Iowa Odysseys

About Tab (group description) updates frequently. Check back :) Update: 8-4-2026.
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Fyi, Ledges State Park, a magnificent Iowa state park is closed until further notice for extensive work being done in the park.
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Fyi, "shorthand" for Iowa Odysseys is "IO" - no quotes.
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Suggestions for heat and humidity:
No citrus food - oranges, apples, etc during work outside.
Go with bananas - no acidic component to them :).
No "heavy" noon meal.
Drink lots of cool to cold liquids.
Wear sunhat, keep it wet.
Wear loose, light clothing (button down shirt better than tee shirt).
"Acclimate" to the heat and humidity if you can...being in it as much as you safely can.
Questions about the heat? Directly message me :)
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If you comment on an IO 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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If you wish to run or hike together sometime,
Just direct message me (organizer (Antony)) w/your cell number.with your preferred destination/date/day/time/distance and terrain (flat vs. hilly)
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A suggestion...tune out/turn off the "smart box" in your pocket and "tune into" nature when you you are in Iowa parks. Nature is a great teacher if you open your heart, mind and soul to it :)

I hope that you, IO members, are able to get "outside" on a regular basis to fully "immerse" in nature w/cell phones on vibrate mode or even better Off!
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A Hearty Welcome from Iowa Odysseys (IO) to our newest member, Kate, who joined IO recently. :).
IO is currently at 445 members strong . Please tell your friends about "IO". :) A goal for the year 2026 is to reach 500+ members!
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See Iowa Odysseys Discussion entitled:
"Outdoor Gear Requirements for Safety on Outdoor Events with Iowa Odysseys Group"
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Check out web site (below) of a Cedar Rapids food pantry & volunteer :)
togetherweachieve.org
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Checkout a GREAT BBQ restaurant (read on below) :) :

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).
NOTE: If you wish to have a "Meet and Greet" sometime, I could meet you at the Backyard BBQ on any Wednesday. The restaurant has an awesome special on Wednesdays! :)
Direct message me if you would like to meet there for lunch or dinner on a Wednesday. Cell phone number would be appreciated :).
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A request; When you sign up for an event, please consider direct message to me (Antony) with your cell.
(See information lower down re how to send a direct message)

This way, he can followup with any attendees late to event to learn if the attendee(s) is/are still planning to attend.

If you cannot attend an event for which you signed up, please "de-RSVP" as soon as you can, preferably before the event.

Please note: If there are no attendees other than me (IO organizer) for an event, I may cancel the event with option to possibly relist event at a later date.
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Principal "goals" for IO are to post events that:
- Serve others above self especially w/service to nonprofit organizations and their valued clients.
-Facilitate "immersion in nature" :). Nature is GREAT "medicine" and a "teacher" if you are "open" to its "teachings".
-Events suggested by other members.

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 :)

Currently, there are no required dues for Iowa Odysseys members either to join the group or attend its events.
That said, any offer of cash to organizer at an event by an attendee would be appreciated. :)
Cost/year is ~$400.
Thanks in advance for your consideration to help out w/expenses.
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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 look in top right corner of the group web page, you will see a bell shaped 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 read your message.
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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 pm me at least one day before an IO event if you wish to rent or purchase a pick up tool and bag (I have extras).
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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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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).
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Also, when you do attend an event, feel free to add your photos (and comments) after the event :).
As a courtesy, please do ask permission of any member at an event to take his/her photo and/or post it.
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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 description of Iowa Odysseys. :)

Antony