Hartman Creek State Park near Waupaca was developed on land from the old Allen and Windfeldt farms. Remnants of this former use can be seen throughout the park, but nowhere is it more evident than in the apple trees that are found in many different spots. Most noticeable are those in the campground, which even identifies its sites as "orchard sites" or "pine sites". More apple trees are found south of the campground along the Windfeldt Trail System
When we first visited the park on a day trip, the apple trees were in full bloom. We have often camped here in the month of May, and we have had several opportunities to see the apple blossoms. One time we found one lone apple tree near a trail west of the campground. All by itself among the pines and hardwood trees, it put on a spectacular show for anyone passing by.
Over the years, the park has changed, and many of the apple trees have lost limbs and vitality, and some have even died. The trail by the lone apple tree has been altered a bit, and the neighboring trees have grown enough to block much of the sun to the tree. Indeed, many people may not even know that an apple tree exists in this spot. But it is still there, and though not as vigorous as before and with many parts broken and dying, this survivor continues to put forth blossoms and still has apples on it branches every year.
When you visit the old apple tree to search for this cache, try not to leave any geotrails, and tread carefully as you near. Give this venerable tree the respect it deserves.
The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to Park Manager Michael D. Bergum of the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR Notification form and land manager information can be obtained at: http://www.wi-geocaching.com/hiding