Cyclocross bikes can be appropriate for tours, especially when you can find a cro-mo frame like the Volpe. Clearance for racks and panniers is almost always an issue, but you'll be fine with a BOB. You may find that the cyclocross posture is a little too agressive for day-after-day touring, but that's easily fixed with a riser or two.

I would stay away from the Jake the Snake, though. It's a much more aggressive ride than you'll want on a tour. Also, the carbon seatstays and fork are inappropriate for long-distance touring. There's a reason no touring bike is made with CF.

Actually, though, if you are planning on doing light off-road, you may find that a true touring bike like the Trek 520 or Fuji Touring would be a better choice. Because those bikes are built to take a heavier load, they are more suited to the shocks than even cyclocross bikes (though cross bikes tend to be a little lighter). If you were planning on jumping stumps, you'd get a mountain bike.

If you want to make this a multiple-use vehicle, dedicated touring bikes are the most versatile vehicle you can find. You should put fenders on either way, but who knows if you'll want racks at some point in the future, especially as a commuter? And you will never find a bicycle that is more comfortable to ride than a good tourer.