Max, Phil and Jarmo explained why we are here in Lapland, and about working with the local Sámi community to preserve the culture of reindeer herding.

Afterwards, the journalists had coffee (the Finnish are, apparently, the world's heaviest coffee drinkers!) with our group and several local Sámi reindeer herders - including Outi, a reindeer herder working closely with us - and she sports the most fetching reindeerskin boots and hat.

Next, a convoy heads out into the woods, including TV crews, to visit the Forest Rescue Station. The drive takes us past frozen rivers and lakes, and through forests in wildly differing states of disarray. We pass through a section of old growth forest - where the trees have not been influenced by human hands, but instead have grown in a natural way. From the branches of pine trees, tree-hanging lichen falls to the ground, where the reindeer can eat it. As we pass through, reindeer are feeding either side of the road.

Suddenly, the trees stop, and for the next couple of kilometres, there's nothing but small, squat spruce, and a few spindly looking pines. Skinny as they are, they must be 100 years old - trees take this long to grow in the arctic. But there's no reindeer here - and nothing for them to eat. I learn from Phil that this was old growth forest, but was logged some time ago. As a result, the reindeer herder who was dependant on it was displaced. He and his reindeer have had to move on, to wild pastures elsewhere.

We arrive at the camp, running around in their snowsuits, wielding tools, the team hardly even noticing us. They're too busy shifting the containers into place and erecting the communications mast. It's a truly international team - already on site are people from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Estonia, The Netherlands, Germany, UK, and Ireland. More nationalities are set to join us later.

At some point, I spill coffee on my coat, but don't notice. Then I find what appears to be caramel stuck to me... how did that get there? It's the coffee - frozen solid where it spilled. This climate may take some getting used to.

The living containers are two steel shipping containers, adapted with bunks, stoves and even windows. Painted bright red, they stand out well against the landscape. They're even equipped with windmills, for generating electricity. We also have a kota - the traditional Sámi tent, kind of like a Native American teepee. However, this one is - like the containers - bright red.

Rumour has it that I'm going to be sleeping in the kota tonight. According to the weather forecast, it will be a balmy -19... but I've been promised a warm sleeping bag.

I'll post a report tomorrow, as soon as I've thawed out.

- Dave

Download Video: Forest Rescue Station: Setting Up
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