I can't remember the first time that I was struck by the stones as I seemed to have grown up with them. I spent a lot of time in the early 1960's on Dartmoor, and the stones just seemed to be there, and did visit Down Tor / Hingstone Hill stone row on many occasions, so they seem to have been with me a long time.
I did however have a similar experience in the late 1980's. I did not know what to do with my life , having two options, I went to Great Trowlesworthy Tor on a warm Sunday afternoon, sat in the sun and looked down on the stone rows , after an hour or so I knew what I wanted to do. I am sure I made the right decision. There is a magic there somewhere.

Peace, Lubin