Katharine “Manhattan” Rudzitis

I am 20-something born and bred Manhattanite who enjoys exploring and the outdoors. My family used to split our time among the city sights, our grandparents in the Pennsylvania forests, and our grandparents on a Minnesota farm. I grew up wandering around and adventuring, but I found myself spending less and less time outdoors as I grew older, replacing the wild with (equally wonderful) trips to other cities. The Appalachian Trail has been a lifelong goal, and I decided that 2019 would be the year to give it a try. (Spoiler: completed in 149 days!) Off the trail, you will find me at great local coffee shops digging deep into a new novel: in 2018, I decided to read 365 books. I’m 2021, I’m meditating daily. 2022? We’ll see! Here's to the friends, adventures, and blisters to come.

Posts

Four Days on the AT, and Feeling Good

Four Days on the AT, and Feeling Good

Hello from Georgia! It’s the end of my fourth day on the AT, and I am feeling good. Feet are tired, but there’s nothing hurting right now. Plus,

Apr 2, 2019 : Katharine “Manhattan” Rudzitis
Train Thoughts: NYC to Georgia Bound

Train Thoughts: NYC to Georgia Bound

I considered flying vs taking Amtrak down to Georgia to kick off my Appalachian Trail attempt, but 12 hours into the train ride, I’m still having a

Mar 30, 2019 : Katharine “Manhattan” Rudzitis
Pre-Hike Jitters and How I’m Reacting

Pre-Hike Jitters and How I’m Reacting

One week out from my departure to Georgia, I’m in an unexpected state of calm. That was not the case earlier in March, and it took me awhile to shake

Mar 22, 2019 : Katharine “Manhattan” Rudzitis
So You Want a Leave of Absence?

So You Want a Leave of Absence?

If an extended hiking trip has always been your dream (and it is for me), you may be thinking about requesting a leave of absence from your job. I

Mar 6, 2019 : Katharine “Manhattan” Rudzitis
Books to Read Before a Challenge, Change, or Crossroads

Books to Read Before a Challenge, Change, or Crossroads

In 2018, I decided to read 365 books and finished out the year at 390. That's 128,796 pages, give or take a few. I went through memoirs, Appalachian

Jan 14, 2019 : Katharine “Manhattan” Rudzitis
Predictions for My Upcoming AT Thru-Hike

Predictions for My Upcoming AT Thru-Hike

With under four months to go, I have read so much about the AT that I'm going a little crazy with anticipation. I started a list of predictions for

Dec 9, 2018 : Katharine “Manhattan” Rudzitis
You’re Doing What? FAQs on Thru-Hiking the AT

You’re Doing What? FAQs on Thru-Hiking the AT

After answering question after question from family members and friends when I announced my trip, to save us all some time, I have put my responses

Nov 24, 2018 : Katharine “Manhattan” Rudzitis
Why I Will Tackle the Appalachian Trail

Why I Will Tackle the Appalachian Trail

In 2019, I intend to spend six months hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. 2,100+ miles. A life-changing event. All that sounds far

Oct 21, 2018 : Katharine “Manhattan” Rudzitis