We're midway through the winter and if you're experiencing a bit of cabin fever, you might want to take advantage of one of the season's most exhilarating rides. On the back of a sled, you'll get where you're going thanks to a few faithful companions. WFMZ's Karin Mallett takes us to the Poconos in this One Tank Trip. 
  
Finding a way through the freshly fallen snow man's best friend at the helm. It's mushing in Alaska.. the celebrated Iditarod- a race that takes both man and dog across the expansive snow-laden land. But you don't have to travel 3,000 miles for the experience. >>Susan Gail Granato: I call it dog sledding 101 but for a child or even an adult who loves dogs and snow and winter, it's just a wonderful experience. >> nats: >> REPORTER: The Artic Paws Dog Sled Tours run out of the Pocono Manor in Monroe County.. >> Jim Granato: There's a lot of places around and a lot of people that own Siberian husky dogs that give rides but what they do you're just a passenger. >> REPORTER: Here.. You are the musher. >>Jim: And I'd say about 999 out of 1000 runs go perfectly. >> REPORTER: Owners Jim and Susan Granato have been running tours for 10 years.. they have 21 dogs.. but only up to 8 at a time get to go for a run. >> Jim: The dogs appreciate it, to them it's like being on American Idol- >> nats: >> Jim: They just yelp and yelp until you pick em.. pick me, pick me. >>REPORTER: If you're mushing for the first time, there's a quick demo... you'll learn the basics. Remember where the break is, good luck trying to steer.. and hold on. >> Jim: They run at a steady pace, that's what makes them good. >> Standup: With speeds up to 20 miles per hour.. it's a wild ride. It's a three mile course and it starts right here. >> Susan: They are so beautiful when they run. I tell people when their tails are up when they are happy and when they are running most of their tails are up and curved. That's a Siberian husky with a big fluffy tail. >> REPORTER: Mushing my way around the Poconos on a One Tank Trip with the Arctic Paws Dog Sled Tours, Karin Mallett, 69 News Berks Edition.

website: www.arcticpawsdogsledtours.com
One-way distance: 96 miles
One-way time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
original airdate: 2/9/2009

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