That looked like some really good bbq. My question is how much does heat to that extent affect charcoal grilling?

Dave,

That kind of heat affects the griller much more than the grill. I think I drank a gallon of water every hour, though what amazed me was that several of the Marines were playing football in that sun! Anyway, relative to the heat of the coals, the ambient temperture was not a big influence.

Jamie