Check out the Windsor Tourist over at Bikes Direct or the Nashbar Touring bike. They are both about the same bike with the Nashbar better equipped and on sale now. Fuji makes a similar bike. I think that they all use the same frame and fork. For about $600 it would seem to me a better choice for touring than your old bike.
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...12_-1___202339
FYI: I have the Windsor Tourist and use it on crushed limestone rails-to-trails.
Update: Looks like the Nashbar bike has a 30x28 granny gear and the Windsor comes with a 30x32 granny. If big hills while loaded are in your future, maybe the Windsor may be better.