I like this a lot, Marion, including your selective use of the filter. I often do something similar to tame an unruly background and put a stamp on my subject, so to speak.
Thanks for explaining your processing approach, which saved me a bunch of confusion. It's a strange effect, but interesting. I like the elegant curve in the road that allows a straight ahead view of the sea (as it looks to me). It's a good composition that affords room for movement. Very pleasant color palette.