I am looking for my 4th iteration of this answer. I walked for 4 decades, then tried my 4 wheeler, which was OK, but soaked me when it was sloppy, and was sketchy getting over cracks and breaks near shore. I got 2 '80's air cooled Yamaha snowmobiles, and finally an old Tundra 1 cylinder. The Tundra is great when there is snow, and even when not it is better than walking. It is slow, but compared to walking, it is a dream. I only take what I can put in the rack behind the seat, so I never get stuck, and we get more snow and therefore slush here in Idaho than you could ever see in Iowa. If I could find one, I would get a newer -06-09 Ski-Doo Tundra 300, which is basically the same machine I have with electric start and reverse, well under 400 pounds. Good luck finding someone willing to part with one.