I've thought about it alright. I'm modifying my drive-train on my Trek 500 and the lowest gearing would be about a 36x28 (about 34 gear inches). I've never even carried big loads before so I don't even know if that would cut it. I'd only use that setup to start out with on weekend short trips just to see what's what.
If I wanted to do anything serious I'd have to get myself a real touring bike I imagine and wait until I retire. All of this is in the future anyway since I have time constraints so long as I need to be gainfully employed. I also need at least another summer riding season to get back into reasonable shape and can't afford all the gear I'd need just yet anyway.