There was a book which I read several years ago about some sailors or explorers who were abandoned down near the southern coast of the US and they made their way up the Appalachian Mountains to New England where they were finally rescued. . This took place early in American history. Probably 1500-1600. The trip took a couple of years if I remember correctly. I think that the book was actually a journal instead of a story. I cannot remember the name of the book. Ring a bell with anyone?