I am not sure where near Gualala you were, but you done fine. Of course, I haven't developed my photos from my summer trip up there, but I can guarantee... they won't look like this.
Perhaps it's the aluminum, but this really transcends the 19th century look that work of this type often can't escape. It offers a very different, smoother, and richer look than my recollection of other collodion prints. Very well done!
I don't know if the "streaking" in the backgrond is an artifact of the pour or atmospherics, but it gives a great feel to the background. Really provides depth to the image. Also as others have pointed out, a marvelous compostion.
Wonderful modern use of the medium. No imitation historic here. Amazing range of tonalities and atmoshere. Even the imperfections of the medium are working along with the whole. Very Very nice image.