From crime to apples, uncovering lost varieties

The speaker, a former FBI agent, transitioned from investigating bank robberies and political corruption to searching for lost apple varieties after retirement. In the late 1800s, apples were vital to settlers in Washington, and many old orchards still exist. The speaker uses investigative skills to locate these varieties, examining records and physical evidence. They collect apples, map their locations, and send samples to experts for identification. The speaker has found three lost varieties and is motivated by the fear of losing these apples forever. They continue to search for about 20 more varieties.

How does the speaker describe the importance of apples to early settlers in Washington?

What is the significance of the Dickinson apple tree mentioned by the speaker?