Restore a Jpeg, no sky back to being alive

[nazca13]

Good Afternoon,

I am very new, but love restoration. I have read Katrin and Ctein both's book, but I chose a photo from ageofuncertainty website to fix for practice, but after two days, I need help. I will attach what I finished. The normal procedures seem not apply, except channel mixer, dust and scratches, and a mask with clouds to blend in the blown out jpegged sky. Can a photo like this be restored with somewhat clarity or am I dreaming.

This is the before photo

[nazca13]

Here is what I tried.. to much dust and scratches, cloning what impossible due to jpeg artifacts??

[Cupcake]

Added some grain.
some burn & dodge.

[nazca13]

but may I ask clarity in this photo could not happen, unless I actually drew in parts artistically?? tks for grain and burn & dodge

[Cupcake]

I would say so.