Ahhhhhh, the first day of summer (most years). During these sunrise years, June 21 has marked on of the most significant dates on the calendar.

For most years, this marks the summer solstice, and after six months of waking up earlier and earlier to catch the sunrise, it’s a milestone that I’m half way through the year and can begin sleeping in a few extra seconds every day.

Technically, the earliest sunrise of the year occurs about a week earlier in the Upper Peninsula, at 5:55 a.m. in my home in Marquette. However, the significance of the solstice is a date that is celebrated across the world.

In 2019, June 21 was perhaps the biggest milestone of the year (other than completing the year). It took 1-2 months for my habit to form, but I would say it took six months to become a morning person. Once I reached June 21, it was easy sailing the rest of the year.

I will say, the challenge these sunrise years have presented, it’s quite a difference the six months of the year the sun is rising earlier each day, versus the six months of year the sun is rising later.