Key West Sunset

There is a tradition in the Conch Republic. You must watch the sun set. If you are in Key West, you probably will be somewhere on Duval Street late in the afternoon. You will notice that most of the people are wandering toward the west end of the street where it runs into Mallory Square. The square is down on the waterfront. You find a good vantage point facing west and sit back to watch the show. The sun sinks toward the sea, while "sunset cruises" drift about in the distance. Birds begin looking for a place to roost.

Then it happens. The sky gets a burst of color as the sun's orb drops toward the sea. As the last speck of the sun disappears, a cheer goes up. Some claim to have seen the green flash. But you don't leave, because the party goes on well into the night.