when an eclipse path crosses near the poles, the moon's shadow can actually change directions - because at the poles, the earth's rotation is so much faster, fast enough to 'catch up' to the path of the moon's shadow, if the angles are right.
this is basically the same, geometrically, as why the planets display "retrograde motion" ((fancy way to say changing directions)). you can search for "retrograde motion" explanations, and if you understand them, you should also be able to understand how an eclipse path can change directions.
it's all abut viewing angle between things moving in orbits at different speeds, and in the case of an eclipse, the 'viewing angle' from the sun is probably the easiest way to wrap your head around what's going on.