wow, what a nice mustache )

Did you consider cloning out that moustache?

I reckon this is the one. Great PP.

Very nice PP job.

I like this one too,
Better PP can make a new photo

No worries mate - it's fully your call - your interpretation and I respect that. I do think this is improved for the conversion.

This is a real improvement. You have brought out more dynamic range and still kept the glow on the branches (without the warmth of the colour of course).
Good result.

We all have days like that. Just keep on keeping on, and you'll come out the other side fine. The light in this one is nice anyway.

OK but what about those wonderful branches, leaves and intervening dark shade. How about a hard crop, B&W conversion, and boost the contrast for an abstract? (I'll post an example on Flickr)

I reckon we all have days like that. The light must have looked tempting to the naked eye, but the contrasts are a bit much to be rendered well by a digital sensor.