I've been busy of late clearing out a pond that was originally dug by a man who passed away a few decades ago. On what is now my land, a gentleman called 'Country' had done agriculture and dug the pictured pond for irrigating his crops. So aside from all the troublesome issues associated with the land I inherited, I got a wonderful pond.

I know it doesn't look it, but it is a wonderful pond. The overgrowth of bush and guava patches are being removed little by little - the pond is not small.

It's the top priority for me right now for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it's water which I can put to use for irrigation during dry season. Next, it's a foothold into the aquaculture I want to start. And third... it's a really nice spot where I'll build a small structure to rest during the day.

After days of sweat and a small amount of blood, the pond is about 1/3 done. The rest of the bush I need to clear out, then have an excavator come in and clean out the pond. There is the issue of the Caimans swimming in the water, but they are more afraid of humans than we are of them. Eventually I'll have to encourage them to leave, but simply clearing the area of their hidinig spots is likely to do that.

I suppose we all need a goal. To describe where I see this pond in 5 years is very difficult - hopefully in that time I'll be able to show it instead. A restful place, peaceful, relaxing... and practical.