It sounds like a touring bike would be a great addition to your stable

I own a 1991 Trek 520. It went across the country (fully loaded with me on it) in the summer of 1991. I think it's a great bike- I can't comment on the current componentry (I'm sure it's changed) but the bike I have has held up remarkably well over the years (it's needed the obvious things- tune ups, new tires, chain etc but is in great shape despite several years of near complete neglect).

I still ride this bike regularly (in fact I rode it this morning). Nowadays it's used more as a commuter and for riding on dirt roads (it's got a lot more speed and climbs so much better than my mountain mike, but it's still a lot more stable on the dirt than my road bike would be).

As far as fit goes- for me the touring bike is a little different from my road bike. A few years ago I had a road bike fitting done and discovered that most of the non-WSD bikes have top tubes that are too long for me. I changed the stem and seat-post on the Trek to shorten the reach and it's quite comfy now. Even though the distance between the seat and the handlebars is still farther than my road bike numbers, it still seems to work (I think the fact that the handlebars are not as low means that I can get away with the fact that they're a little further forward). So I don't really know much about how you're supposed to fit a touring bike- but for me handlebars a little higher and further forward than on my road bike seems to work. (I'm pretty sure Trek doesn't make the 520 in WSD sizes- if you have WSD type proportions you'll probably want to consider a different stem and seatpost to shorten the reach if you decide on this bike).

I know what you mean about getting an idea in your head and then not wanting to let it go- I probably drive people crazy when I get on a new idea.

Good luck!