Stayed at El Tovar the night before. Shuttle bus to South Kaibab trailhead to start at 6:30am. First hike into the canyon. Nice shade going down. Every turn brought more and more amazing views. Definitely lived up to all the hype. Even with Gatorade and water pours I got a little heat exhaustion the last mile or so. Was disoriented as we were checking into Phantom Ranch. Someone cancelled a cabin reservation and we got it. Saw a rattlesnake under the telephone waiting in line to call my parents. I couldn't resist making a call from the bottom of the canyon. Had the stew dinner meal.