June 5, 2012 Update:
Water services have not been restored at Cottonwood Campground or Roaring Springs. This means we will be filtering muddy creek water as our water source for the majority of the hike. A water filter system is absolutely mandatory. It is my understanding that purification systems (like UV lights), or chemical treatments (like tablets and pills) do not remove the dirt and mud.
It is H-O-T in Arizona. There is a summer heat warning for the Grand Canyon on the NPS website. It states that temperatures in the bottom of the canyon are reaching 100 – 115 degrees in the shade during the day.  This is another reminder to watch ourselves and to watch each other for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke – things you should have researched on your own by now, and if you have not yet searched those 2 heat related illnesses then do it. You are responsible for yourself. You have to take care of yourself by drinking constantly and drinking/taking electrolytes all day long. We must wear protective hats, long sleeves, and pants to keep the sun off of our head, arms, and legs. One great trick is to dunk our wicking shirts/hats/bandanas in all water sources all day long. Pour water on yourself even if it is muddy and gross. Putting on a wet shirt/hat/bandana can help cool you down and the wicking nature of your clothing means they will eventually dry.
This is no race to the top of the Rim. If you need to sit in the creek for 4 hours to cool down, do it.  If you have to wait a long time for your filter to fill up all your water bladders and extra bottles, do it. If you need to wait for sunset and lower temperatures to continue your hike, do it. That is one reason why we have headlamps as mandatory gear, so that you may hike in the dark when and if necessary.
And never, ever, ever, hike alone.
