Set out, 2.45 P.M. Made for Geldíngafell (11° mag.), in line of tall cliffs. Sandfell, rounded cone, on left. To right (eastward) was Vegahnúkr, 45° mag., and the rocks and tumuli of Nýpi, or Núpur, 64° mag. Not in map. Soon off grass into deep sand.
At 3.45 turned back, and lost twenty minutes visiting Goðahóll.
4.45 P.M.—Crossed Skarðsá, ugly black torrent, influent of Western Jökulsá. Along a corniche, the Vegaskarð, a pass through the hills. Dun-coloured Palagonite clay upon the stones; large blocks of conglomerate and yellow basaltic rock below.
5.15 P.M.—The Miðvegr (mid-way).
Sharp riding to Víðidalr; ugly barren slope, black waters, foul stream feeding Jökulsá. Red hill on left.
6.20 P.M.—Halted at farm; two white gables; many byres. Halted..
First stage, slow work, 3 hours = 10 geographical miles.
Set out again, 7.15 P.M. On right, Grímstaða Kerling, natural pyramid of rock, used by trigonometrical survey.
8.45 P.M.—Biskupsháls.
Skirted Ytri Núpur, northern hill, bounded south-west by Grímstaða Núpur.