9 P.M.—Opposite fine farm, Bessastaðir.
9.30 P.M.—Ferry below junction of two forks of Lagarfljót; swift, cold stream.; breadth, 200 yards; current, 3 knots; horses swam in 2 min. 30 sec. On return, forded it higher up, when split into three large and three small streams. Another ford, wither-deep, farther down. Paid ferry, $2.
⊙ II. 10.45 P.M.—After 20 minutes’ gallop over green plain, reached Valthiófstaðir church and parsonage. Second march (general direction, south-south-west), 3 hours 30 min. = 10 indirect geographical miles. Total day’s work, 7 hours 10 min. = 14 miles.
Aneroid, 29·94; thermometer, 76° (second observation, 29·96; thermometer, 83° in sun).
Morning gloriously clear. At 10 A.M., cloudy and sunny. 2 P.M., sun hot, and people complained. Cirri and cumuli over the Vatnajökull. Evening clear and cool.
Valthiófstaðir to Thorskagerði.
Saturday, August 3.
Started 2.45 P.M.—Took upper road to avoid túns; lower better.
3.10 P.M.—Ruined monastery, Skriðuklaustr. Delayed 15 minutes.
Crossed ugly boulder-torrent, which wetted the beds. Reached Bessastaðir farm, 3.50 P.M.