...today we're heading south to Stokksnes and...

... the weather treats us splendidly and we make our first short stop at Barkináfoss. As so often, we are alone and can explore everything at our leisure in the sunshine and great spirits, taking a few photos, not without a bit of 'tunnel vision' :-)

A parked car attracts others like honey attracts bees, and by the time we return from the waterfall, two others have already joined us to continue our journey.

We repeatedly pass 'Einbreid Bru', the single-lane bridges over the numerous sands. The sea sparkles, and it feels just like a beach vacation. 

We spot a small network of trails on the navigation system ahead, which allows us to drive directly to the coast - signaling left, we hop onto a gravel area, grab our equipment and set off to explore the beach. Right in front of us, about 20m below, stands a giant, slightly greenish rock in the shape of a snail - how we wish we could go there directly ...

We walk along the coastal section for a few hundred meters towards the north and reach a gentle crossing of sand that leads us down to the beach, where we continue walking, enjoying the play of sunlight and the incoming waves on the dark sand and the shimmering of mostly greenish, gray rocks, almost all of which are smooth-worn, and some shine like jade. 

On the way back, we happily notice that the current water level has opened up the path to the 'snail' - we hurriedly go there, climbing over the rocks and exploring the many little quirks.

Occasionally, vehicles have joined us up top, but most only stay for a short time. We want to stick to our plan and therefore forego a longer sunbath on the warm green rocks of the sheltered steep coast. Off we go - first at a leisurely pace along the trail to the south, here we can already practice driving on loose sand and through a mini crossing.

Then back on the ONE to cover a few kilometers. 

We travel leisurely, usually between 50 and 70 km/h, inviting a sporty seagull to accompany us for a while, similar to how the gannets accompanied our ferry during the crossing.

Past the Úlfjótur Memorial with a view of Vesturhorn, the ONE leads through a tunnel; alternatively, one can drive an old trail over Almannaskard - maybe next time in June :-)

We turn left immediately after the tunnel towards Stokksnes, with the sea, or rather the wet beach, lying shimmering like a flaming salt lake in front of us. We continue down the dusty trail until we reach a barrier with parking and a couple of flat buildings.

The ride to the coast, through the black sand dunes adorned with grasses, prompts us to stop, but it should be worth it...

We scan the acquired QR code at the barrier and can pass. Here we are neither alone nor the first visitors; of course, this region is as well-known and sought-after as the highlights of the Golden Circle, but fortunately, everything spreads out nicely here, and those who walk or hike will be rewarded with positive solitude. We overcome the small fence with one of those pyramid-like stair structures and hike past the remnants of the old military radar installation to the coastline.

The sea crashes and foams, and besides various water birds, we discover a remarkable gathering of large seals lounging lazily in the sun, some almost on their backs with their bellies turned toward the sun, one seal dives and swims busily between the shore and reef, while the others take it easy.

I left the gray lens in the car, so I can only optimize the focal length by climbing over the nearby cliffs to capture the illustrious fellows.

On the way back, we wander through the dunes, and Moni can't get enough of the foaming spray and the crashing waves.

After a while, we begin our return journey, planning to take a break halfway to the barrier; we wisely park with the rear facing north, partly for the nicer view, but mainly to avoid getting sandblasted.

After our delicious coffee, cheese sandwiches, and tasty Rúgbraud (lava bread with cane sugar), we head to the last parking area before the exit, and from there walk to the film set of a Viking village, half in ruins, which stands in the shadow of Vesturhorn at this hour, while the farm at the end of the bay enjoys bright sunshine.

We also walk to the remains of an old settlement before heading back.

We stop at the oversized Red Chair perched on a rock, facing away from the sea; sitting on it, you look to your left toward Vesturhorn and straight ahead toward Vatnajökull. According to tradition, trolls sit on this chair during long winter nights, contemplating the universe :-)

The last stop about halfway is the marker of Austurhorn, located at the southern end of the municipality of Mulabing, the second largest in Iceland.

Filled with impressions and pleasantly tired, we reach our accommodation and enjoy a nice end to the evening....

https://youtu.be/QRnQ6l0noFc?feature=shared

We make a stop at