Had a lot of fun climbing The Watchtower via Moonage Daydream (wi4/5.9) in Sequoia NP. One of the longest ice routes in CA. I think it is about 700-750ft, not 1000ft as per SP page (which would make it longer than 300m Widow's Tears). In any case, the climbing was varied, fun, challenging, scenic, and our calves were burning in the end. From the look of things seemed like we were the first ascent of the season. Maybe even in the last few years, who knows. Get on it while it is there!
Watchtower and first 2.5 pitches of Moonage Daydream
The Route
Me on first pitch. This one was spicy. Photo by Mike.
Mike and Adam coming up 1st pitch
I took the second pitch too, which was nice and well protected.
Adam on 3rd pitch. Good quality pitch, after which you end up on a snow field. You walk up the snow field and do two more full pitches to the top.
Mike leading the last pitch. This pitch had perfect ice for screws. Calves were burning!
Views from the summit of Watchtower