Calgary Malmon Hikers #2
by Edwin Acuña
Starting point of the 11-kilometer hike out-and-back
Rummel Lake Hike
Calgary Malmon Hikers
It all started with Brod DVM Benjon Barachina's solo hiking in the summer of
2021, following the easing of government restrictions on the COVID pandemic
coupled with his wife's unavailability to join him. I recall reading a post he
made in his Facebook account that led me to ask if I could join him in his
hikes. Due to conflicting schedules, it was not until this summer of 2023 that
I, along with UPLB Brod Rex Almonte (96a), that we were able to form a group
that could do regular hiking on weekends.
What spurred him to hike regularly? Brod Benjon stated that hiking is a very
good form of exercise. Besides, stroke runs in their family. It was a big
motivation for me as well. I have hypertension issues. Besides, hiking is not an
expensive activity. A big come-on! All you need are drinking water and food
stuffed into a backpack, and a hiking pole to keep your balance on uneven or
sloping trailways.
A stream runs through the trail
Deep inside the forest trail
On Sunday, June 25, 2023, we ventured to Spray Valley Provincial Park in
Kananaskis Country west of Calgary to take on the Rummel Lake Trail, a moderate,
11-kilometer out-and-back route that took about three and a half hours to
complete. The area is popular for skiing and snowshoeing activities as well
during the winter months.
Left: The Canadian Rockies and another lake dot the background. Right: The trail.
Left: Brod Benjon atop a narrow, steep portion of the trail. Right: Brod Rex by the lake shore.
Balanced rocks
Lake Rummel is a glacier lake. The water is extremely cold.
We spotted a black bear on the road back to Calgary. It was a relatively huge one.
[Web note: click to view Calgary Malmon Hikers #1]
“Walking is a man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates