Sikorsky S58 Fueling at Zymoetz
ca 1980

Zymoetz, as well as our other sites
required Diesel Fuel to operate the Generators.
This picture shows a Sikorsky S58 helicopter
hauling the large transfer diesel fuel tanks,
to the top of the mountain
from there the fuel was pumped
to the large permanent tanks.
Which had to be done quickly,
so the machine could fly the empty tank down the hill,
to be filled for the next trip.
The only break we got, was when the helicopter
was stopped for fuelling.
It was a dirty job, and long hours.
This machine rented for lots of money per hour,
and therefore the work had to be completed in one day.
We worked usually from Dawn to Dusk to complete it.
The S58 was a 2 engine machine, and riding in it
one would wonder why all the rattling and shaking
would make the thing fall apart.
Working under this machine on a short line,
as above, it provided a pretty good gravel and wind wash.
Those big blades could really throw the air!
You had to brace your legs when it approached, 
or it would blow you backwards.
Being always a gravel and rock area we worked near,
it would pick up all the fines rocks, and dirt,
and fire them at you, just to make the whole
experience a little more fun!

Zymoetz is located on Treasure Mountain
shown by a red dot on this map
as far as I can figure out from various maps.
The Copper River is also the Zymoetz River
It is through this valley, "the Telkwa Pass",
that the 500KV high voltage line passes,
as well as the PNG natural gas pipeline.
Years ago, the natives used this valley
as a grease trail, for the Oolichan Grease
they would trade with interior natives.