About ME
Who I Am
Hi, I’m Brett — a 55-year-old IT executive, lifelong New England skier, dad, husband, dog servant … and maybe the slowest “beginner hiker” you’ll meet. The mountains and the water have always been my happy places. This blog is my clumsy, slightly out-of-breath attempt to reconnect with them.
Why I Started 48 After 55
Scrolling through countless hiking blogs and outdoor-influencer feeds, I kept seeing people summiting mountains like it was a Tuesday morning stroll. Meanwhile, I’m juggling a demanding job, being the primary caregiver for my elderly father, and trying to sort out the paperwork that comes with that. Free weekends? Rare. Energy? Scarce. Hikes? Maybe once a month — if the stars align.
But that’s exactly why I launched 48 After 55. This project is for people like me — busy adults with real lives who still believe in adventure. If you love the outdoors but your schedule says otherwise — you’re my people.
The Mission
Scrolling through countless hiking blogs and outdoor-influencer feeds, I kept seeing people summiting mountains like it was a Tuesday morning stroll. Meanwhile, I’m juggling a demanding job, being the primary caregiver for my elderly father, and trying to sort out the paperwork that comes with that. Free weekends? Rare. Energy? Scarce. Hikes? Maybe once a month — if the stars align.
But that’s exactly why I launched 48 After 55. This project is for people like me — busy adults with real lives who still believe in adventure. If you love the outdoors but your schedule says otherwise — you’re my people.
My Outdoor Background
grew up near the ocean in Massachusetts — water always felt like home — but I skied all over New England. Winter has been my comfort zone. Outdoor gear? Familiar. Winter cold? Bring it on.
But hiking? Real hiking? Zero experience until now. Winter hiking? That was as foreign as yoga to a grizzly bear. I had some “hiking” moments: I climbed Mount Washington on a beautiful day in 2020 (zero training — brilliant choice), chaperoned a couple of school hikes to Mount Cardigan, and called that a résumé. That was it.
Then 2025 happened. I started trying. I hiked Mount Moosilauke (9/27/25) — should’ve trained more, but I got to the top and questioned all my life decisions hiking down. A month later, Mount Waumbek (10/25/25) — a little better training, a little better experience, but still humbled. The road ahead is long. The hills are steep. The sandwiches are essential.
A Fun Fact — My Ironman Story & Why It Matters
Back in 2011, I completed a full Ironman triathlon. A year before that, I couldn’t run a mile, couldn’t swim a lap, and looked more like a wounded porpoise than an athlete. But I did it. That taught me something important: big, scary goals don’t care how old you are. They care that you show up.
This NH 48 journey? That’s my next Ironman. Just colder. And way higher elevations. But with better views.
Who This Blog Is For
New hikers over 50 who want honest, beginner-friendly hiking tips
Busy adults trying to balance work, family, caregiving … and a desire to climb mountains
People curious about winter hiking in the White Mountains
Anyone who appreciates a good gear review from a non-expert (yes, that’s me)
Folks itching for inspiration to get active again — or to stay active as they age
What You’ll Find on This Site
Honest NH 48 Hike Reports — the good, the bad, the painfully slow
Real-World Gear Reviews & Tips for Midlife Hikers
Training & Conditioning Advice that Fits a Full Life
Stories, Laughs, and Occasional Trail-side Sandwich Regrets
Official Bio
Brett Jaffe is a New Hampshire-based outdoor blogger, midlife athlete, and IT executive. He created 48 After 55 to document his journey to hike all of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks (NH 48), while balancing a full career, family life, and caregiving responsibilities. He focuses on beginner-friendly hiking content, midlife fitness, and outdoor adventure for busy adults.
Join the Journey
If you’re looking for inspiration to get moving again, honest gear reviews, real hiking stories, or just a laugh at my expense — you’re in the right place. Let’s climb these peaks together, one slow, imperfect step at a time
About Me
Hi, I’m a 55-year-old beginner hiker who somehow decided it was a good idea to tackle all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4000-footers. I’m not an athlete, not a fitness guru, and definitely not one of those ultralight backpacking experts who counts every ounce in their pack.
I’m just a regular, stubborn, slightly out-of-shape human who wanted a goal big enough to scare me—yet fun enough to keep me moving.
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