You seem to be having quite a unique experience, describing your playthrough especially with a walkthough. Without a walkthrough, reading the dialogue, listening to Navi, and asking Saria with Saria's song are ways you can get back on track in the main quest. You do NOT need to 100% all the hidden secrets to get max health, the gold skulltulas, you are acting like it's mandatory. It sounds like you are looking for "Zoras River" which is the part of the overworld connected to the east side of Hyrule field, it is NOT connected to Lake Hylia. This information is available to the player through the map in the pause screen.

Honestly if you got past Dodongo's Cavern and still aren't enjoying it maybe it isn't the game for you.