note: so titled because I remember when there was a sign that read “Population 1” as you entered this little town with a big heart
Red (the official bear bait) and the Judge, were up and ready to go at the appointed time. We were going to explore Boulder country. The plan was to hike a bit, visit the waterfalls and drive deeper into the mountains. We might even eat at the Road Kill Café if it was opened that day. Our first stop would be the Post Office so we could mail our postcards back home.
The girls had not experienced a one hitching post town before. I don’t think they believed me when I told them the little town at one time had a population of one, not counting the dogs. The town hasn’t been included in the past few census records, but there is one teacher and seven students, probably not all residents of the town proper, that attend the little schoolhouse by the river.
It seems the Judge was fairly concerned about the eating part of our journey. She had enough cell signal to search her phone for “eating places in McLeod.” I told her there were no other places unless we stopped at a ranch house and joined them for lunch. She finally conceded and said, “The only place listed is the Road Kill. Why are there no other restaurants?” I told her, “Just wait and you’ll understand when we get to town.” About that time, I pulled off the road into an area where there was a house, a building that read, “United States Post Office”, with a flag flying in front, another building, and a camper or two behind the buildings. “We’re here.” “Where?” “This is McLeod.”
They giggled as we got out of the car. I think the Judge finally understood. It didn’t take long to explore the town. We chatted with the Postmaster and enjoyed the historical photos and items on the walls of the Post Office. An old wagon on tracks sat in the front of the building beside the Post Office. We walked down the lane and crossed over the bridge. A cool breeze blew through the cottonwoods that stood close to the stream. The white schoolhouse trimmed in green sat to the left of the lane. It almost made me want to be kid again, able to grow up in a one hitching post town.