hiking
Definition
A long, vigorous walk, typically on trails or in the countryside, often undertaken for pleasure or exercise.
A euphemism for taking an unannounced or clandestine leave of absence, particularly when one is a politician missing in action.
The act of traversing a trail, occasionally involving questionable sticker-tagging habits or the risk of being tricked into an unnecessary helicopter rescue.
Examples
If your governor suddenly goes missing, don't worry, he is definitely just hiking the Appalachian Trail and not ignoring his constituents.
I told my boss I was going hiking, but I was actually just trying to avoid the email thread about the latest office-wide 'performance review' updates.
Some influencers get so committed to hiking that they start planting commemorative stickers on the Continental Divide, proving that nature really is just another backdrop for branding.
Be careful when hiking in high-altitude zones, as some guides might try to turn your vacation into an expensive scenic flight via an insurance-fraud-motivated helicopter rescue.