The local excitement this week, apart from the heavy snowfall, is the escaped convict on the loose!
Two young prisoners escaped from the local detention centre in Mausac. One was soon caught and safely locked up again, but the second is still out there somewhere.
Speaking to the locals, however, it is doubtful that the young man would be freezing somewhere in the woods. It is much more likely that a farmer or a vintner or a good family lindoise have taken him in and are having him sit around their fire in their kitchen sharing a pot of mulled wine and a big bowl of vegetable soup.....
Update The latest news is that the young man, Gilberto Oliveira, (27) has been apprehended and is safe and warm back in prison, regaling his fellow convicts with stories of his few days of freedom and life outside the high walls......... And probably secretly regretting his bold move, as he will most certainly be moved to a much higher secrutiy prison in the near future
Apparently, according to the local records, this wintry weather does not happen more than about once in a decade. Twelve inches of snow in 36 hours! And the countryside and villages are transformed into a picture book scene. 
Although picturesque and exciting for a newcomer to the area, snow in these areas can be very disrupting -- few people have vehicles equipped with snow tyres or chains and as harldy anyone in these usually warmer climes are accustomed to driving on snow covered or icy roads, the world around us came to a virtual halt. ....But I never heard a single soul complain about that and most of us were out there with our cameras and walking boots and enjoying the glacial beauty of a countryside clad in white.
