I reached the summit of Ben Nevis around 10.30 in the morning. I wanted to get there early to beat the crowds. It was ANZAC day and Ben Nevis is a popular walk amongst locals. I wanted to beat the clouds too. As the sun rose up and heated the mountain side, a thick fog lifted from the cold Wairoa Valley, ascending the slope with swirling vaporous claws. The way up, a solid 800m climb mostly sheltered from the elements, felt like a summer hike. At the top, however, a biting w