Todays adventure to Cades Cove was spectacular, at least it would have been if it weren't for all the traffic.  For those of you who haven't ever or its been a long time driving in the mountains, most of the roads are two lanes.  And when the traffic is bad, the traffic is bad.  Three hours there, three hours to view the park and three hours home.  We spent more time driving this day then it took us to get up here.  Nevertheless, the scenery was spectacular.   We only saw three deer, four crow and one owl that flew over the sunroof.  Not many animals, but the number of tourist made up for it.   I figure that in the three hours it took us to drive the park about 500 cars were in front of us and behind us.  And it was a Tuesday.  But as we always say, it's the adventure that makes the fun.  At least try telling that to my white knuckled wife as I drive home down steep mountain roads with hair pin turns in the pitch black night.  At least I had my photography and it didn't help that I was wanting to stop and take pictures every 10 min.  Overall, its a beautiful place to visit and a beautiful drive to get there.  Just plan for unexpected delays.