Iowa Odysseys

About Tab (group description) updates frequently. Check back :) Update: 11-3-2025.

Note : Group Cover photo is always cropped by meetup computer "code" as usual.
If you go Photos Album entitled Previous Cover Photos I,II or III, you will see the current photo in its entirety.

Group photo for today 11/3/2025 is entitled "Reaching". Yes, it is a visual metaphor for "reaching out" to others :).
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check out livawake.com GREAT stuff on it :)
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checkout a GREAT BBQ restaurant :) :

It is called "Backyard BBQ" located at 2020 Scotty Blvd CR, Ia 52404 (next to SW CR Goodwill store) For more info on it, go to their website (below)
backyardbbqiowa.com (website is work in progress at the moment so it's better to go visit in person). It is open 11a-9p seven days a week
(There are other businesses on the site also).
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In summary, principal "goals" for IO are to post events that:

1. Serve others above self especially w/service to nonprofit organizations and their valued clients.
2. Facilitate "immersion in nature" :). Nature is GREAT "medicine" and a "teacher" if you are "open" to its "teachings".
3. Events suggested by other members.
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   A Hearty Welcome from Iowa Odysseys (IO) to our newest member, Misti, who joined IO recently. :).
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   Fyi, we are currently at a SOLID 432 members strong! :)
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Iowa Odysseys is largely a group for adults 18 and over who would like to meet new people, look to find ways to serve others and socialize especially during outdoor activities such as hikes. Also, children of adult members often will be eligible for events with their parent(s) present. (Please check each event specific description re the eligibility)

For those of you who are parents your children would be welcome at many IO events :)
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Iowa Odysseys Group Cover Photos can be found in an album entitled "Previous Cover Photos" or "Previous Cover Photos II"
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If you look in top right corner of the group web page, you will see an icon for "Messages". This is for meetup members to send/receive direct messages. If you see a red dot next to messages icon, this means that a group member has sent you a direct message. Just click on the Messages icon and the group member name to receive your message.
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For all events in Iowa Odysseys, safety of all attendees is the highest priority. Safety concerns include but is not limited to:
- attendees properly equipped for events
- attendees sufficiently fit for events
- weather concerns - Please note: Organizer may cancel events (even on short notice) if driving safety may be an issue.

See Iowa Odysseys Discussion entitled:
"Outdoor Gear Requirements for Safety on Outdoor Events with Iowa Odysseys Group"
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Currently, there are no required dues for Iowa Odysseys members either to join the group or attend its events.

That said, IO members willing to offer $2 cash/per person/per event to the organizer to help offset approximate annual cost of $400 and to help finance equipment purchases for Iowa Odysseys are welcome to do so. This is not a requirement, however to attend any IO event.
Also, if you wish to contribute beyond $2 cash/event to the annual expenses of Iowa Odysseys any contribution would be greatly appreciated.

Carpools are encouraged for events. Please do offer to contribute to cost of fuel if you are a rider.
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If you comment on a discussion or start a new one, please direct message me when you do. I may not see your post for awhile otherwise. Thanks!
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On hikes, it will always be an IO goal to leave any park in which we hike a little better by...
- carrying a trash bag and picking up trash along the trails
- moving fallen limbs off the trails
- assisting any park visitors not in our group by taking photos for them, answering questions about the park (if we have the answer! :) ),giving directions if asked, etc

Please note: If you sign up for an IO event that is primarily a trash pickup event, I now have three extra pick up tools and bags for trash.

You can rent a pick up tool and bag for $3 cash at beginning of event from me or
You can purchase pick up tool and bag from me for $15 cash. Please pm me at least one day before an IO event if you wish to rent or purchase a pick up tool and bag.
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Also, on some IO hikes, you will be requested to please leave your canines at home. There are multiple reasons for this that will be shared with attendees on hikes or other activities.
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This group is not "my" group. It is "our" group. With your suggestions, we can make it larger, better and stronger! :)

This group is definitely a work in progress (not a finished product) so...
By all means, if you have a concern, idea or suggestion feel free to PM me. If you include your cell phone number in your PM then we can have an actual conversation :)
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If you sign up for an event, it would be helpful if you would pm your cell to me if you feel comfortable doing so. This is why: If you are late to an event, you can be contacted to confirm that you will be there soon so that group will wait for you. Thank you :)
Otherwise, if your plans change and you cannot make the event please "de-RSVP" as soon as you can. Thanks again :).
Please note: If there are no attendees other than me (IO organizer), I may cancel the event with option to possibly relist event at a later date.
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The group is "private". This means that only members can see the events. Anyone can still join the group, however.
If any of your friends or family members would like to join Iowa Odysseys, please do refer them to the direct URL (below) to join. All they have to do is click the red "Join" button (assuming they have already joined Meetup itself).

meetup.com/meetup-group-ujajrggt

All you need to sign up is an email address (other than work email recommended) and a first name (even just a first initial works). No lengthy profile, photo of yourself, fee etc is required :).
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Also, when you do attend an event, feel free to add your photos (and comments) after the event :).
Please do ask permission of any member at an event to take his/her photo and/or post it. (Also, please note that no photos allowed at the pantry).
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If you have photos of Iowa wildlife, there is an album that I created for this group called Nature and Wildlife in Iowa. Feel free to add your own photos of Iowa wildlife :).
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If anyone would like to become an Assistant Organizer for Iowa Odysseys, please pm me with your cell so that we can set up a time, date and place to meet in person to discuss you becoming an Assistant Organizer. Fyi, as an Assistant Organizer, you will be able to list events on your own :).
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Thanks for taking the time to read this somewhat long description re Iowa Odysseys. :)

Antony