In Memory of Margarita Berg — Images by kenne
We never met Margarita Berg. She was diagnosed with cancer about the time we move to Tucson, passing away three months later.
During her last few months, Margarita and David would spend time walking their dog on the trails along the banks of the Tanque Verde Wash
(I originally thought it was the Rillito River.) and used dead tree limbs to create art stations along the many trails in the near-by Tanuri Ridge desert park.
When not hiking the many in southern Arizona, I often walk the trails along the wash, which is how I learned about the trail art
and the memorial David had created in Margareta’s memory. (Click here to read more in an earlier posting on the Memory Tree.)
About a month ago I took my camera with me on a morning walk along the wash. When I came upon the Memory Tree,
fresh flowers had been placed at the base of the tree, causing me to realized that it was near the time of Margarita’s passing away anniversary.
I didn’t see David and his dog. I haven’t seen him for over a year now. I know he still walks his dog near the wash and regularly drops rose pedals at the base of the tree.
kenne
Tanque Verde Wash
32.270209-110.860703
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The Memory Tree — Images by kenne
In the first Tanuri Ridge newsletter (Spring),
I wrote of taking walks by the Tanque Verde Wash,
located south of Tanuri Ridge,
and shared some photos of artwork along the trails.
David Berg Relaxing In Berg Canyon
It was back in late July, early August of last year
that I discovered the Tanuri Ridge trail art,
and posted an entry on my blog titled,
“Art is Where You Find It,” in which I wrote:
Before reaching the river, I noticed several trails,
so I decided to do some exploring,
choosing the most foreboding trail to follow.
Much to my wonder,
I begin to come upon works of art left for passersby
to contemplate in nature’s gallery,
as if in competition with nature’s own work.
Making no judgment as to their artistic worth,
only being grateful for their existence,
I began staging myself to capture images of the art.
I have chosen to share them in black & white.
With the images in mind,
and as we met people in our new community,
I would ask about the art and its creator,
but no one had an answer.
It was not until this past February,
when hiking with Bryna Ben-Asher
and others in Sabino Canyon,
I learned that most of the art was
the work of Margarita and David Berg.
What had been my mystery was now solved,
which is why I ended the newsletter article,
“The Berg’s did it!”
One Man’s Mystery Is Another Man’s Sanctuary
In the early ’90s, Margarita and David Berg moved
from Los Angeles to Tanuri Ridge
(David was originally from Tucson.)
They loved living here,
and the time they would spend walking their dogs together
down the small canyon (which I have named, ‘Berg Canyon’)
behind their house, continuing on river trails below.
As many now know, Margarita was diagnosed with brain cancer
in early 2010 and passed away last October.
David and Margarita spent her remaining days together
walking the canyon and river trails
with their dog Tucker,
and creating art from dead tree branches and rocks.
Before the spring newsletter was published while running early one morning,
I saw David walking with Tucker.
We talked briefly,
about the trails, its art, Margarita,
and what I had written for the newsletter.
We agreed to meet again and go down along the trails together.
Even though I now know more about David and Margarita,
I must acknowledge that I know very little.
What I have learned from David,
and many others,
who, after introducing myself as being new to Tanuri Ridge,
would respond by saying,
“I know someone who lives in Tanuri Ridge, Margarita Berg.”
Although everyone had wonderful things to say about her,
it was the feeling in the words
that made one appreciate fully how exceptional she was.
Of course, no one knows this better than David.
As we walked together, we talked
about the trails, the art, floods, and fires,
all of which make the Tanuri Ridge riverside so special.
But, what was most special came as a surprise
to me as we walked the trail near the river.
Walking to my left, David crossed in front of me,
stopping at a two-trunked mesquite tree,
one trunk of which was now a stump,
upon which David had placed a wooden plaque
in memory of Margarita.
Whispering softly as he looked down on the plaque;
pausing, he reached into his pocket,
sprinkling flower petals on this blessed place.
I stepped back,
taking a few photos as he gently moved his fingers across the plaque.
kenne
Images by kenne
32.270209-110.860703
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Tanuri Ridge River Trail — Image by kenne
When I took this photo, August 3, 2010,
I did so trying to capture the feel
of the trail and this old mesquite tree.
Little did I know that this place along the trail
had been captured before by Margarita and David Berg.
Again, my camera has taught me how to see without a camera.
My experience has taught me how to feel
the moments captured before by others,
so I can focus on capturing the moment.
kenne
32.270209-110.860703
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Images by kenne
