(Above: About 1/5 of the way into my journey, the water transformed from clear and blue to the classic dark brown of tannic acid. Interestingly, this only increased reflectivity of the surface.)
7/4/2021: This day began in the high 70s and proceeded to warm into the low 80s. The temperature range was maintained by very little sunlight and frequent drizzling rain. The latter bit is why today’s pictures were all taken indoors.
7/5/2021: High 70s in the morning were followed by high 80s in the afternoon. At about 3 PM, the sun was unveiled, and the stillness of the air made it a truly sultry clime.
Morning of 7/6/2021: I removed some brush from the west side of the ‘Cook House swimming pool. 
Lunch today: Italian Meatloaf, otherwise known as “Pseudobuco” due to my using the same recipe for Ossobuco while substituting ground beef for beef shank steaks. 
The afternoon list in oddly vintage lighting. 
To change things up, I decided to venture off the farm for dinner. Not only was the food delectable (Pork Carnita taco, zucchini & mushroom taco, and a smoked brisket taco accompanied by fried plantains), I was able to look at my situation from the outside and appreciate its uniqueness. 
This is the location where I ate last night’s dinner. The food was excellent, and there is much more to try on the menu.
7/6/2021: Today began in the mid 70s and proceeded to warm into the high 80s… but not for long. Cloud cover and rain arrived and brought temperatures back down.
Morning of 7/6/2021: More progress around the pool o’ green. 
Portrait of a tree snail. 
Lunch today occurred at Lorito’s. I did not procure a picture of the main course which consisted of 3 cheese pizza slices, but I did capture an image of the fresh and delicious garden salad. 
Midday of 7/6/2021 in the central beef pasture. 
We procured this fish from a market located directly beside Lorito’s. It is a 2.48 lb red snapper. To prepare the fish, I topped it with fresh chopped onions, tomatoes, & basil leaves, and I seasoned it with a rub of olive oil, crushed chiltepin peppers, crushed garlic, black pepper, and salt. 
After cooking it (covered) at 400 F for 40 minutes and then broiling on high (uncovered) for 3 minutes, this is what emerged from the oven. 
A piece of roasted red snapper alongside plenty of springmix and arugula. 
It was all delicious.
7/7/2021: Today began in the high 70s and proceeded to warm to the low 80s. Wind was moderate, and rain fell frequently.
A mid-afternoon activity on the farm: Wag and I wait as Padre pushed a path for us through the sunflowers. We were about to drag two dead (premature) calves through the mud and bury them. 
A break in the clouds exposed a brightly shining sun. 
Dinner tonight: A Belgian Blue Tritip roast accompanied by two ears of corn. 
The two aforementioned ingredients were accompanied by a delightful springmix salad topped with onion and smoked breadcrumbs.
7/8/2021: This day began in the mid-70s and proceeded to warm to the high 80s late in the day.
Lunch Today: A delightful repast of Sushi procured from the Sushi Bistro of Ocala. 
A sultry midday in the beef pasture. Calves were cooling their calves in a puddle. 
After work, I took Blue on a walk. 
Patches of blue sky could be espied through the clouds. 
A glance upward as I was standing at the grill. (The sail shade was removed a couple days ago to prepare for the passage of a tropical depression.) 
Dinner tonight: A Master Blend Blue cubed round steak accompanied by many leaves dressed in balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
7/9/2021: A fairly cloudy day beginning in the high 70s and proceeding to warm into the mid 80s. There was no rain until I was off the river.
Ritsabittle #30: Revisiting Alexander Springs. I should note, however, that due to the crowd in the swimming area, I opted to take the paddle-board down the adjoining river named ‘Spring Creek’. 
About 1/5 of the way into my journey, the water transformed from clear and blue to the classic dark brown of tannic acid. Interestingly, this only increased reflectivity of the surface. 
My goal was to make it within sight of the bridge that I passed over to get to the Alexander Springs Recreation Area. The goal was met. 
I apparently took a 2 mile river trip – 1 mile down to the bridge and 1 mile back up to Alexander Springs. 
I endeavored to eat at three different locations in Silver Springs, but all three places were either closed or had no indoor seating. Thus, I opted instead to go back to Lorito’s. As always, it was a delectable lunch. 
A quote from today’s trip to the Library. 
During this evening’s short walk, I found a couple ducks wandering about on the compost heaps west of Jacobhouse. 
Dinner: A Master Blend Wagyu chuck steak accompanied by a springmix and arugula salad.
7/10/2021: A warm and humid day beginning in the high 70s and warming to the high 80s. Cloud-cover in the late afternoon brought temperatures back down.
Final Note: Perhaps I will find Walden here?
I look forward to hearing about and seeing your South American adventure, but isn’t the essence of Walden found within?