My final render, using Cycles. Translating the techniques shown in BI to Cycles has been a very interesting and rewarding experience.
For example, I found out that billboard particles don't work with the alpha channel in Cycles. Also, I learned simple texture/normal map baking, which I did a lot of - making the procedural textures in BI, baking, and continuing in Cycles. Finally, I played around a lot in the compositor, much more than shown here.
So I present... An Island.
