Baby Steps

The past few weeks have been particularly challenging, we've not been able to do any work or move the boat closer to home; however, that doesn't mean that nothing has been done.

Last week Atlantic Spar and Rigging came down and completed a rig inspection as was required by the insurance company to cover the rig and gave us a clean bill of health with the exception of a few minor items. They also tuned up the rig, I'm looking forward to the next sail.

Hartge Yacht Harbor also did some work on the anchor locker, reglassing the compartment and then painting both the anchor locker and sail locker.

Something different - manipulating IP address strings in Excel

This is not normally the sort of thing I post on this blog but a quick search didn't find anything quite like it and it may be useful to someone else.

The following are a series of excel formulas that break down an IP address and allow you to manipulate the octets within the formula. The other examples I found all use vba, etc. These formula, although not terribly elegant, should be reasonably easy to deal with.


In these examples the field D6 is the target IP address:

# The length of the IP string and the first octet delineator
=LEN(D6)
=FIND(".",D6)

#Octet 1
=LEFT(D6,FIND(".",D6)-1)

#Octets 2-4
=RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6)))

#Octet 2
=LEFT(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))),FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-1)

# Location of the second "."
=FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))

#Length of last three octets
=LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))

#Lenght of the last two octets
=LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))

#Octets 3-4
=RIGHT(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))),LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6)))))

#Location of the third "."
=FIND(".",RIGHT(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))),LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))))

#Octet 3
=LEFT(RIGHT(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))),LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))),FIND(".",RIGHT(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))),LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))))-1)

#Octet 4
=RIGHT(RIGHT(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))),LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))),(LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))),LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))))))

#Last Octet with incremented (by 1) host IP
=TEXT((VALUE(RIGHT(RIGHT(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))),LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))),(LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))),LEN(RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(D6,(LEN(D6)-FIND(".",D6)))))))))+1),"0")

#Reassembly of the new IP address, the number +2, near the end of the string is the amount the host address will be incremented by
=CONCATENATE(LEFT($D6,FIND(".",$D6)-1),".",LEFT(RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))),FIND(".",RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))))-1),".",LEFT(RIGHT(RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))),LEN(RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))))),FIND(".",RIGHT(RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))),LEN(RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))))))-1),".",TEXT((VALUE(RIGHT(RIGHT(RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))),LEN(RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))))),(LEN(RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT(RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))),LEN(RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6))))-FIND(".",RIGHT($D6,(LEN($D6)-FIND(".",$D6)))))))))+2),"0"))

Last weekend's route

Last weekend's route down the Chesapeake Bay. Went back and looked at some of the details of the route we took down the Chesapeake Bay, first into Baltimore and then down to Galesville, in total we moved the boat about 100 miles down the bay.

The next leg is planned to take us down to the Norfolk area.

Sea Scouts in Baltimore

Once we arrived in Baltimore we connected with the other members of Sea Scout Ship 510, which hails from Patriot's Point in Mount Pleasant, SC. Unfortunately it was a rainy weekend and although the forecast kept calling for better weather it was damp through the weekend. On the positive side, all the storms passed Thursday evening so all we had to contend with was light rain. We spent the first two days of our visit on the sea wall with no shore power.  The boys did a great job dressing the ship and the flags really made her stand out. About halfway through the exercise I had the boys double check their flag sequence to make sure we weren't signalling an unkind message.

On Saturday Dimi II participated in a parade of boats from the Baltimore Inner Harbor out to Fort McHenry, we were joined by several other Sea Scouts and leaders including the NE Region Vice Commodore for the short trip. The rain briefly left us as we passed the reviewing boat anchored off of Fort McHenry. Upon our return we were moved from the sea wall to one of the slips with access to both water and shore power! The dinner at the Rusty Scupper was filled with Scout fun including two cakes each with 100 candles - fortunately there was a fireman's convention in town for the weekend as well. 

Sunday morning the weather continued to be overcast but we were starting to dry out. One of the highlights of the weekend was the blessing of the fleet and we are ever thankful for the Lord's protection and provision. The high tide was at 9:36 and we left shortly after that. We saw several other SSS's as we motored South and enjoyed improving weather as we went. The light wind was on our nose so it was a day of motoring and watching traffic and depth as we traveled. On two occasions I tried to shortcut between bends the marked channel but each time the rapidly shallowing water chased me back near the channel.

We arrived in Galesville early in the afternoon, nearly an hour ahead of our planned arrival time. Unfortunately we are still working on our boat putting away routine and it took us nearly two hours to get on the road. The drive home was uneventful but long, on the way I had the opportunity to work on my post sail checklist, hopefully we can cut our put away time in half for our next voyage.

Sea Scout Centennial at Baltimore

On July 19th, we took our maiden voyage aboard Dimi II. That morning my brother Nick and I re-installed the starboard side fixed window. Things went very smoothly and the installation only took about a half hour. Cleaning up the residue where the neoprene gasket was trimmed away will take a little longer. At the time we didn't know it but the quality of our work would be well tested by the time we docked in Baltimore.

After loading gear aboard I along with Debbie and Pamed, the previous owner's daughters, brother Nick and son David motored out into Chesapeake Bay leaving the dock at North East for the last time. Just before we reached the channel markers we found the bottom, gently. After backing off we were able to work our way over to the channel, from then on we were able to avoid the bottom.

We motored nearly the whole way to Baltimore only to have the wind pick up as the Francis Scott Key Bridge came into view. Not to let good wind go to waste we cut the motor and enjoyed a perfect breeze of 15-20 knots. After we passed under the bridge ominous clouds and lightning began to bear down on us from the North and we began to shorten sail - but not fast enough. About that time we lost the bimini to the wind. Rolling up the head sail went smoothly but by the time we started to drop the main the rain had started, the wind was howling and the lightning flashing. We continued on through the squall, sometimes only able to see a boat length ahead from the rain. The Lord watched over us as we made our way blindly into the harbor.

The winds calmed as we motored past Fort McHenry and we were left with a heavy rain and a the waterway covered with a layer of trash washed from shore by the rain. The rain ended as we entered the Baltimore Inner Harbor. We approached the trident dock looking like drowned rats but grinning ear to ear at having come through the storm.

We were directed by the Scoutfleet dock master to tie up to the sea wall where we were met by a crew of helpful Sea Scouts and so the first leg of our trip came to an end.

A New Chapter

This month we're opening a new chapter in our Charleston Bound saga and the phrase "Charleston Bound" takes on new meaning. On July 2nd we closed on the purchase of a sailboat, two days before our 25th anniversary!

We've been boatless since we sold our faithful Catalina 27 - Mental Patience and moved from California. I'll be chronicling the process of putting our new boat in order and then bringing from its current home, North East, MD to Charleston, SC.

We're excited for our new adventure and looking forward to sharing our discoveries while we are Charleston  Bound!

The Legacy Continues

This evening we celebrated our youngest's 12th birthday - and continued a legacy. I passed on my Honda 50 Mini-Trail, after a few days in the shop it was running again and just in time. It still needs a little work, the muffler has seen better days and the lights don't work . . .yet; but we're on our way now.

Family Sailing

A few weeks ago we joined the College of Charleston Recreational Sailing Program and last Sunday was our first family sail outing since we moved from California. The weather was great - not too windy, a great day for a new sailor. Some friends came along and helped crewing. The tide was with us and we made it most of the way to Fort Sumter before heading back to the sailing center at Patriot's Point.

"Cougar" the J-22 we took out was a fun boat to sail - more lively (and less roomy) than the Catalina 27 we sold before we left California. Hope to get out again . . . soon.

The Girls are in Africa

Today Elizabeth and Alexis arrived in South Africa! The past few days have been quite hectic as they made their final preparations. This afternoon they text'd that they'd arrived safely.

They are part of a group from our church that is helping to plumbing in to a pastor's house and also are sharing the "True Love Waits" message at several schools. Our church has been partnering with churches in South Africa for a few years and we've developed a great relationship with them.

Please keep them in your prayers; that the message they share would bear fruit. If you are interested in supporting this outreach, please leave a comment.

An Excellent Day!

On Sunday, July 25th David was Baptized at the Beach on Kiawah Island. In the presence of family and friends he affirmed his commitment to follow Christ and shared this life verse: "For nothing is impossible with God" Luke 1:37.

We also took advantage of the waves and had a great time boogie boarding and followed it up with a BBQ in the picnic area. Both the company and food were excellent.

Defending the Faith

This past week our family took a road trip to the Answers in Genesis Defending the Faith conference in Sevierville, TN. We had a great time as a family studying the truth to be found in God's Word. One of the key take-aways for me was found in how far the establishment scientific community strays from true scientific method when it furthers their world-view. The deeper you look at research supporting theories like evolution and climate change, the more fabrication and deception you see. Another reminder was that the six days of creation is reiterated by God much later in the Bible than Genesis, in verses that God transcribed personally -Exodus 20. The 10 Commandments, particularly the fourth commandment.

A Great Week at Camp

We had a great time at Camp Raven's Knob. Over the course of the week I was able to earn my BSA Lifeguard certification - I am reminded why most lifeguards are in their late teens and early 20's. Working at the swimming area was a lot of fun, I was able to see many of the Troop members when they came for open swim and also was able to help several scouts earn their swimming merit badge.

There was a lot of walking, our camp site was the farthest out of any and we estimated our troop members were averaging 10 miles a day.

On the last night the troop cooked pizza in the dutch oven, we used the recipe that David and I worked out last March we found the cooking time was about half (8-10 minutes) in the dutch oven compared to using a camp stove.