swim in the lake if you wanted to but since it was 55° we did not! 🥶 

We had some housekeeping to do late in the afternoon. We had to get some groceries and wash some clothes. Everything went smoothly but WOW, one load of clothes - washed and dried - was about $24. That's nuts!! 

We did not get to bed as early as usual after finding our cabin late. 

We were rewarded with this brilliant sky as sunset drew near at 11:45 pm.

On Friday we explored the area around Egilsstadir. We did a long (3.2 miles) tough (886 ft elevation gain) hike up to Hengifoss. 

The views over the valley were incredible! I think this is the third largest waterfall in Eastern Iceland or something lame like that. Breathtaking - literally!

We eventually wanted to end up in Seydisfjordur but decided to find a good place to have lunch. We drove south along the river valley until we ran out of road and then had our little picnic lunch in one of the most beautiful spots! The quiet in this spot was unparalleled.

I just keep thinking it almost looks fake. Like being in a screen-saver.

Finally on our way to Seydisfjordur, the drive takes you over the snow-covered mountains. There are snow fields melting up there, it is beautiful and the road is nuts. Like why does this road even exist?!??

Gufufoss was a lovely waterfall with easy access, we did not have the energy for another long hike!

Scene from Seydisfjordur: our fellow cruisers may remember this spot from 4 years ago.

After an early dinner we are back to our cabin enjoying a bottle of Spanish white wine: El Coto (some of you may have a bottle or 2 at home, although for less than the 22 Euros we paid at the state liquor store).

Saturday we started the day with a hike through a park. It was nice, a bit cooler than before but just an easy walk.

We then went over the mountains to get to Borgarfjardarhofn Puffin Colony. On the way we had spectacular views!

This is an early 20th century Turf House. Very quaint.

Puffin!

Some fun facts about puffin:

- they are usually monogamous, meeting their mate at the same burrow each year. 

- their beaks are florescent, no one knows why (except the puffin) but they think it has to do with courtship.

- the puffin is the only seabird that has been seen using tools: a stick for scratching!

Another beautiful viewpoint, this time of Njardvikurskridur.

Tomorrow (July 5) we head for the Hofn area. 

Take care,

Sheri + Carsten