We left 7:20 to make it to the first bridge by 08:00, the bridge tender never answered our VHF calls (starting at 7:45) but we saw him opening the shutters to his office at 7:58, promptly proceeding to open the bridge, just barley, so we can squeeze by.
Wardell's boat yard is right in front of the first low bridge, ready to help you get the mast down.
Good old corny Dennis, hate him or love him, he knows what he is doing.