I like the idea of this image, but like you, I struggle with dealing with haze in post processing. As a result the image lacks the depth that I am sure you saw on site. Good job though!
Lovely peaceful look to the road by the river and I like how the sun illuminates the bench. If it weren't for your title, I would have missed the woman and her dog - LOL! 7
For me, the idea is great, the women and her dog are too far away though. If they were closer, then it would fit. The women and her dog opposite the bench would probably have worked really well, but that far away, with the glare, they are hard to see. Would have been better to have it without the women then where she it.