About your Hosts, Lee and Molly Kemper
Our Careers
Our career in Estes Park began as owners of restaurants which we ran for 28 years. We also had vacation rental condos in downtown Estes as well as the two units at the Ranch and a hot tub company.
Our original restaurant was the Molly B. We also had the Gaslight pub, La Casa, Surrey Deli and Gatsby’s. Lee was the chef, creating many wonderful dishes and spices. I enjoyed baking, hosting, bar tending and keeping track of finances. We worked side by side for 31 years.
In 1998 we sold everything in downtown and decided to start enjoying traveling. We now rent our house and two condos, traveling in the winter and taking care of our animals. I enjoy spinning for people and am still trying to keep up with my very ambitious husband.
We were the original owners of the name Margaritaville, and have the legal documents to prove it! This is a story Lee would love to tell you himself when you come to stay with us and while you're here, take your picture by the original "Margaritaville" sign.
Lee is still a great cook and has written a cookbook which is available to purchase. He created some wonderful spices for many uses, such as on hamburgers, corn on the cob, chicken, pork and many other uses. If you would like to try them, just ask. These spices are also for sale.
Our Home Lives
Thirty years ago we built our home near Mary’s Lake and finished raising our eleven children. When our children finally all left we found ourselves lost, even though we still had many businesses downtown. Lee bought me a Llama because I wanted a hiking partner and my own fiber to spin. His name was Keno. Soon we found out Keno was lonely so we purchased more Llamas, both male and female. Next came the little Llamas. I "accidentally" acquired four Angora fiber goats. Soon they had kids and we had our hands full. When we retired we decided we must cut down on our herds of animals and kept only Keno, Cashew, Iryie, Sergio (Llamas) and three old goats, Star, Opal and Jocko. Things have changed since then. We have a new elk - Destiny (Hanna's baby) born June 7, 2005. The goats, Keno and Cashew have passed on.
Our Wild Friends, and the Elk, Anna and Hanna
At one point in our life we were licensed wild animal rehabilitators for the state of Colorado. It became known that Lee was very good at raising and caring for animals and we soon acquired many Elk, Deer, raccoons and rabbits to help.
Most of these animals would go back to the wild on their own when they were ready. Our elk, Anna, was the exception. After recovering from a very serious illness in childhood, she decided not to leave. She had developed a special relationship with our Llama, Iryie and he loves her, too.
A herd consisting of two Llamas, and three Elk is a site to behold!
Accommodations
We hope to see you soon,
Lee & Molly Kemper
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