My apple wood moisture is going the wrong way! And mold!

OK got this apple beginning of last year (spring 2011) and the guy I got it from said the tree was dropped and chunked fall 2010. We split and stacked it April 2011 and at that time the moisture (taken right after splitting and a sample of 5 or 6 pieces) was 38-42 percent. About what we expected. Figured this was going to be a several year drying project. Checked it Oct 2011 before I top covered for the winter and it was 18-22% which was more drying than I expected (again fresh split and 5-6 piece sample.).
This year I've been busy with many nice scores of "free" wood and bought a wood splitter so did not check it all summer. I did notice some black mold on the ends but did not think much of it.
Split some this weekend and the moisture is now 24-28%! Going the wrong way.
Now I guess I could blame the moisture meter but my other wood has not gone up like the apple did.
I stack on pallets with tarp below and leave it open until first snow is going to fall then I top cover and uncover in the spring after last snow.
Location is not the sunniest but I also have pine and oak drying in the same location so don't think its location.
So two questions. Any idea on why it "gained" moisture either over last winter or this summer? And what do you think about the mold. Two photos to show how its stacked and a close up of the mold.
Thanks folks

Thanks for the comments. I guess I will consider the 2nd set of readings the problem and keep on a seasoning.
I was planning to just wood stove it for heat but now the other posts bring me to a question I had when I got this stuff- is it a waste to simply burn it when some peeps would use it to smoke or cook?
Hmmm maybe I could look for someone that would make a trade or m a y b e I just need to INVEST in a smoker
hmm hmm hmm