DES MOINES, Iowa_ Alex Adams wanted to get a hands-on experience of the Iowa caucuses.

More than 24 hours later and through three different cities, the Ohio native and Senior at Toledo University, got more than that as traveled nine hours cross country to experience the Iowa caucuses first hand.

“We’re both political junkies,” said Adams who made the trip with his friend Fred Cooper. “We just wanted to see what the caucuses were all about. We wanted to come out here and see the candidates up close-see what they had to say.”

The pair got pretty close. In Des Moines, they got photos with Bill and Hilary Clinton. In Grinnell they chatted with Mike Huckabee. In Waukee they met up with Mitt Romney and caught up with Fred Thompson at a rally in Des Moines.

“Anybody we’ve wanted to see, we’ve had access to,” Cooper said.

Most of that access came from an all expense paid trip by the Ohio College Republicans who funded gas and lodging for the pair who took turns driving during the nine hour trip.

“The only thing we really had to pay was our time,” he said. “And I didn’t have anything else going on.”

Time was often limited for the Ohio natives who arrived in Des Moines last Wednesday night. They kicked off their caucus experience early Thursday, awakening at 4 a.m. for a broadcast of the Today Show at the Drake Diner.

Both hoped to meet as many candidates as possible before the Ohio primaries, which take place on March 4th.

“By the time the candidates are in Ohio, it’s on platforms with thousands of different people,” Adams said.

They planned on putting the finishing touches on their night by visiting Republican candidate Alan Keyes at the Ramada Hotel in Des Moines. Instead, they left a short note for the candidate on his podium, who had yet to arrive.

“Alan, sorry we missed you, best of luck on your campaign,” signed Alex and Fred.

Despite missing out on an appearance by Keyes, both said they’ve enjoyed their experience in Iowa.

“It was a long drive,” Cooper said. “But it’s definitely been well worth it. This is a once in a lifetime experience.”