While I agree with most of what Catavarie said, there is one difference between school and hiking, and I think it's the one difference that's the line between selfish and unselfish is that going back to school will help further your career and the goals that go along with your professional life. Hiking for 6 months, while being a great life goal to accomplish will get you no further than a few miles. I do believe you live one time and need to follow all your goals and dreams, but if you bring other lives into this world and choose to spend your life with someone else you have more than your goals and feelings to take into account. But as was said before, this is my opinion and only my opinion so take it for what you will.