Dartmoor is well named, although nowadays lacks a definite article. In fact, it should be called 'The Dart Moor' as it was originally known. Many rivers and streams begin their long journeys to the sea from the granite heights of the moors, and quite often the smaller ones join forces along the way. Over 18 rivers cross this desolate, beautiful and often rugged landscape, with the two main waterways being the East and West Darts. After meandering for a time, these rivers then converge to become the Dart, which then progresses south to Buckfastleigh then eventually out to sea at Dartmouth.

It was at the appropriately named Dartmeet I harped on my next Quest adventure.

It was quite late in the afternoon when we parked, but the nearest car park was still heaving. Just at the old Clapper Bridge near Badgers Holt is a restaurant that sells great cream teas. The promise of good weather and cholesterol enhancing local fayre was enough to bring out the tourists. However my husband and I were not stopping . . . Taking Annie across the road, we followed the East Dart downstream for a short while, walking along a very well defined but deserted path. And right at the spot where the East meets the West Dart, a conveniently placed granite boulder beckoned.

I unpacked Annie and clambering on to the rock with some difficulty, I briefly ran my fingers down her strings. Amazingly she was in tune ~ after the last Quest adventure only days before I was expecting another struggle to tune her up. I felt quite pleased with this and started to play easy warm up exercises. One of my major problems is being unable to remember any of my repertoire, so part of this Quest is to learn to play without notation or a score in front of me. My husband wandered off to cross the river at another point and left me to my own devices. I decided to concentrate on a couple of easy pieces that eventually came to me after noodling for a while.

According to legend, the Dart has a voice. Actually, according to folklorist and collector of local legends William Crossing, all the rivers and streams on the moor have spirits ~ most tales of which have been lost over time. However, the Dart is known to claim a life each year, either along her moorland meanderings, or where she passes more inhabited areas past Totnes. The rapid flooding due to heavy rain further upstream can cause this river to be fast moving and very dangerous at times, which could certainly account for the occasional loss of life. However, the Dart has been heard to call for her victims by name, and this has been the source of one of the local rhymes either . .

"Dart, Dart, cruel Dart, every year she claims a heart"
or
"River of Dart, oh, river of Dart!
Every year thou claimest a heart"

. . . depending on who you read.

But as I played in the late afternoon sunshine with the river's accompaniment running beside me I didn't hear anyone calling me. I became incredibly relaxed and focused on the music so much so that I wasn't even aware of my fingers dancing on the strings. I really began to find a musical fluidity, just like the Dart Rivers that hurried past me. In fact I think I played better that day than I had done for some time. It was a wonderful experience, and I wish I could repeat it every time I played . . .

As I was finishing my harping, I looked up to see a small robin watching me intently from a nearby branch. I've always associated these small birds with good luck, but a quick look on the 'net also suggested that they are symbols of renewal and regrowth. I quite like the idea that my harping is going through a period of change, if that is why he was there. Or maybe he just liked to hear my music . . .

As I clambered off the granite boulder I wryly asked why all the rocks on Dartmoor were so hard. My husband was heard to reply that if the entire moor was made of cheese, there wouldn't be anything left. I had to accept that he had a point!

I dedicated my harping that day to the Spirit of the River and the Goddess of Dartmoor. I might not have heard the voice of the River Dart, but I think I might have felt Her smile.

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