Sounds a great idea Velo. I dug out an old frame at the weekend to build into a rough stuff type tourer with similar jaunts in mind. I'm going to build it out of parts from the junk box so nothing fancy, but i do want to keep it light-ish. I'm thinking fast rolling 1.5 cross type tyres on 26" wheels, extra rack mounts brazed onto the frame and forks, high rise stem and drop bars, brooks saddle etc.