The brothers spent their working lives on boats all around Russia and that wanderlust is what inspired them to set up their camp for the summer.

Their Robinson Crusoe adventure, however, has not made the brothers turn their backs on all the creature comforts of city living. The retired pair has just about all they could need on their 30-meter-wide island getaway.

Heading for some alfresco sleep is not a new thing for Muscovites. In the past, before the invention of air conditioning, many people would sleep in the courtyards of apartment buildings to try and get some respite from the occasionally oppressive heat.

Of course, not many would be willing to go to the same lengths as Boris and Anatoly, but with temperatures still around the 30’s more people will be looking for ways to stay cool this summer.

Meanwhile, after three weeks of roasting-heat in Moscow, eastern parts of the capital have finally seen several showers. City weathermen have even issued a storm warning.

Further, rain may help contain peat fires near Moscow being caused by the heat. These fires are blamed for creating smog in certain parts of the city.