11-13-10-Walter

I have a question as to the "stuff" we had left on previous expeditions to the moon...why is it we cannot see these pieces of equipment with a telescope? I heard once it is b/c it is on the dark side of the moon but why would we venture to an area we cannot see from Earth? Sorry if the question is stupid but it's been on my mind ever since I went to space camp and didn't ask the question while there. Thanks

Bob