We stayed in Egilsstaðir for two nights, spending the intervening day, Thursday, visiting several sites in the region.

Our first stop was Stuðlagil canyon, a ravine carved by the Jökla River. There are two ways to see the canyon: from the east side after crossing the river downstream and hiking back; or from the west side via stairs down to a viewing platform. We intended to do the hike, but after seeing the crowd and the slush, we opted for the stairs and viewing platform.

Here’s a view of the prettiest part of the canyon…

… and this is the adjacent basalt formation. Notice the daredevils in yellow raincoats standing on the cliff’s edge.

The photo, below, is looking the other way, downstream.

On the drive back toward Egilsstaðir, we passed this old sheephouse, built of turf, stone and wood. It had been in use for centuries, only ceasing in the 1970s.

This sheephouse was used in conjunction with an old farm located here and its smithy, on the right in the photo, below. The farmhouse is typical of the buildings we saw all along the Ring Road.

After the canyon, we drove counter-clockwise around lake Lögurinn, keeping the lake on our left. There were numerous ponds on the righthand side of the road and every one of them featured a swan or two.

Next, we drove out to Hafnarhólmi, the Puffin island, which will be the subject of my next post, so we’ll skip that for now. We ultimately arrived back at our hotel in time for dinner. Here’s a view from our room, overlooking lake Lögurinn.

We checked out on Friday, May 3, and started our drive to Mývatn. The map, below, shows our route so far.

Having been warned by a fellow traveler at the hotel, I was paying attention to my speed on the way out of town, driving along at just under 80 kph (49 mph).

As we approached the city limits sign, we passed a police car sitting on the side of the road. Suddenly, his blue lights went on and he waved us over.

They like to have tourists leave Egilsstaðir with a souvenir. Mine cost $250: speeding within the city limits.

From where I was pulled over, I could see the speed limit sign that said 90 kph (54 mph). The police car was sitting literally at the very edge of the city limits where, it turns out, the speed limit is 50 kph (31 mph).

There are, of course, no 50 kph speed limit signs in town. It’s just something you’re supposed to know.

I have to say that, in keeping with our experience all over Iceland, the policeman was very friendly and helpful. He even offered to let me pay the fine with a credit card. And if I did so right then, I would get a 25% discount! Such a deal!

Do you have a 2 for 1 special?