They extend for about 500 kilometers across the whole island and carve out only a narrow strip of land to their west that is actually exposed to the prevailing westerly winds that blow across the Tasman Sea.
Silk traveled far from China, just as woollen fabrics journey from the West. They meet halfway, like the east and west winds in the vast expanses of Central Asia.
" Clear enough, " I answered, glancing at the sunshine which streamed down the open companion-way. " Fair westerly breeze, with a promise of stiffening, if Louis predicts correctly" .
Although this is highly variable across the state, westerly winds bring in moisture to the state from the Pacific Ocean where they initially impact California's many high mountain ranges.