I'm taking 6 months off next year to hike the Appalachian Trail. I have a great job that continues to challenge me even after 9 years (10 by the time I start)

I'm taking 6 months off next year to hike the Appalachian Trail. I have a great job that continues to challenge me even after 9 years (10 by the time I start) but I just need to do something different for a bit. Luckily for me, I asked, well in advance (9 months from my planned start date, give or take), and my company said "sure," which made the whole thing a hell of a lot easier. Not paid of course, but I'll still have a job when I return.