Last Friday, I'm jogging along Carlin Springs Road when I pass by this sign I've seen dozens of times:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBoBeGhbAiL9xSBS4W63c5fzcUVUoQTZ57rOgQsBimJ6e8Z1c-O3IpJ_Jykn4TI16nS2QppDj-eaM6Scsou0_eQoWaoH5X6dYun5NcOTtK5ZbNUEWCchK-1pzH-X24pLqWQ7dyw/s580/sign.jpg)
I've always wondered where following that Birding and Wildlife sign would take you. So, rather than follow my planned running route, I took a quick right and followed the direction the sign pointed. In no time, I was at the end of the school parking lot where an unmarked trail head could be found. I then jogged a short, but woodsy section of trail, which popped out at 7th street. From there, I retraced my steps till the trail crossed a small creek. At that point, you're effectively at Long Branch Nature center, which has a trail that connects up to Four Mile Run Trail.
In all these years I had no idea that 4 Mile Run Trail / W O&D connected up to this adorable nature center. What this section of trail lacks in length, it makes up for in character.
It had colorful flowers like these:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Nw1bGvRZcE2F2uxHUKooajEin53790RQ9r4Fzvhyphenhyphen9LN_Tt7_4S8EXTmOaHUpXBNGuzYV2f0m7m93iJ8G9GkOOBJiJgemjspc8I5U70cjtr7mnmcr0v0UTQDVrvdKLUvwOEnnKw/s580/20150409_181639.jpg)
And a new plant for me to learn about: Podophyllum (thanks to Rabbi Ackerman for the identification help!).
Note: this guy is not edible, but does have some medical uses. If I ever need to accelrate defecation, I know my go to plant.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEoVfuQ6udU5d4MdSoorlmcC1YMpM_V9w-nM8PP3H5xoDxpCAZh6IgMiGA0CUPP-EFyRkCmhGke5B3XyDEXypIv_3GNt5pEGYTGQb0vwjJRQlRdq6psxHr8S4FhhVrhX9NS-uQog/s580/20150409_182345.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdz4nhutXtJjkA3w-TO7MhCJIsJZDa0mxB30UCpfpCkSHgzO4l66EDGglEJBxKaFsQym9PW3fTJqRZiGAi1wvN-bTPT62gWU-Yin4KWGoTL7RRlBVGRZJmxL4CLqwzPFW5lH5lQ/s580/20150409_182209.jpg)
And check out this audio recording: nothing but soothing creek noises.
Not pictured are 3 deer that were watching me, as I was taking pictures of the flowers and such.
It may have been a nanoadventure, but it was still a fun time!
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