we just went through the same ordeal with bikes.. had 1000 euros to play with, but we all know you americans get it cheaper....
i settled on the Cannondale Touring Classic... i think equivalent of T.-something or other.
My girl, at 5ft6 managed to get her hands on a Trek 520 in 17. She phoned America who had none in stock, Ireland same, and UK had one, she got it.. so might be hard for you to find.. im not sure.
I would advice against the Specialized Tricross after spending weeks looking at it with my girl, it is not designed correctly for Touring, depending on length of tours i suppose. A lot of people told us it was to sporty geometry. Also the actual build doesnt look like it would last as long as a dedicated tourer.
/ All advice from a newbie, who questioned lots of ppl on this who knew what they were talking about... look beyond the tricross.. see how other bikes compare in strength and shape, even know she looks hot..